Wolsey, Thomas

Wolsey, Thomas (1472/4–1530), cardinal. He held a number of benefices under Henry VII and under Henry VIII he rose rapidly. He became Abp. of York in 1514 and a cardinal in 1515. Three months later he was made Lord Chancellor, with almost royal authority. In foreign policy he skilfully held the balance of power between the Empire and France. In 1521, though he favoured friendship with France, he had to sign a secret treaty with the Emp. Charles V, who nevertheless failed to use his influence to get Wolsey elected Pope. At home he made enemies, especially by his ruthless methods of raising money for the French war. When in 1527 Henry began to take steps to obtain his divorce, Wolsey tried to further his wishes. His plan to induce the Pope to cede to himself authority to decide the case failed; Wolsey, unable to obtain the Papal dispensation necessary for the divorce, was blamed by Anne Boleyn and incurred the King's displeasure. In 1529 he pleaded guilty to a praemunire, resigned the Great Seal, and gave up his property to the King. He spent his last months in his diocese. In 1530 he was arrested on a charge of treason; he died on the way to London.