Divorce and Fall of Wolsey Flashcards
Why did Henry want a divorce?
Lust - tired of marriage to an older woman, love letters to Anne indicate this was a strong factor
Religious conviction - Henry was very religious and God-fearing, Leviticus said that it is wrong to marry your brother’s widow
Pragmatism - Catherine had not had a son and Henry was concerned as a succession crisis (akin to the Anarchy and WotR), he needed a legitimate son
What was Wolsey’s initial plan for the divorce and why did this fall through?
His initial plan was to hold a secret court, but Henry wanted to go through the Pope (religious conviction)
What was Henry’s plan for the divorce and why was this doomed to fail?
Henry’s plan was to persuade Pope Clement VII that his predecessor should never have granted the dispensation
Given the context of the time (Reformation), the Pope would never agree to this challenge of papal infallibility
What plan did Wolsey develop (that may have worked)?
Clerical error argument - Wolsey suggested they focus on the wording of the dispensation which assumed KofA had consummated her previous marriage, which she denied. If they chose to believe Katherine, the dispensation was granted on the wrong grounds.
Henry wanted to follow his own plan.
Why would the Pope not grant the divorce?
Reformation - any challenge to the principle of papal infallibility was dangerous
Sack of Rome + Treaty of Barcelona meant Pope was under the control of Charles V… Katherine’s nephew
How was Katherine an issue in obtaining the divorce?
She was stubborn and refused to say that she had slept with Arthur, nor would she give in to pressure to enter a nunnery
What was Blackfriars and when was it?
Court to hear case for divorce in March 1529
What happened 28th July 1529?
Decision was expected but Campeggio announced that the court would be adjourned to Rome to meet in October
Henry was furious
Which courtiers conspired to bring down Wolsey?
Boleyn Faction (e.g. Norfolk, Thomas Boleyn) - argued that Wolsey had misused his legatine powers and been in breach of Praemunire
What happened at the 1529 Parliament?
Bill of Particulars brought against Wolsey for him to sign
What happened October 1529?
Wolsey dismissed as Lord Chancellor
When did Wolsey die?
November 1530 on his way to London possibly to be tried for treason
