Henry VIII up to 1529 Flashcards

(75 cards)

1
Q

What’s some evidence of Henry’s desire to break away from the past?

A

Two days after his coronation, Henry arrested his father’s two most unpopular ministers, Richard Empson and Edmund Dudley. They were charged with high treason and were executed in 1510. Henry also announced that Catherine of Aragon was to become his wife, after Henry VII had refused to return her to Spain or marry her to Henry as he had promised.

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2
Q

What is some evidence that Henry did not seek an immediate break from the past?

A

He maintained many of his father’s policies and methods of government and retained some of his servants. For example, Henry VIII continued to rely on customs revenues and parliamentary taxation, though his extravagant spending led to the introduction of new taxes, such as the Amicable Grant (1525).

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3
Q

What evidence is there to show that the continuity from Henry VII to Henry VII was not long lasting?

A

Henry VIII renewed his father’s peace treaty of Etaples in 1510 before later launching his own wars in 1512–14. Moreover, later he used Parliament extensively, especially for religious reforms such as the acts of supremacy of 1534

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4
Q

What is the evidence of Henry’s desire for military glory?

A

He launched an expedition to France in 1512 with the aim of taking Aquitaine, an area in the south-west of France that England had ruled over in the Middle Ages (capture of Tournai). The Battle of the Spurs in 1513 was turned into a great propaganda victory, bolstered by the capture of some French nobles.

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5
Q

How did Henry VIII reflect the ideals of a Renaissance prince?

A

He built a personal monarchy centered on Court ceremony and Renaissance art and architecture. He supported scholars like Erasmus and employed humanists like Thomas More.

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6
Q

Who was commissioned by Wolsey for Renaissance-inspired works?

A

Benedetto da Rovezzano, for his tomb and Cardinal’s College altar.

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7
Q

What message did Henry VIII aim to send with his Renaissance court?

A

That he was a magnificent and virtuous ruler, admired both domestically and abroad.

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8
Q

What was Wolsey’s education?

A

Wolsey attended Ipswich School and Magdalen College School before studying theology at Magdalen College, Oxford. He gained a degree at 15.

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9
Q

How did Wolsey benefit from Henry VII’s measures to curb the power of the nobility?

A

The king was willing to favour those from more humble backgrounds. Henry VII appointed Wolsey royal chaplain.

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10
Q

What early role helped Thomas Wolsey begin his rise to power, and who supported him?

A

Wolsey served as secretary to Richard Foxe, who recognised his talent, diligence, and willingness to handle tedious tasks.

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11
Q

What diplomatic mission did Wolsey undertake in 1508?

A

He was sent to Scotland to discuss with King James IV rumours about the renewal of the Auld Alliance.

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12
Q

How did the accession of Henry VIII in 1509 impact Wolsey’s career?

A

It coincided with Wolsey’s rise, as Henry’s different policies and disinterest in administration created opportunities for Wolsey to gain influence.

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13
Q

What position did Henry VIII appoint Wolsey to in 1509, and why was it important?

A

Almoner; it gave Wolsey a seat on the Privy Council and greater access to the king.

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14
Q

How did Wolsey demonstrate political adaptability in regard to war with France?

A

Though originally antiwar, Wolsey aligned with Henry VIII’s enthusiasm for war and gave persuasive speeches in support of it. (French campaign of 1513)

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15
Q

How did Wolsey consolidate power against other courtiers?

A

He orchestrated the downfall of rivals like the Duke of Buckingham and prosecuted others such as William Compton and Anne Stafford.

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16
Q

What was Wolsey’s first major ecclesiastical appointment, and when did it happen?

A

Canon of Windsor in 1511.

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17
Q

What were Wolsey’s major church positions between 1514 and 1529?

A

1514: Bishop of Lincoln and Archbishop of York
1515: Cardinal (by Pope Leo X)
1518: Abbot of St Albans and Bishop of Bath
1523: Bishop of Durham
1529: Bishop of Winchester

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18
Q

How much income did Wolsey reportedly earn annually from his combined church positions?

A

Over £35,000 per year.

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19
Q

What was the significance of the 1514 Treaty of Saint-Germain-en-Laye for Henry VIII and Wolsey?

A

The treaty secured English control of Tournai and arranged the marriage of Henry’s sister Mary to King Louis XII of France, boosting England’s international prestige. It showcased Wolsey’s skill in diplomacy and made him indispensable to Henry VIII by delivering military success, foreign recognition, and a splendid court life.

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20
Q

What is an example of another councillor who failed to rise to power, unlike Wolsey?

A

Thomas Howard, Duke of Norfolk, also had opportunities but did not rise as rapidly.

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21
Q

What military successes did Henry VIII achieve in 1513?

A

The Battle of the Spurs secured Thérouanne and Tournai from France, and at the Battle of Flodden, English forces killed James IV of Scotland, securing the northern border.

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22
Q

Why were Henry VIII’s military gains in 1513 ultimately limited?

A

Tournai was strategically unimportant and sold back to France in 1518; England couldn’t afford to maintain territorial control, and the 1515 French victory at Marignano sidelined England in European affairs.

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23
Q

How did England become diplomatically isolated after early military campaigns?

A

Following Ferdinand’s death, France, Spain, and the Holy Roman Empire allied in 1515–16, leaving England excluded and forcing Henry to seek peace with France.

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24
Q

What was the Treaty of London (1518), and why was it significant?

A

A universal peace treaty orchestrated by Wolsey, where 20+ countries signed separate agreements with England, placing Henry at the diplomatic center of Europe.

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25
What was the Field of the Cloth of Gold ( June 1520)?
A lavish summit between Henry VIII and Francis I, designed to showcase England’s wealth and status and arranged to increase the bond of friendship between the two kings following the Anglo-French treaty of 1514. . Held at Balinghem.
26
Why did Henry’s international recognition diminish after 1520?
Charles V’s 1519 election as Holy Roman Emperor shifted European power; by 1521, England and France were at war again. Charles’s victory at Pavia (1525) sidelined England, as he refused to share the spoils.
27
How did England attempt to rebuild its international role after 1525?
England aligned with France via the Treaty of the More (1525) and joined the League of Cognac (1526) as a 'protector', later reinforcing the alliance with the Treaties of Westminster (1527) and Amiens (1527).
28
What does the Treaty of Cambrai (1529) reveal about England’s influence?
England was only invited at the last minute, showing that it remained marginal in decisive European diplomacy.
29
How did foreign policy support Henry’s divorce campaign in 1526–28?
Wolsey formed the League of Cognac (1526) and the Treaty of Amiens (1527) to pressure Charles V. In 1528, he arranged for Cardinal Campeggio to co-judge the annulment case.
30
Why did Henry VIII fail to secure a diplomatic divorce from Catherine of Aragon?
The Sack of Rome (1527) made Pope Clement VII a virtual prisoner of Charles V, Catherine’s nephew. In 1529, the Blackfriars Trial was adjourned by Campeggio, and the case was revoked to Rome, ending hopes of success.
31
Was Henry VIII’s foreign policy successful by 1529?
Partially—he gained short-term victories, some diplomatic prestige, and military recognition. However, he failed to maintain long-term gains, secure a divorce, or position England as a major power, leaving it isolated by 1529.
32
What was the aim of Wolsey’s legal reforms?
To promote greater justice and provide fair access to the judicial system, especially for the poor.
33
How did Wolsey reform the legal system to help the poor?
He reformed the Court of Chancery, set up a permanent judicial committee for poor litigants, and made justice more accessible than in common law courts.
34
How did Wolsey abuse the legal system for personal reasons?
He used legal intimidation against enemies (e.g., Sir Amyas Paulet) and targeted the nobility for breaches of law, possibly as revenge or to assert dominance.
35
Were Wolsey’s legal reforms sustained after his fall?
No—Wolsey failed to institutionalise reforms, so they did not continue after he left office.
36
What was the subsidy under Wolsey, and why was it significant?
It was a new realistic taxation system based on property/income, replacing fifteenths and tenths and raising more money for the Crown. This was the first time since 1334 that the crown was raising sums based on accurate assessments.
37
What did the 1515 Act of Resumption achieve?
It recovered some crown lands that had previously been given away, increasing royal income modestly.
38
What caused opposition to Wolsey’s 1523 subsidy demand?
He asked for four shillings in the pound to fund war; it caused uproar and ultimately only raised £300,000 instead of £800,000.
39
What was the Amicable Grant, and what was its outcome?
A non-parliamentary tax of 1525, it was essentially a forced loan, a levy of between one-sixth and one-tenth on the goods of the laity and on one-third of the goods of the clergy. Sparked widespread resistance—10,000 men protested in Lavenham.
40
What social problem did Wolsey try to address in 1517?
Enclosure—the conversion of arable land to pasture, displacing tenants and demolishing homes.
41
How effective were Wolsey’s actions against enclosure?
264 were sanctioned, 222 landowners were brought to court, but in 1523 he abandoned progress in return for parliamentary subsidy support.
42
How did Wolsey limit Parliament’s role in government?
Parliament was summoned only twice under Wolsey (1515 and 1523), showing his desire to bypass it and centralize power.
43
What were the Eltham Ordinances (1526)?
Aimed to improve the chaotic finances of privy chamber and bring about greater efficiency in the king's household, the number of Gentlemen of the Bedchamber was reduced from twelve to six. Bishop John Clerk, Dean Richard Sampson, Secretary William Knight and Chancellor Thomas More formed the inner permanent Council attendant to Henry, of which no less than two persons accompanied the King at all times.[9] Wolsey's opponents Sir William Compton, the Groom of the Stool, Sir Francis Bryan, Sir Nicholas Carew, and Thomas and George Boleyn, on the contrary, had to leave the court.
44
How did Wolsey assert control over the nobility?
He declared in 1516 that nobles were not above the law, imprisoned the Earl of Northumberland, and had Duke of Buckingham executed in 1521.
45
What religious reforms did Wolsey attempt?
He visited 60+ monasteries, planned new schools and Christ Church College (Oxford), and dissolved 20 monasteries to fund them.
46
How successful were Wolsey’s educational reforms?
Only one school (Ipswich) was founded by 1529; his college plans were incomplete at the time of his fall.
47
How did Wolsey’s personal religious behaviour contradict his reforms?
He was a pluralist and absentee cleric, fathered illegitimate children, and appointed non-resident Italians to bishoprics for personal gain.
48
Was Wolsey’s domestic policy successful?
Partially—he introduced important legal and financial reforms, but his self-interest, authoritarian style, and failure to institutionalize changes limited long-term impact.
49
How successful were Wolsey's financial reforms?
Although Wolsey raised over £322,000 in subsidies, £240,000 through clerical taxation and £260,000 in forced loans, it did not cover the £1.7 million that was spent between 1509 and 1520, mostly on war.
50
Why did Henry VIII have religious doubts about his marriage to Catherine?
He questioned whether the Pope had the authority to grant a dispensation for marrying his brother’s widow, especially if the marriage had been consummated.
51
What biblical justification did Henry use to support his religious doubts regarding his marriage to Catherine?
Leviticus stated, "If a man shall take his brother’s wife... they shall be without children," which Henry interpreted as divine punishment for his lack of a male heir
52
How did Henry interpret the Book of Leviticus in relation to his marriage?
He believed that his lack of a male heir (despite having a daughter, Mary) proved the marriage was cursed and invalid in God’s eyes.
53
Why did Henry VIII want a legitimate male heir?
To secure the Tudor dynasty and prevent succession disputes or challenges from Yorkist claimants after his death.
54
Why was Mary’s legitimacy problematic for Henry?
If his marriage to Catherine was invalid, Mary was illegitimate and therefore unsuitable to inherit the throne. Moreover, Catherine was struggling to have a baby: she had borne six pregnancies within nine years, five of them resulting in the death of her children.
55
What action did Henry take that showed his concerns about succession?
In 1525, he made his illegitimate son Henry Fitzroy the Duke of Richmond and gave him a role in government, suggesting he was considered as a potential heir. At the time of his death in July 1536, Parliament was considering the Second Succession Act, which could have allowed him to become king.
56
How did foreign politics highlight the issue of Mary’s legitimacy?
During 1528 marriage negotiations with France, Mary’s legitimacy was questioned, increasing Henry’s urgency to resolve the issue.
57
How did Anne Boleyn influence Henry’s desire for a divorce?
Henry fell deeply in love with Anne, who refused to become his mistress, increasing his motivation to annul his marriage and marry her.
58
What did Cardinal Campeggio say about Henry’s feelings for Anne?
He described Henry’s love as “something amazing,” noting that the king could not bear to be away from Anne even for an hour, claiming 'on it depends his life, and indeed the destruction or survival of this kingdom’.
59
What do Henry’s love letters to Anne reveal about his feelings?
They show Henry’s infatuation and desire to be with Anne physically and emotionally, referring to himself as her “loyal and most ensured servant.”
60
How did factions contribute to Wolsey’s fall from power?
Nobles resented Wolsey for being a 'new man' and seized their chance to act against him when they sensed Henry’s doubt.
61
What happened to Wolsey in 1529 under pressure from factions?
After failing to secure Henry VIII’s divorce, Wolsey was stripped of his political offices and retreated to York. Although Henry initially showed leniency—restoring him as Archbishop of York and allowing him to continue religious duties—the anti-Wolsey factions at court, especially those aligned with Anne Boleyn, pressed for his complete removal. In November 1530, Wolsey was arrested for treason under a charge of praemunire (serving the Pope over the King).
62
How did Anne Boleyn influence Henry’s view of Wolsey?
Anne despised Wolsey, and the Boleyn faction increasingly influenced Henry, turning him against his chancellor.
63
Why was Henry dependent on Wolsey before 1529?
Wolsey was a skilled administrator, especially in financial reform (e.g., the subsidy tax), and helped protect Henry’s image during the Amicable Grant backlash.
64
Why was Henry’s discontent considered the “necessary” cause of Wolsey’s fall?
Without Henry’s support, neither factions nor Wolsey’s failures alone could have caused his downfall.
65
What was the main area of corruption in the English Church by the 1520s?
Corruption was mostly seen at higher levels—bishops like Wolsey held multiple offices (pluralism), were often absent, and guilty of simony. However, rural clergy were generally respected and effective
66
Was local clergy corruption widespread in the 1520s?
No. Only 4 out of 260 priests were found ignorant in Warham’s visitation (1511–12). Most local clergy were respected, suggesting little need for reform at the parish level.
67
How did the laity’s engagement reflect on the need for reform?
Laity remained highly engaged—attending mass, supporting guilds (e.g. 57% left money to them in Devon and Cornwall), and funding church projects like Louth steeple. This shows strong support for the Church.
68
Was there popular support for Church doctrine in the 1520s?
Yes. Henry VIII’s Defence of the Seven Sacraments (1521) and Thomas More’s anti-Lutheran writings reflect elite support. The doctrine remained largely uncontested in England.
69
What was the impact of Lollardy and Lutheranism in England by the 1520s?
Minimal. Lollardy was a fringe movement found mainly in the Chiltern Hills. Lutheran ideas circulated in small scholar circles, but lacked broad support
70
Did monasteries show signs of decline?
Some decline in numbers and enthusiasm was seen, especially in monasteries and nunneries, but this was likely due to taxation and not a loss of faith.
71
What does John Colet’s (Dean of St Paul’s) 1512 convocation sermon suggest about the Church?
Colet urged the Council to consider the need for Reformation. He criticised the lifestyle of the priests, cites four evils, referencing the Apostle, that constitute the corrupt, priestly living: devilish pride, carnal concupiscence, worldly covetousness, and worldly occupations. He claims that many priests take part in the lust for the flesh: feasting and banqueting, vain conversation, sports, plays, hunting, and hawking. They are "drowned in the delights of this world" and "patronize those who cater for their pleasure". Priests have become more servants of men than servants of God.
72
Was the Church in England in serious need of reform by the 1520s?
Reform was needed at the top levels of the Church due to corruption and mismanagement, but the broader institution remained strong. Local parishes were functioning well. Lay support remained high. Doctrinal orthodoxy was defended by powerful figures like the King and Thomas More. The need for comprehensive reform was limited. The issues were managerial and moral at the elite level, not doctrinal or institutional across the country.
73
What was the Treaty of the Moore 1525?
Negotiated by Wolsey, England agreed to give up some territorial claims on France, in return a substantial pension from the French. France settled what was due to Mary, dowager queen of France. England also agreed to negotiate for the release of King Francis who was being held in Spain by Charles V. France agreed to stop the Franco- Scottish Duke of Albany from returning to Scotland.
74
What was the League of Cognac?
Anti-Spanish alliance, the Holy League of Cognac (May 1526), which united France with the papacy, Milan, Florence, and Venice. England joined last minute, after initially refusing as the demands to sign the treaty in England were denied.
75
What was the Treaty of Westminster?
In signing the Treaty of Westminster, King Henry VIII agreed to give up all claim to the French throne in return for an annual payment.