 starter activity

1. Read the poem loosely based on Thomas Wolsey on p.33. Remember, always think about the tone of a source first. Was he a supporter or opponent of Wolsey? Find examples to support your judgement. Read the biography of Skelton provided. Why might he be so critical of Wolsey?! Picture of Skelton starter activity

2. Key words: ruthless latitude Amicable Grant Crisis envoy How did Wolsey maintain power?  Learning objectives To identify and assess the reasons why Wolsey was able to maintain power

3.  Your task • Read p.33-36 and take notes on these three areas which explain why Wolsey was able to stay in power: • Political relationship with Henry VIII • Wealth • Ruthlessness • Explain how these aspects might also have threatened Wolsey’s grip on power

4. Political relationship Political partnership – H needed Wolsey whilst he went hunting & feasting K made final decisions John Guy article – ministers allowed latitude, but H8 made decisions Limited occasions when H8 & Wolsey disagreed between 1515 & 1529

5. Wolsey’s wealth Used his wealth to promote ‘quasi royal’ status (Starkey) Entertained foreign envoys lavishly Travelled on a mule Held multiple posts, e.g. Abp of York, Bp of Tournai, Abbot of St Albans Patron of arts & education – Hampton Court, Cardinal College, Oxford

6. Ruthlessness Polydore Vergil, Italian humanist Imprisoned enemies, e.g. Polydore Vergil (1515) Executed high profile opponents, e.g. Duke of Buckingham (1521) Sent troublemakers abroad, e.g. Richard Pace

7. The execution of Edward Stafford, Duke of Buckingham, 1521. What does this case study reveal about The power of Henry The character of Wolsey History’s perception of Wolsey? Picture of execution of Buckingham

8. Which picture best sums up the 4 historical views of Wolsey on p.38? Explain why. Can you come up with an alternative view or which do you prefer at this stage?

9. B) Wolsey the servant of the King A) Wolsey the strong man – key player D) Henry – pulled apart by factions at court, including by Wolsey C) Wolsey the equal partner Which picture best sums up the 4 historical views of Wolsey on p.38? Explain why. Can you come up with an alternative view or which do you prefer at this stage?

10.  Your task Who ruled England in the period 1519-29? Imagine you are either a lawyer for the defence or prosecution of Wolsey. Read through the views on p.38. Which ones would support your view? Read through your notes, hand outs and the sources on p.29-38 and gather evidence from contemporaries and historians to support either the orthodox (Wolsey in charge) or revisionist line (Henry remained in charge) Write a short speech setting out your case

11. Starter sentences Members of the jury, I would ask you to consider this … Firstly, I would suggest that Secondly, I would stress that Thirdly, I would refute the charge that … In summary, from the evidence provided it can be seen that …

12. Success criteria

13.  Extension task • Read the article about Wolsey in History Today, 1995. • Take notes on either side of the debate ‘that Wolsey ruled the King and the Kingdom’ • Where do you think John Guy stands on the issue?

14.  Homework • Prepare for a timed question next week – a Qa question based on Chapters 1-2 and the work so far on Wolsey

15. Key words: ruthless latitude Amicable Grant Crisis envoy How did Wolsey maintain power?  Learning objectives To identify and assess the reasons why Wolsey was able to maintain power