Who really ruled England’s foreign policy from 1514 to 1529— The King or the Cardinal?
Thomas Wolsey is probably most remembered as an overly-ambitious, greedy and deceitful alter rex who was only interested in self-promotion and wealth. This image has helped fuel the argument concerning who was in charge of England’s foreign policy during Wolsey’s time in the favour of the King: Henry VIII or Cardinal Wolsey. Was England’s foreign policy from 1514 to 1529 motivated by Wolsey's desire to become Pope, or was Wolsey merely an enforcer of the King’s policies? Considering the fact that Henry loved war and Wolsey wanted peace adds to the uncertainty of the answer; but would Wolsey really go against the King knowing how volatile and dangerous he could be? What is perhaps important to realise before answering this question is the character of the young Henry VIII and the situation surrounding him. A lot of the counsellors that Henry VIII had gained from his father’s reign held their own views of how Henry should rule. These opinions went against that of the “young and lusty” King; councillors such as Bishop Foxe and Archbishop Warham were still pursuing the same peace policy they had under Henry VII, objecting to war on the grounds of cost, risk and for moral reasons. Henry wanted fame and glory, the kind that could be gained only from war. Foxe had recognised Wolsey’s abilities and had hoped he could be the one to quell the King’s need for war; however, this would not be the case as the “anti-war” Wolsey would adapt his mind-set if it were to please the King. Warham and Foxe failed to share the King’s enthusiasm for the French war, so fell from favour and Wolsey took over as the King’s most trusted advisor and administrator. It is often thought that the young Henry VIII preferred to hunt, partake in sport, dance and throw banquets rather than deal with court matters. Wolsey took it upon himself to leave Henry in comfort and disburden him from court business; it can be...