How far do you agree that Wolsey appeared to be the dominant figure but really followed Henrys bidding

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How far do you agree that Wolsey appeared to be the dominant figure but really followed Henry’s bidding?

Throughout Wolsey’s employment under Henry VIII, Wolsey caused a lot of confrontation between Henry and other ministers. Wolsey was responsible for some crucial changes in Tudor life, for example the Tudor Subsidy was far more efficient financial system and Wolsey is responsible for it.  Many groups had mixed feelings towards Wolsey’s actions, but was Thomas Wolsey merely doing what Henry commanded him to or was Wolsey the more dominant one.

In legal circumstances, Wolsey made a lot of changes and “tried to bring greater justice”. He managed to put himself in charge of the countries legal system and heard over 120 cases. One of his most controversial actions was hs enclosure policy. In which Wolsey launched an investigation as to the fairness of the Enclosure of common land by nobles for profit. Wolsey brought nobles into court and in doing so suggested that he had dominance in Henry and Wolsey’s relationship, as Henry would want to keep the Nobles on his side. If this investigation was Henry’s bidding, it would contradict that; by proxy suggesting that Wolsey was the dominant figure in the relationship. It also seemed as if Wolsey was abusing his power in the legal system to further his own interest; for example rumors of Wolsey seeking revenge on Sir Amyas Paulet who had previously placed Wolsey in the stocks. Wolsey is rumored to have kept Sir Amyas under constant threat of confiscation of all his property for contempt of court if he left London with out his permission. It’s rumored that this went on for 5 years, which if true certainly shows Wolsey abusing his power and acting in the dominant role. Wolsey also promoted civil law over common law, but never made any real attempt to institutionalize it. However the courts were based on the kings person, so theoretically any changes made by wolsey should have been acting under the king, whether or not he did is debatable. Actions such as keeping Sir Amyas under threat for five years suggest otherwise.

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As lord chancellor Wolsey would be subservient to the king, he would help lead and direct any government policies. Although he helped the king a great deal the 1519 purge of the Privy Chamber could perhaps show that he was trying to become more dominant as he tried to eliminate political rivals. Eltham Ordinances would further this notion, it did make sense and would reduce cost/increase efficiency it also got rid of many rivals. This shows his sly side, the side that suggests he was smarter than the king and was trying to gain more power. But he Doesn’t ...

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