A very wise and good priest once told me that “ ambition among its priests is the ugliest thing in the Church.” After almost 48 years of priesthood, I would concur.
For that very reason, my uncle stayed a parish priest. He had a lot of influence in the diocese but wanted to be a servant to the community. Helped build schools, skate park for youth and low-income housing in his small town.
@@susangrimes6451 Yes, I tend to agree. There have always been a few priests that were good eggs, but the other kind far outnumbered them. And that’s why we shouldn’t trust any of them. Even the good ones cover up for the bad ones, or they stay silent to protect themselves. Ugh.
Since watching this great video, I keep thinking about “pride goeth before a fall”. I think Wolsey’s downfall was not only due to pride stemmimg from the power and wealth he amassed - the “look at me” sort of pride of his houses, clothes and jewelry. Or even the pride of ambition. I think so much of his downfall was due to the pride of believing THINGS WON’T CHANGE. It’s spending so many years wielding power that you begin to believe yourself exempt from the nature of things and you forget to adapt to the situation as it changes around you. In a sense he seems to have lost the very skill that brought him to power in the first place.
A note on Wolsey riding out decked in his Cardinal finery: this was an actual requirement in the Middle Ages. As part of the final act of wresting control of the Papacy from the Cardinalate, one of the Medieval Popes declared Cardinals to be Princes of the Church, and as such they were not to ride out unless dressed in their full splendor and accompanied by an enormous retinue. So, this was an instance of Wolsey putting on a luxurious show because he was actually supposed to, not simply because of his natural inclination.
Excellent presentation! It strikes me that Wolsey embodies a phenomenon that seems to be common to the Tudor monarchs, particularly under Henry VIII. Those of "low birth" were elevated to the highest positions in the kingdom, as opposed to those with those whose hereditary led them to expect to occupy those positions. I suspect that the Tudor rulers did this deliberately, given their dubious claim to the throne and the fact that many nobles may have believed they had a more legitimate claim. Instead the king's closest advisors were those who owed their position to the king himself, and thus owed their entire loyalty to him. It was a dangerous position to be in because if any of them lost the favor of the king, they had no protection. Both Wolsey and Cromwell rose to very great heights and had very great falls.
@@chrismurray2237 Those who do not understand their history and, it can be said, compare and contrast it to current events, are condemned in ignorance. While politics can be uncomfortable, so is life. We ignore politics both historical and current at our peril.
Cromwell was a Clark for Wolsey and he saw himself in Cromwell since they both came from low birth,etc. that being the case Wolsey promoted Cromwell. But once Wolsey fell from power apparently Cromwell took lessons from Wolsey by not helping him, to gain the position himself.
In my working life as an historian and heritage consultant I had the privilege to research the history of the Old Rectory at Limington, where Wolsey was the parish priest in the early 1500s.
His home town of Ipswich commemorates him with the Thomas Wolsey pub and a statue was erected a few years ago. It shows him seated, with a book and a cat.
Essentially a 'man cannot serve two masters'. Besides overreaching himself he made the fatal error of assuming Henry thought as much of him as he did himself! (I often wonder what his family made of his elevation and whether he kept in touch with them). Henry VIII cultivated this meritocracy, for his own ends which didn't work out for those like Wolsey, but which gave us the country we know today. Fascinating times, and great insight into it. Thank you.
Wolsey is the embodiment of pride before a fall. For a clever man who worked closely with Henry he should have been more sensitive to Henry’s fickle temperament and not had a more splendid palace than the king. Wolsey having risen so high I believe he thought himself invincible and actually superior to those born into aristocracy - he had got his position through hard work and intellect not the accident of birth - therefore an inherent problem of character. That bit of tapestry was really interesting and thank you for sharing it
Superb and what a fabulously interesting man he was . The Tudor court was one of the most interesting periods and the players cast a very long shadow that still to this day affects our lives. I often pass Wolsey’s gate here in Ipswich a now rather sad and forlorn relic to one man’s great rise and ultimate fall.
Well, God said “Pride comes before the fall”. If it was me, and I knew how Henry could be, I would do everything in my power to get demoted or put myself anywhere other than at Henry’s right hand.
@@Danielle-mg5lf but that was after he had taken tbe position at his right and refused advance his agenda of divorcing Katherine of Aragon. But had he not spoke against it and retired he might have kept his head. Woolsey, Moore and Cromwell were all yes men for Henry who pushed them too far and when they tried get a conscious, he killed them replacing them with a more obedient yes man.
I am not new! I love it to see your Videos. I am a Dutch woman, but I am living since 50 years in Germany. Since I was a child I was wild about history! You are explain everything very good and clear, so also we foreigners can understand! Thank you very much! Please don't stop!! England is full of interesting History! AL the best and greetings from Germany. Anne
Year 1500 seems to be when writing, printing, and culture have advanced to the point that we may find evidence of inner life of historical figures. But Woolsey wasn't of much interest to me before because he was the fixer, the enabler to Henry VIII. Now you've hooked me. He's a self made man, master manipulator and therefore did not have a network of support to prevent or soften his fall. I assume he would never have been allowed a quiet retirement. His conspicuous wealth invited the king's envy. He was the Catholic church and Henry was going to sack it for wealth and power when he figured out his church gambit. Great think piece.
You can really see how Cromwell studied Wolsey and used his strategies to gain power. Wolsey used the Church to gain political power, Cromwell used parliament, but they both made sure Henry VIII was always comfortable and happy. No task too menial, no detail too small to be beneath his notice. Cromwell even took the birds, part of Wolsey's crest, depicted in the tapestry you were discussing and it proves that Wolsey was far-reaching in his ambitions and it was easy for his enemies to point this out to the king. That piece of cloth in the tapestry is smoking gun. Actual Evidence that Wolsey's ambitions were out of control. Wolsey fell the same way Cromwell did, a moment's inattention on their own part combined with too many enemies ready to make alliances against them and, ultimately the brief displeasure of the king over their inability to make him happy in marriage. (Isn't there a Carry On movie where Cromwell dresses as a woman in a desperate attempt to please the king in this department?) A lot of people hate on Wolsey but he was an adept diplomat, helping to broker peace between France and England, a treaty which wasn't broken until after Cromwell's death, much to the King's ultimate regret. He also founded Christ Church College at Oxford. Not too shabby for a butcher's boy.
Adding to my already egregiously wordy comment to say that this morning I was reading an older History Today that I missed, and read about Wolsey creating The Field of the Cloth of Gold as the first Pan-european sporting event, like the World Cup or the Olympics, but with jousting. It was thought this would help nations get a long better and keep the peace. And I mean it kinda worked. So another interesting achievement for Wolsey. Your fave could never... etc.
@@cinemaocd1752 The video put me in mind of Beria,and the unlucky guy he replaced, there are some indications that he may have played a hand in Stalins exit,(unlike Hank who helped bring about his own unpleasant demise) some of Beria's words would point to him helping the event along, especially when one considers that Stalin was preparing to let Beria go,and the retirement benefits of that job were nothing to lust for, -having survived Uncle Joe, he lasted another year to be taken out by others of the inner circle, though likely there were very few who truly mourned him, (he was a right bit of work in his personal. and professional life)or uncle Joe, I agree a great dark comedy could come nicely from a melding of the stories.
Fascinating. Thank you. Would love to see a video regarding Wolsey's mistress, Joan Larke, and his two children. Is it true as stated in Wikipedia that Wolsey's former adversary, Anne Boleyn, financially supported Wolsey's son when he was penniless? His daughter became a nun? Did his children inherit his intelligence? Thank you once again for this insight into a man who gained such power during his lifetime in the slippery slope of life with Henry VIII.
Very interesting, and I LOVE the way you linked Wolsey's story with that beautiful bit of needlework. Your timing was perfect for me personally, btw; I was literally handstitching a linen shift while I listened to you tell the story, and my forgotten second cup of tea went cold. What a morning! You're the best. Thanks!
I’m wanting to learn how to sew better and a shift is on my list of things that I want to make. At the moment though, I’ve pulled out my spinning wheel and have a lovely pile of Shetland fleece to work with while I watch.
Wolsey is a very interesting man. Few people are able to grow the way he did in Tudor time and in our own times. Thank you for putting work into it, Doctor Kat. You're my favourite English historian in this platform (I don't even skip the adds so you can get at least a tiny bit for what you do so carefully.)
In America, if you encounter any Woolsey or in my case a Woolsey grandchild) they will almost always tell you they descend from Cardinal Wolsey. It may or may not be true. According to the foremost expert in the Woolseys in America, the Cardinal appears to an uncle instead of a direct line ancestor. Still, the Cardinal had a major impact on the family, there is a very high number of clergymen in the family since the first Woolsey arrived as a Puritan in Long Island, New York in 1643. Subsequent generations carried very religious names, two of my favorite ancestors were Zephaniah and his son Nehemiah. There are also a number of sons named Cardinal in the line.
Hi Dr. Kat! Good video as always. Wolsey is an interesting character. Yes, he was ambitious and rose very high, but in large part, he seems to have had the capabilities to back up his rise to power. Where Wolsey seems to have run off the rails was in his hubris to suppose himself superior in thought to the pope and in deed to the king. As to the tapestry fragment, there is something on it that I find interesting; it's the faded shadow of a small house to the right of the shield. It makes me wonder if Wolsey meant the tapestry to show not only how far he had risen but also where he came from. Thanks again for the video!
I hope that you'll dive into Thomas More. I've never heard what became of his family after his downfall and wondered if the Catholic church assisted them in anyway or stayed out of it.
Have you ever come across any information as to if Wolsey's mistress and children lived somewhere at Hampton Court when it was first built? Perhaps anything on what became of Wolsey's hidden mistress and children after his death? Thank you.
He seems similar in backgrounds to Thomas Cromwell, they were both from the wrong side of the tracks, which so many high born people resented. Both were almost insanely ambitious and hard working and got themselves noticed by the people who were most useful and able elevate them. Wolsey was a hypocrite of the worst kind but many who accused him were envious of his power which he hadn't inherited by birth and didn't deserve in their opinion. He himself had a chip on his shoulder for being low born and would humiliate anyone high born at every opportunity. He appeared vain, ostentatious, greedy and utterly negligent of his religious duties. Openly flouting his mistress, properties and wealth. His behaviour inevitably led to one conclusion, his downfall. As soon as the annulment for Henry from Catherine was unobtainable from the Pope Henry dropped him like a ton of hot bricks. No surprise there. I agree with the material giving us a glimpse of his personality, I believe that he was promoted so quickly and gained so much but always in the back of his mind knew that he was an "imposter" and believed in his heart of hearts that he had to grab all the power, money, relationships which could advance him, buildings etc to prove to himself, even more than to others, that he was "deserving" of his titles. Even though imho he is deserving of none of it as he abused the Church for his own ends and broke every promise of faith and service he had ever uttered. He came to believe that he was infallible and had Henry's unconditional love. For someone who was supposedly intelligent he behaved recklessly and stupidly at times. Im sure that there were many disappointed nobles when he died of dysentery on route to trial in London, they were robbed of seeing this greedy, grasping hypocrite get his comeuppance on Tower Hill at long last. I live in London too Dr Kat and often travel to Hampton Court and admit that I've never noticed the piece of material in question. Next visit I'll study it, so Thankyou for bringing it to our attention. Stay safe. Love to you and the family❤. PS. CONGRATULATIONS on reaching over 60,000 subscribers 🎉🎊🎆❤
I couldn't agree more. Wolsey was nothing more than a cancer on the Body of Christ (i.e., The Church). I'm quite sure that while many felt cheated not to witness firsthand Wolsey's deserved punishment, he did not get off "scott free" by any means, as his true and eternal punishment is yet to come.
I'd love to see you do some talks on the Stuarts. I've been trying to find some good videos on them, but none dive deep enough into their minds for me. I saw one, but it was told mostly through the Winns perspective rather than about the Stuarts themselves.
Hello Dr Kat! it would be fantastic if you could make a video closer to Christmas time, about the history of Christmas in the UK (throughout history). Love your channel!
I was hoping that you would do a video on Cardinal Wolsey, and as usual, you did not disappoint! He played such a key figure during the Tudor reign and his influence was so high that the only way to go was down. Thanks for another great video!
Dr. Kat, you are my favorite find of 2020! I am a new subscriber and am having the best time binge watching your videos. I am a forensic psychologist and criminal profiler by profession (and passion) and a passionate historian by nature and hobby, with British history being a particular love. I have learned something previously unknown in every one of your videos, even ones on topics I thought I knew well. I am just thrilled to have come across your channel. Thank you for sharing your knowledge, passion and perspective with all of us. We are the better for it!
Thanks for this Dr kat I am suffering from pollin too this is keeping my mind off of my anxiety from being so busy during this week working out side in the heat this is a true way of telling and teaching history to one's who wish to learn more about tutors lots of love from Columbus Ohio
During this video, I thought that in a way Wolsey and Anne Boleyn were very similar. They both had the absolute love and protection of Henry and could do whatever they wanted. Neither seems to have thought that they needed any other allies and that their enemies could not touch them. And of course, both of them fell quite quickly and spectaculair when that love and protection was withdrawn.
I discovered this channel just today, and it was due to the video on Anne of Cleves. However, looking in on this man and how he influenced Henry's conduct while also taking such advantage of the young king's naiveté is positively amazing. Not amazing in a positive manner, mind you, but the way in which he conducted himself is amazingly despicable. Spending so much money meant spending the money of the serfs since they were the ones taxed the most during this time period. He was quite obviously incredibly prideful, and I'm afraid I can't see him otherwise due to the evidence against him. He was not simply playing his role. He was acting out of greed and desire for power. Such a pity his influence also got into Henry. Henry, being so young and inexperienced to rule, must have also been influenced by Wolsey in the way HE would conduct himself. This channel is so lovely and informative, and quite possibly the closest I will ever get to taking courses on English history as a U.S. citizen.
Ah, the fork in the road... No I don't believe there was one for Wolsey. If he had said no to helping with the divorce, he would have lost the King's favor. He tried and failed, and therefore lost the King's favor. So it is a wash. Had he succeeded, the rewards would probably be beyond imagining even for Wolsey. It was not to be. Thank you for discussing this man.
What was the King’s reaction to the Cardinal’s sudden death? Was he remorseful at all? I know in movies and shows, Henry is saddened when he hears of the Cardinal’s passing but how much of it is true - they were kinda close, weren’t they? Thank you for this video❤️✌🏼🥰
Dr Kat. Could u do videos on: Elizabeth Bathory, Elizabeth Woodville, Jacquetta Rivers, Jane Shore. Also a longer video on Catherine Parr would be great. Do u think Catherine of Aragon consummated her marriage to Arthur? Was Jane Seymour a good quiet woman or ambitious schemer?
@@angelasmith5174 Yeah, The historical fiction series The White Queen is the only thing to shed light on their lives in recent memory. They were fascinating and strong women living in a man's world and dangerous times but held their own. They are just as interesting as Henry VIII's wives. A real historical take on their lives separating fact from fiction would be great, and who better to do so than Dr Kat!
Wolsey must have been a very successful bureaucrat able to navigate and invariably in taking the work from the king, he usurped his power and spoke with the young King's voice. This was insulting to those of higher birth and they celebrated his downfall. In some ways it seems a shame that a man who worked so hard for his king had such a pitiful downfall. He was guilty of vanity and excess, but didn't deserve the betrayal of the king to discard him so casually. I can feel empathy for him because his end was sad. There's a difference between having too many riches and showing it off and treason.
Happy to see you do this video. Used to live in Cawood, North Yorkshire which, of course, has the remnants of Cardinal Wolsey's "castle". In fact, in my current courtyard I have a few of the stones used in the original construction.
I think that anyone who was close to Henry VIII risked his or her life. The king’s moods seemed to turn on a dime. If a court member failed at something, the king was unforgiving and hateful. And I also think that Wolsey got too greedy and strove too high. Remember the old adage “ The taller they stand, the harder they fall.”
Loved the discussion of the materials...I love fabric and the history any surviving examples reflects...from wode to cloth of gold, and flax versus wool or cotton...thank you!
I think Wolsey's biggest mistake was making an enemy of Anne Boleyn. He thought she would just be another one of Henry's mistresses who Henry would eventually discard like all the others. That was a grave miscalculation. Anne wanted revenge on Wolsey for stopping her marriage to Henry Percy. According to Tracy Borman, Chief Curator of Historic Royal Palaces, Anne was almost entirely responsible for Wolsey's fall and would have had Cromwell executed if he hadn't gotten to her first. As Eustace Chapuys, the Spanish Ambassador said in Wolf Hall, "Anne is desperate and dangerous. Strike first before she strikes you," and that's exactly what Cromwell did. Cromwell loved Wolsey and wanted his revenge on Anne for that. Anne also wanted Thomas More's and Bishop Fisher's heads. She sure was quick to want all of these people dead and celebrated at KOA's death. Who does that? That's cruel. Wonderful video, as usual, Kat!!!
Fascinating subject. I think the Cardinal’s fatal flaw may have been an absence of emotional intelligence (Well, perhaps there were a few more). The tapestry is evidence that he took much for granted. Thank you Dr. Kat for keeping us learning and thinking!
There's a very interesting youtube video from the curator of the Frith collection on the painting of Wolsey of his portrait, well worth a watch and it's an extraordinary portrait too.
Kat, in all honesty I think it was because he failed the king in the divorce from Catherine of Aragon, he probably did have ideas above his station, but, to be honest, he did serve Henry as best he could, but he let him down, over this one issue, and that was unforgivable , his fate was sealed
I Love your approach to history it’s thoughtful and investigative it makes you think and question thank You so much I wish I could go back to school To get my PhD in history With you as my professor : ) I hope to visit London And see Hampton Court, Palace having your description will make it so much more meaningful knowing what it originally would’ve looked like and the Tapestry you described it is The perfect example of how historic items can reveal information
Pride and ambition a powerful combination. He played and after many years lost. I will have to go Hampton Court again next time I am in England. One cannot go too many times there. Loved the video. Thank you
Your analysis is really fascinating. I believe your evaluation of the piece of tapestry is accurate. Court painters and artists would often insert symbolic items in a portrait, that gives deeper understanding of the person and the situation of their time. Thanks so much!
Thank you delving into the Cardinal. He has intrigued me for a long time but finding information or materials on him from the states is hard. I found this very informative.
The tapestry is worth a look. I hope I can make it to Great Britain next summer. Cardinal Wolsey was a man of his time. He was driven by ambition because of the way he grew up. Cromwell was the same too. Forensic psychology fascinates me. I read biographies so I can extrapolate their psyche. I know I’m barely scratching the surface into their psychology.
The early Kings started elevating those of lower birth or second sons, usually clergy to administrative positions to consolidate power against the great barons and to establish a system of government. While Henry I was in Normandy, he left Roger the Bishop of Salisbury in charge as Chancellor and de facto Justiciar. We all know how Henry II raised up Thomas Becket, the son of a London merchant. William de Longchamp, Bishop of Ely was handling things while Richard I was galavanting about. It was a great strategy to surround themselves with men who were solely dependent upon their good graces than it was to hand more power to those who already had titles, lands and money. The tactic seemed to work to various degrees and usually ended when those who were raised forgot that they could be razed or as my Texan mother would say, “They went and got too big for their britches.” If and when I ever get a chance to visit England, I’m going to find that tapestry. Maybe you could make up a scavenger hunt of these type of hidden gems for your fans. Great video as always!
speaking of 'ingratiating' is it true that during the childhood of RICHARD II that the men in charge of his upbringing gave him ''loaded dice'' so he believed in his own divine destiny?
This was a very interesting upload, Dr. Kat, thank you. I agree with you on the significance of that small tapestry. Clearly, Wolsey hoped for and/or expected the ultimate promotion.
Henry treated him badly -Wolsey served Henry instead of his God. Henry passed over all his responsibilities of government to his Cardinal. Pride overtook Wolsey and he believed he was untouchable - wrong of course with Henry who only cared about himself above and beyond anything or anyone. Wolsey was carried away with his power from Henry but failed to remember how Henry’s love of himself was the only thing that mattered. I feel a twinge of sympathy for him as he didn’t realise Henry would cast him off when Wolsey couldn’t come up with what Henry wanted. Henry even then was a bit of a monster and the Cardinal must have known this.
Being a direct descendant of Thomas Woolsey by his son Thomas, it is interesting to hear what Cardinal Woolsey was really like historically. I have watched the show The Tudors and got a glimpse of him and he seemed to be portrayed as you have described. Thank you for sharing so much information.
Hi Dr. Kat. I love the notion that character is destiny. I seems to be the case for Wolsey and his king. I look for it our current circumstances and find little evidence that hubris and deceit still presage a fall from grace. However, perhaps it's only legible as history (reading the past😀)
Agreed. It was ridiculous. I cannot watch the various historic travesty/soap operas that can't get central facts correct. Ugh. In the 70s, BBC had several good history series. Not flawless, but pretty good and well written.
@@ayeshadequeiroz4857 So exciting to meet a sister on TH-cam! We both have Spanish last names too. Where does that part of your family come from? My father’s side comes from Puerto Rico originally from the Spain Portugal border area where there is still the ruins of our family castillo.
@Roxanne Pearls , my father was Brazilian, his ancestors are native Tupi, African and Portuguese. I can’t research those branches, so I follow my mothers European branches.
Prideful ambition were a sign of this man’s souls’ disease, which was resentful inferiority. His thin skin also attests to someone who felt he had much to prove to the world and people around him, and he hated both of these realities. He went about trying to prove to everyone of his importance, when he would never be able to prove himself worthy to his worst possible enemy…HIMSELF.
Any time someone talks about historical buildings or makes a film involving them, my go to thought is "the building should be bright enough to hurt your eyes". It seems to be a detail we miss about history: they loved color, even sometimes when it may hurt their status to go too overboard they'll give in. Much like us in modern times.
Your description of Wolsey's character seems correct. I can see someone like him ordering that tapestry, fully expecting that would be his future. He 'counted his chickens before they hatched'. Always a mistake.
Thank you for the video I found it fascinating, especially all the details you provide. I have always found Wolsey to be very interesting. Wonderful video thank you. Dr. Kat, can you do an in-depth video of Mary Queen of Scots? Specifically on her personality, motives and who she was as a person? Than you!❤️
Hi Dr. Kat. Once again, you've outdone yourself. Beyond any shadow of a doubt, Wolsey actually thought he would hold both Sees (Canterbury and York) simultaneously. Talk about the epitome of hubris and hypocrisy from someone who takes vows to be a humble servant of Jesus Christ.
I think Wolsey made a remark or a series of remarks that landed poorly, and I think his certainty of entitlement eventually raised an eyebrow with Henry. Once there is some doubt, every little thing builds wrath.
A fascinating discourse and presentation, as always Dr. Kat. However, I settled my curiosity on these two great historical characters long ago, by embracing the ridiculous and salacious rumor, that made me laugh the most: 'Henry VIII got syphilis by letting Cardinal Wolsey whisper in his ear'...lol
Another stitcher here, so I found this video extremely interesting and it's left me with a couple of questions; 1) Is there an heraldic meaning to the tassels on either side of the shield, or are they merely decorative (have a rather esoteric reason for wondering) and 2) is it possible that Wolsey could in some way have hastened his death? Or was his dysentery brought on by sheer terror of what lay ahead of him? On the one hand it could be argued that as suicide was a sin, a man of the Church would have been most unlikely to take that way out....however, was Wolsey less of a man of faith and more a career churchman, in which case the fear of a brutal execution could have won out over his religious scruples? One thing I am left thinking is that he was not the best judge of character...
galero (plural: galeri; from Latin: galerum) is a broad-brimmed hat with tasselated strings which was worn by clergy in the Catholic Church. Over the centuries, the red galero was restricted to use by individual cardinals while such other colors as green and violet were reserved to clergy of other ranks and styles. - Wikipedia They went out of use in 1969, replaced by a red cap. The hat with tassels is often seen on the arms of Christ Church, Oxford, founded by Wolsey as Cardinal College.
I suspect that given the very poor sanitation of this time period dysentery from food poisoning or contaminated water would not be rare. In addition to bacteria and amoebic contamination in food and water many if not most people were also afflicted with intestinal parasites-a condition which can lead to a compromised immune system . In excavations of cesspits of the period the remains of parasites can still be seen. Which would not be my favorite field of archeology
Great video thank you. What people use wear and live in or decorated themselves and homes must give us some idea of their character. Hope you are all well kisses to your gorgeous baby xx
Unfortunately, being from the US I was not familiar with Cardinal Wolesley. Then I started watching "The Spanish Princess " on our cable. He seemed a very petty, jealous person. I feel he interfered too often with the marriage of Henry VIII and Catherine. Didn't approve of him so sort of ignored him. Confess my interest is mostly tied to the families of the UK I descend from. I descend from many...but also from many other countries. You could say that I am the World. Lol. I always watch your video with interest and learn so much more. Thank you.
Loved this, Mistress Kat. More please on sartorial matters - didn't Elizabeth box one of her ladies ears for trying to upstage her in the fashion stakes?
I grew up with a story about Cardinal Wolsey: that he was once so scared by a huge spider that he jumped up out of the way and gathered up his robes. The spider was named after him as the Cardinal Spider and was our largest land spider at the time. I wonder if this is true?
Hey, Dr. Kat, I cannot believe this: My comment is below, from one year ago!!!!!!!!!!! Wow. My husband and I just watched the STARZ video series of "The Spanish Princess." BRILLIANT series. And, Wolsey was nicknamed the "Alter Rex." The series ended, unfortunatley. I am back to see what happened to Wolsey. love ya, m. xoxo
Wolsey suffered from the fatal flaw of hubris. He was intelligent, and well educated and in some ways very politically astute, but he wasn't shy about showing how he felt about nobles that didn't match him. He also believed that the church could protect him if the King turned on him. He underestimated Henry's determination to have Anne, and what the king was willing to do, failing the Pope's granting him an annulment. In light of these things, I don't think anything could have saved him. Being a more deferential courtier, might have gained him a year or two, but ultimately, the Pope would still have said "No." and unless Wolsey was willing to jump the Papish ship, he was going down...to Ipswitch town...
I expect his ambition would have seen Canterbury to be his next milestone, followed by the Papacy. If he couldn't make it to Rome than he would go down as the second most important person in England. Chief Minister to the King, both in the spiritual and secular realm. His plans for his tomb continued the display of power, wealth and influence. Circumstances went beyond his control. Failing to get Henry the annulment he wanted left him vulnerable to those seeking to advance their own influence. Eventually it all became Henry's, including Hampton Court and Whitehall. Even already commissioned parts of Wolsey's tomb became part of Henry's unfinished plans for his own.
A very wise and good priest once told me that “ ambition among its priests is the ugliest thing in the Church.” After almost 48 years of priesthood, I would concur.
For that very reason, my uncle stayed a parish priest. He had a lot of influence in the diocese but wanted to be a servant to the community. Helped build schools, skate park for youth and low-income housing in his small town.
Priests have always been the worst predators.....
@@susangrimes6451 Yes, I tend to agree. There have always been a few priests that were good eggs, but the other kind far outnumbered them. And that’s why we shouldn’t trust any of them. Even the good ones cover up for the bad ones, or they stay silent to protect themselves. Ugh.
Since watching this great video, I keep thinking about “pride goeth before a fall”. I think Wolsey’s downfall was not only due to pride stemmimg from the power and wealth he amassed - the “look at me” sort of pride of his houses, clothes and jewelry. Or even the pride of ambition. I think so much of his downfall was due to the pride of believing THINGS WON’T CHANGE. It’s spending so many years wielding power that you begin to believe yourself exempt from the nature of things and you forget to adapt to the situation as it changes around you. In a sense he seems to have lost the very skill that brought him to power in the first place.
I agree and think you summed it up perfectly. Especially your last sentence!!
Perfectly said. Thank you.
A note on Wolsey riding out decked in his Cardinal finery: this was an actual requirement in the Middle Ages. As part of the final act of wresting control of the Papacy from the Cardinalate, one of the Medieval Popes declared Cardinals to be Princes of the Church, and as such they were not to ride out unless dressed in their full splendor and accompanied by an enormous retinue. So, this was an instance of Wolsey putting on a luxurious show because he was actually supposed to, not simply because of his natural inclination.
Excellent presentation! It strikes me that Wolsey embodies a phenomenon that seems to be common to the Tudor monarchs, particularly under Henry VIII. Those of "low birth" were elevated to the highest positions in the kingdom, as opposed to those with those whose hereditary led them to expect to occupy those positions. I suspect that the Tudor rulers did this deliberately, given their dubious claim to the throne and the fact that many nobles may have believed they had a more legitimate claim. Instead the king's closest advisors were those who owed their position to the king himself, and thus owed their entire loyalty to him. It was a dangerous position to be in because if any of them lost the favor of the king, they had no protection. Both Wolsey and Cromwell rose to very great heights and had very great falls.
This sounds like the policy taken by my own wannabe King, Donald J. Trump; sycophants before experience.
@@portialancaster3442 Agreed, except that Henry was far more intelligent than IQ45, and a better judge of ability (as was his daughter Elizabeth).
@@2012Ursula More intelligent than 45 is setting a really low bar
Please skip the current politics on this page. It provides nothing to the story. We come here for the history, not current events. Thank you.
@@chrismurray2237 Those who do not understand their history and, it can be said, compare and contrast it to current events, are condemned in ignorance. While politics can be uncomfortable, so is life. We ignore politics both historical and current at our peril.
I would be interested in an analysis of his relationship with Cromwell.
Cromwell was a Clark for Wolsey and he saw himself in Cromwell since they both came from low birth,etc. that being the case Wolsey promoted Cromwell. But once Wolsey fell from power apparently Cromwell took lessons from Wolsey by not helping him, to gain the position himself.
Hilary Mantel's Wolf Hall novels about Cromwell go into great details about their relationship.
Also, with Sir Thomas Moore.
Me, too, I bought Cavendish’ book, but it’s a facsimile and hard going, nor does it focus on Crum🙂
In my working life as an historian and heritage consultant I had the privilege to research the history of the Old Rectory at Limington, where Wolsey was the parish priest in the early 1500s.
When i refer to my English History Professor. My friends all know I mean Dr. Kat.
His home town of Ipswich commemorates him with the Thomas Wolsey pub and a statue was erected a few years ago. It shows him seated, with a book and a cat.
A cat? Lol interesting instruct to the mam indeed
Love that, a book and a cat! Sounds ideal to me.🙂
Essentially a 'man cannot serve two masters'. Besides overreaching himself he made the fatal error of assuming Henry thought as much of him as he did himself! (I often wonder what his family made of his elevation and whether he kept in touch with them). Henry VIII cultivated this meritocracy, for his own ends which didn't work out for those like Wolsey, but which gave us the country we know today. Fascinating times, and great insight into it. Thank you.
Wolsey is the embodiment of pride before a fall. For a clever man who worked closely with Henry he should have been more sensitive to Henry’s fickle temperament and not had a more splendid palace than the king. Wolsey having risen so high I believe he thought himself invincible and actually superior to those born into aristocracy - he had got his position through hard work and intellect not the accident of birth - therefore an inherent problem of character.
That bit of tapestry was really interesting and thank you for sharing it
Yes you are definitely should have been more careful not to huddle more beautiful home than the king. That is easily his biggest failure
I bet it just burned his biscuits to give up that palace he had fixed expressly for himself.
I find Cardinal Wolsey is such an interesting character, a clever, manipulative and powerful man.
Very intelligent
Superb and what a fabulously interesting man he was . The Tudor court was one of the most interesting periods and the players cast a very long shadow that still to this day affects our lives. I often pass Wolsey’s gate here in Ipswich a now rather sad and forlorn relic to one man’s great rise and ultimate fall.
Well, God said “Pride comes before the fall”. If it was me, and I knew how Henry could be, I would do everything in my power to get demoted or put myself anywhere other than at Henry’s right hand.
That didn’t save Sir Thomas Moore, he withdrew from public office and the king still killed him.
@@Danielle-mg5lf but that was after he had taken tbe position at his right and refused advance his agenda of divorcing Katherine of Aragon. But had he not spoke against it and retired he might have kept his head.
Woolsey, Moore and Cromwell were all yes men for Henry who pushed them too far and when they tried get a conscious, he killed them replacing them with a more obedient yes man.
I am not new! I love it to see your Videos. I am a Dutch woman, but I am living since 50 years in Germany. Since I was a child I was wild about history! You are explain everything very good and clear, so also we foreigners can understand! Thank you very much! Please don't stop!!
England is full of interesting History!
AL the best and greetings from Germany. Anne
Year 1500 seems to be when writing, printing, and culture have advanced to the point that we may find evidence of inner life of historical figures. But Woolsey wasn't of much interest to me before because he was the fixer, the enabler to Henry VIII. Now you've hooked me.
He's a self made man, master manipulator and therefore did not have a network of support to prevent or soften his fall. I assume he would never have been allowed a quiet retirement. His conspicuous wealth invited the king's envy. He was the Catholic church and Henry was going to sack it for wealth and power when he figured out his church gambit. Great think piece.
I believe the whole "sack the churches" was Cromwell 's baby. Part of his scheme to get Henry annulled.
After a week of binging on Time Team, this is the perfect historical finale ♡
Both Wolsey and Cromwell are fascinating, such talented men.
And completely amoral.
You can really see how Cromwell studied Wolsey and used his strategies to gain power. Wolsey used the Church to gain political power, Cromwell used parliament, but they both made sure Henry VIII was always comfortable and happy. No task too menial, no detail too small to be beneath his notice. Cromwell even took the birds, part of Wolsey's crest, depicted in the tapestry you were discussing and it proves that Wolsey was far-reaching in his ambitions and it was easy for his enemies to point this out to the king. That piece of cloth in the tapestry is smoking gun. Actual Evidence that Wolsey's ambitions were out of control. Wolsey fell the same way Cromwell did, a moment's inattention on their own part combined with too many enemies ready to make alliances against them and, ultimately the brief displeasure of the king over their inability to make him happy in marriage. (Isn't there a Carry On movie where Cromwell dresses as a woman in a desperate attempt to please the king in this department?)
A lot of people hate on Wolsey but he was an adept diplomat, helping to broker peace between France and England, a treaty which wasn't broken until after Cromwell's death, much to the King's ultimate regret. He also founded Christ Church College at Oxford. Not too shabby for a butcher's boy.
Lol Carry On Henry.
Adding to my already egregiously wordy comment to say that this morning I was reading an older History Today that I missed, and read about Wolsey creating The Field of the Cloth of Gold as the first Pan-european sporting event, like the World Cup or the Olympics, but with jousting. It was thought this would help nations get a long better and keep the peace. And I mean it kinda worked. So another interesting achievement for Wolsey. Your fave could never... etc.
@@cinemaocd1752 One could wonder it Stalin used Ol' Hank * as a role model,expanding on the greed,and treachery a bit.
@@crankyyankee7290: You are making me imagine a Death of Stalin type black comedy centered on Henry's court...that would be AMAZING actually.
@@cinemaocd1752 The video put me in mind of Beria,and the unlucky guy he replaced, there are some indications that he may have played a hand in Stalins exit,(unlike Hank who helped bring about his own unpleasant demise) some of Beria's words would point to him helping the event along, especially when one considers that Stalin was preparing to let Beria go,and the retirement benefits of that job were nothing to lust for, -having survived Uncle Joe, he lasted another year to be taken out by others of the inner circle, though likely there were very few who truly mourned him, (he was a right bit of work in his personal. and professional life)or uncle Joe, I agree a great dark comedy could come nicely from a melding of the stories.
Fascinating. Thank you. Would love to see a video regarding Wolsey's mistress, Joan Larke, and his two children. Is it true as stated in Wikipedia that Wolsey's former adversary, Anne Boleyn, financially supported Wolsey's son when he was penniless? His daughter became a nun? Did his children inherit his intelligence? Thank you once again for this insight into a man who gained such power during his lifetime in the slippery slope of life with Henry VIII.
Interesting questions. Too often we forget the innocent lives affected by these "movers and shakers".
Very interesting, and I LOVE the way you linked Wolsey's story with that beautiful bit of needlework. Your timing was perfect for me personally, btw; I was literally handstitching a linen shift while I listened to you tell the story, and my forgotten second cup of tea went cold. What a morning! You're the best. Thanks!
What a interesting life you lead; sounds like a video talk in it's own right!
I’m wanting to learn how to sew better and a shift is on my list of things that I want to make. At the moment though, I’ve pulled out my spinning wheel and have a lovely pile of Shetland fleece to work with while I watch.
@@suzannebudlong8376 Sounds wonderful, and must be calming! well done you.
@@beverlyfletcher4458 it’s very soothing..... until I make a mistake and the yarn snaps...
Wolsey is a very interesting man. Few people are able to grow the way he did in Tudor time and in our own times.
Thank you for putting work into it, Doctor Kat. You're my favourite English historian in this platform (I don't even skip the adds so you can get at least a tiny bit for what you do so carefully.)
Thanks Dr Kat, love how you don't just recite facts but really examine and interpret them to open up history and bring it alive
In America, if you encounter any Woolsey or in my case a Woolsey grandchild) they will almost always tell you they descend from Cardinal Wolsey. It may or may not be true. According to the foremost expert in the Woolseys in America, the Cardinal appears to an uncle instead of a direct line ancestor. Still, the Cardinal had a major impact on the family, there is a very high number of clergymen in the family since the first Woolsey arrived as a Puritan in Long Island, New York in 1643. Subsequent generations carried very religious names, two of my favorite ancestors were Zephaniah and his son Nehemiah. There are also a number of sons named Cardinal in the line.
Hi Dr. Kat! Good video as always. Wolsey is an interesting character. Yes, he was ambitious and rose very high, but in large part, he seems to have had the capabilities to back up his rise to power. Where Wolsey seems to have run off the rails was in his hubris to suppose himself superior in thought to the pope and in deed to the king. As to the tapestry fragment, there is something on it that I find interesting; it's the faded shadow of a small house to the right of the shield. It makes me wonder if Wolsey meant the tapestry to show not only how far he had risen but also where he came from. Thanks again for the video!
I saw the same hut/house and wondered the exact same thing. Glad someone else did.
Boy does this sound correct!
Friday evening I get my education increased . Very grateful for this xxx
I hope that you'll dive into Thomas More. I've never heard what became of his family after his downfall and wondered if the Catholic church assisted them in anyway or stayed out of it.
Have you ever come across any information as to if Wolsey's mistress and children lived somewhere at Hampton Court when it was first built? Perhaps anything on what became of Wolsey's hidden mistress and children after his death? Thank you.
He seems similar in backgrounds to Thomas Cromwell, they were both from the wrong side of the tracks, which so many high born people resented. Both were almost insanely ambitious and hard working and got themselves noticed by the people who were most useful and able elevate them.
Wolsey was a hypocrite of the worst kind but many who accused him were envious of his power which he hadn't inherited by birth and didn't deserve in their opinion.
He himself had a chip on his shoulder for being low born and would humiliate anyone high born at every opportunity. He appeared vain, ostentatious, greedy and utterly negligent of his religious duties. Openly flouting his mistress, properties and wealth.
His behaviour inevitably led to one conclusion, his downfall. As soon as the annulment for Henry from Catherine was unobtainable from the Pope Henry dropped him like a ton of hot bricks. No surprise there.
I agree with the material giving us a glimpse of his personality, I believe that he was promoted so quickly and gained so much but always in the back of his mind knew that he was an "imposter" and believed in his heart of hearts that he had to grab all the power, money, relationships which could advance him, buildings etc to prove to himself, even more than to others, that he was "deserving" of his titles. Even though imho he is deserving of none of it as he abused the Church for his own ends and broke every promise of faith and service he had ever uttered. He came to believe that he was infallible and had Henry's unconditional love. For someone who was supposedly intelligent he behaved recklessly and stupidly at times.
Im sure that there were many disappointed nobles when he died of dysentery on route to trial in London, they were robbed of seeing this greedy, grasping hypocrite get his comeuppance on Tower Hill at long last.
I live in London too Dr Kat and often travel to Hampton Court and admit that I've never noticed the piece of material in question. Next visit I'll study it, so Thankyou for bringing it to our attention. Stay safe. Love to you and the family❤.
PS. CONGRATULATIONS on reaching over 60,000 subscribers 🎉🎊🎆❤
I couldn't agree more. Wolsey was nothing more than a cancer on the Body of Christ (i.e., The Church). I'm quite sure that while many felt cheated not to witness firsthand Wolsey's deserved punishment, he did not get off "scott free" by any means, as his true and eternal punishment is yet to come.
I'd love to see you do some talks on the Stuarts. I've been trying to find some good videos on them, but none dive deep enough into their minds for me. I saw one, but it was told mostly through the Winns perspective rather than about the Stuarts themselves.
I'm normally a silent viewer but I adore your videos and appreciate you sharing your high level of knowledge!
Hello Dr Kat! it would be fantastic if you could make a video closer to Christmas time, about the history of Christmas in the UK (throughout history). Love your channel!
And pantomime!
I was hoping that you would do a video on Cardinal Wolsey, and as usual, you did not disappoint! He played such a key figure during the Tudor reign and his influence was so high that the only way to go was down. Thanks for another great video!
Dr. Kat, you are my favorite find of 2020! I am a new subscriber and am having the best time binge watching your videos. I am a forensic psychologist and criminal profiler by profession (and passion) and a passionate historian by nature and hobby, with British history being a particular love. I have learned something previously unknown in every one of your videos, even ones on topics I thought I knew well. I am just thrilled to have come across your channel. Thank you for sharing your knowledge, passion and perspective with all of us. We are the better for it!
Well done you! How do you get a job like that?
@@nobodysbaby5048 Spend a lot of time in school, lol. I am an independent profiler, I own my own business. Absolutely love it!
Thanks for telling this story, especially about the Duke of Buckingham"s finger bowl
Thanks for this Dr kat I am suffering from pollin too this is keeping my mind off of my anxiety from being so busy during this week working out side in the heat this is a true way of telling and teaching history to one's who wish to learn more about tutors lots of love from Columbus Ohio
During this video, I thought that in a way Wolsey and Anne Boleyn were very similar. They both had the absolute love and protection of Henry and could do whatever they wanted. Neither seems to have thought that they needed any other allies and that their enemies could not touch them. And of course, both of them fell quite quickly and spectaculair when that love and protection was withdrawn.
This is an excellent observation. I love how many other commenters claim that wolsey was the master manipulator, lol.
Thank you Dr. Kat. It was wonderful learning all this new information about Cardinal Wolsey.
I discovered this channel just today, and it was due to the video on Anne of Cleves. However, looking in on this man and how he influenced Henry's conduct while also taking such advantage of the young king's naiveté is positively amazing. Not amazing in a positive manner, mind you, but the way in which he conducted himself is amazingly despicable. Spending so much money meant spending the money of the serfs since they were the ones taxed the most during this time period. He was quite obviously incredibly prideful, and I'm afraid I can't see him otherwise due to the evidence against him. He was not simply playing his role. He was acting out of greed and desire for power. Such a pity his influence also got into Henry. Henry, being so young and inexperienced to rule, must have also been influenced by Wolsey in the way HE would conduct himself. This channel is so lovely and informative, and quite possibly the closest I will ever get to taking courses on English history as a U.S. citizen.
This is wonderful! I wrote my university application essay on Cardinal Wolsey. I definitely need to go back to Hampton Court and find that tapestry:)
Yeeaah...its Friday...time for Dr. Kat!!
Grab a cup of coffee & settle in.
Starbucks needs to come up with a drink for this.
Very interesting! Yes, it seems that occasionally an object provides a window into some historical person's mind.
❤❤❤ so glad I’m able to watch all of your older videos. Extant items, not just buildings, bring history alive to me.
Ah, the fork in the road... No I don't believe there was one for Wolsey. If he had said no to helping with the divorce, he would have lost the King's favor. He tried and failed, and therefore lost the King's favor. So it is a wash. Had he succeeded, the rewards would probably be beyond imagining even for Wolsey. It was not to be. Thank you for discussing this man.
What was the King’s reaction to the Cardinal’s sudden death? Was he remorseful at all? I know in movies and shows, Henry is saddened when he hears of the Cardinal’s passing but how much of it is true - they were kinda close, weren’t they? Thank you for this video❤️✌🏼🥰
Dr Kat. Could u do videos on: Elizabeth Bathory, Elizabeth Woodville, Jacquetta Rivers, Jane Shore. Also a longer video on Catherine Parr would be great. Do u think Catherine of Aragon consummated her marriage to Arthur? Was Jane Seymour a good quiet woman or ambitious schemer?
I agree with you on videos about jane shore and Elizabeth woodville and her mother would be fascinating.
@@angelasmith5174 Yeah, The historical fiction series The White Queen is the only thing to shed light on their lives in recent memory. They were fascinating and strong women living in a man's world and dangerous times but held their own. They are just as interesting as Henry VIII's wives. A real historical take on their lives separating fact from fiction would be great, and who better to do so than Dr Kat!
Wolsey must have been a very successful bureaucrat able to navigate and invariably in taking the work from the king, he usurped his power and spoke with the young King's voice. This was insulting to those of higher birth and they celebrated his downfall. In some ways it seems a shame that a man who worked so hard for his king had such a pitiful downfall. He was guilty of vanity and excess, but didn't deserve the betrayal of the king to discard him so casually. I can feel empathy for him because his end was sad. There's a difference between having too many riches and showing it off and treason.
Happy to see you do this video. Used to live in Cawood, North Yorkshire which, of course, has the remnants of Cardinal Wolsey's "castle". In fact, in my current courtyard I have a few of the stones used in the original construction.
I think that anyone who was close to Henry VIII risked his or her life. The king’s moods seemed to turn on a dime. If a court member failed at something, the king was unforgiving and hateful. And I also think that Wolsey got too greedy and strove too high. Remember the old adage “ The taller they stand, the harder they fall.”
I never been this early 😂
I'm so excited for this 😍
Thanks for making this quarantine easier with such good content ❤
Loved the discussion of the materials...I love fabric and the history any surviving examples reflects...from wode to cloth of gold, and flax versus wool or cotton...thank you!
I am new to your channel, but this is excellent historical theory and presentation.
I think Wolsey's biggest mistake was making an enemy of Anne Boleyn. He thought she would just be another one of Henry's mistresses who Henry would eventually discard like all the others. That was a grave miscalculation. Anne wanted revenge on Wolsey for stopping her marriage to Henry Percy. According to Tracy Borman, Chief Curator of Historic Royal Palaces, Anne was almost entirely responsible for Wolsey's fall and would have had Cromwell executed if he hadn't gotten to her first. As Eustace Chapuys, the Spanish Ambassador said in Wolf Hall, "Anne is desperate and dangerous. Strike first before she strikes you," and that's exactly what Cromwell did. Cromwell loved Wolsey and wanted his revenge on Anne for that. Anne also wanted Thomas More's and Bishop Fisher's heads. She sure was quick to want all of these people dead and celebrated at KOA's death. Who does that? That's cruel. Wonderful video, as usual, Kat!!!
Fascinating subject. I think the Cardinal’s fatal flaw may have been an absence of emotional intelligence (Well, perhaps there were a few more). The tapestry is evidence that he took much for granted. Thank you Dr. Kat for keeping us learning and thinking!
There's a very interesting youtube video from the curator of the Frith collection on the painting of Wolsey of his portrait, well worth a watch and it's an extraordinary portrait too.
Nice one, Doc. Love your presentations.
Another brilliant video I enjoy all your videos and Claire Ridgway who does the Anne Boleyn files
Kat, in all honesty I think it was because he failed the king in the divorce from Catherine of Aragon, he probably did have ideas above his station, but, to be honest, he did serve Henry as best he could, but he let him down, over this one issue, and that was unforgivable , his fate was sealed
I Love your approach to history it’s thoughtful and investigative it makes you think and question thank You so much I wish I could go back to school To get my PhD in history With you as my professor : ) I hope to visit London And see Hampton Court, Palace having your description will make it so much more meaningful knowing what it originally would’ve looked like and the Tapestry you described it is The perfect example of how historic items can reveal information
Totally agree about the tapestry. Can’t wait to come to the UK again to explore some more Tudor sites!!
Pride and ambition a powerful combination. He played and after many years lost. I will have to go Hampton Court again next time I am in England. One cannot go too many times there. Loved the video. Thank you
Your analysis is really fascinating. I believe your evaluation of the piece of tapestry is accurate. Court painters and artists would often insert symbolic items in a portrait, that gives deeper understanding of the person and the situation of their time. Thanks so much!
Thank you delving into the Cardinal. He has intrigued me for a long time but finding information or materials on him from the states is hard. I found this very informative.
The tapestry is worth a look. I hope I can make it to Great Britain next summer. Cardinal Wolsey was a man of his time. He was driven by ambition because of the way he grew up. Cromwell was the same too. Forensic psychology fascinates me. I read biographies so I can extrapolate their psyche. I know I’m barely scratching the surface into their psychology.
The early Kings started elevating those of lower birth or second sons, usually clergy to administrative positions to consolidate power against the great barons and to establish a system of government. While Henry I was in Normandy, he left Roger the Bishop of Salisbury in charge as Chancellor and de facto Justiciar. We all know how Henry II raised up Thomas Becket, the son of a London merchant. William de Longchamp, Bishop of Ely was handling things while Richard I was galavanting about. It was a great strategy to surround themselves with men who were solely dependent upon their good graces than it was to hand more power to those who already had titles, lands and money. The tactic seemed to work to various degrees and usually ended when those who were raised forgot that they could be razed or as my Texan mother would say, “They went and got too big for their britches.”
If and when I ever get a chance to visit England, I’m going to find that tapestry. Maybe you could make up a scavenger hunt of these type of hidden gems for your fans. Great video as always!
speaking of 'ingratiating' is it true that during the childhood of RICHARD II that the men in charge of his upbringing gave him ''loaded dice'' so he believed in his own divine destiny?
This was a very interesting upload, Dr. Kat, thank you. I agree with you on the significance of that small tapestry. Clearly, Wolsey hoped for and/or expected the ultimate promotion.
Henry treated him badly -Wolsey served Henry instead of his God. Henry passed over all his responsibilities of government to his Cardinal.
Pride overtook Wolsey and he believed he was untouchable - wrong of course with Henry who only cared about himself above and beyond
anything or anyone. Wolsey was carried away with his power from Henry but failed to remember how Henry’s love of himself was the only
thing that mattered. I feel a twinge of sympathy for him as he didn’t realise Henry would cast him off when Wolsey couldn’t come up
with what Henry wanted. Henry even then was a bit of a monster and the Cardinal must have known this.
Being a direct descendant of Thomas Woolsey by his son Thomas, it is interesting to hear what Cardinal Woolsey was really like historically. I have watched the show The Tudors and got a glimpse of him and he seemed to be portrayed as you have described. Thank you for sharing so much information.
If you’re a direct descendant, why can’t you spell Wolsey correctly?
@@Roz-y2d typo
Hi Dr. Kat. I love the notion that character is destiny. I seems to be the case for Wolsey and his king. I look for it our current circumstances and find little evidence that hubris and deceit still presage a fall from grace. However, perhaps it's only legible as history (reading the past😀)
How did you feel about how the Tudor's show portrayed Wolsey's death by making it suicide? I felt it was a disservice to Wolsey and made 0 sense.
Agreed. It was ridiculous. I cannot watch the various historic travesty/soap operas that can't get central facts correct. Ugh. In the 70s, BBC had several good history series. Not flawless, but pretty good and well written.
This is another fascinating assessment. Thank you for your videos. They are very informative.
Great video! I didn’t know much about Wosley before this and I appreciated all of the facets and nuance you brought in. You’re a great storyteller!
Great video as always Dr. Kat!
Wow! I never knew that Wolsey had children. I wonder what happened to his descendants.
Hi. I am one of his descendants
@@ayeshadequeiroz4857 Me too! My relation comes through the Wing branch of my maternal family which settled in Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1643
I was shocked myself. @roxanne we are related!
this is through my grandfathers line, the Whitten branch, or “the fancy branch” as I call it.
@@ayeshadequeiroz4857 So exciting to meet a sister on TH-cam! We both have Spanish last names too. Where does that part of your family come from? My father’s side comes from Puerto Rico originally from the Spain Portugal border area where there is still the ruins of our family castillo.
@Roxanne Pearls , my father was Brazilian, his ancestors are native Tupi, African and Portuguese.
I can’t research those branches, so I follow my mothers European branches.
Prideful ambition were a sign of this man’s souls’ disease, which was resentful inferiority. His thin skin also attests to someone who felt he had much to prove to the world and people around him, and he hated both of these realities. He went about trying to prove to everyone of his importance, when he would never be able to prove himself worthy to his worst possible enemy…HIMSELF.
I love your channel, I don't know why it took me so long to find it.
This part of our History is fascinating great presentation.
Any time someone talks about historical buildings or makes a film involving them, my go to thought is "the building should be bright enough to hurt your eyes". It seems to be a detail we miss about history: they loved color, even sometimes when it may hurt their status to go too overboard they'll give in. Much like us in modern times.
Thanks Kat!
Hello! Always looking forward to your videos 🙂
Fascinating. I was in Hampton court years ago, but didn’t think of looking at this. My history knowledge wasn’t that good as well, too bad.
I am always excited when a new video arrives on a weekend evening for me.
Your description of Wolsey's character seems correct. I can see someone like him ordering that tapestry, fully expecting that would be his future. He 'counted his chickens before they hatched'. Always a mistake.
Thank you for the video I found it fascinating, especially all the details you provide. I have always found Wolsey to be very interesting. Wonderful video thank you. Dr. Kat, can you do an in-depth video of Mary Queen of Scots? Specifically on her personality, motives and who she was as a person? Than you!❤️
Hi Dr. Kat. Once again, you've outdone yourself. Beyond any shadow of a doubt, Wolsey actually thought he would hold both Sees (Canterbury and York) simultaneously. Talk about the epitome of hubris and hypocrisy from someone who takes vows to be a humble servant of Jesus Christ.
That tapestry portion has to be the Hermès handbag of his day. Just gorgeous, but costly in many more ways. Thanks, Dr. Kat!
I think Wolsey made a remark or a series of remarks that landed poorly, and I think his certainty of entitlement eventually raised an eyebrow with Henry.
Once there is some doubt, every little thing builds wrath.
Hurray, a new video
A fascinating discourse and presentation, as always Dr. Kat. However, I settled my curiosity on these two great historical characters long ago, by embracing the ridiculous and salacious rumor, that made me laugh the most: 'Henry VIII got syphilis by letting Cardinal Wolsey whisper in his ear'...lol
Another stitcher here, so I found this video extremely interesting and it's left me with a couple of questions; 1) Is there an heraldic meaning to the tassels on either side of the shield, or are they merely decorative (have a rather esoteric reason for wondering) and 2) is it possible that Wolsey could in some way have hastened his death? Or was his dysentery brought on by sheer terror of what lay ahead of him? On the one hand it could be argued that as suicide was a sin, a man of the Church would have been most unlikely to take that way out....however, was Wolsey less of a man of faith and more a career churchman, in which case the fear of a brutal execution could have won out over his religious scruples? One thing I am left thinking is that he was not the best judge of character...
galero (plural: galeri; from Latin: galerum) is a broad-brimmed hat with tasselated strings which was worn by clergy in the Catholic Church. Over the centuries, the red galero was restricted to use by individual cardinals while such other colors as green and violet were reserved to clergy of other ranks and styles. - Wikipedia
They went out of use in 1969, replaced by a red cap.
The hat with tassels is often seen on the arms of Christ Church, Oxford, founded by Wolsey as Cardinal College.
I've often wondered if the sudden death of Woolsey was his way of avoiding a humiliating trial and public execution. Makes sense to me.
I suspect that given the very poor sanitation of this time period dysentery from food poisoning or contaminated water would not be rare. In addition to bacteria and amoebic contamination in food and water many if not most people were also afflicted with intestinal parasites-a condition which can lead to a compromised immune system . In excavations of cesspits of the period the remains of parasites can still be seen.
Which would not be my favorite field of archeology
@@ameryek.9607 Thank you! How very interesting!
Great video thank you. What people use wear and live in or decorated themselves and homes must give us some idea of their character. Hope you are all well kisses to your gorgeous baby xx
I truly enjoyed this information
Unfortunately, being from the US I was not familiar with Cardinal Wolesley. Then I started watching "The Spanish Princess " on our cable. He seemed a very petty, jealous person. I feel he interfered too often with the marriage of Henry VIII and Catherine. Didn't approve of him so sort of ignored him. Confess my interest is mostly tied to the families of the UK I descend from. I descend from many...but also from many other countries. You could say that I am the World. Lol. I always watch your video with interest and learn so much more. Thank you.
Loved this, Mistress Kat. More please on sartorial matters - didn't Elizabeth box one of her ladies ears for trying to upstage her in the fashion stakes?
I grew up with a story about Cardinal Wolsey: that he was once so scared by a huge spider that he jumped up out of the way and gathered up his robes. The spider was named after him as the Cardinal Spider and was our largest land spider at the time. I wonder if this is true?
Hey, Dr. Kat, I cannot believe this: My comment is below, from one year ago!!!!!!!!!!! Wow. My husband and I just watched the STARZ video series of "The Spanish Princess." BRILLIANT series. And, Wolsey was nicknamed the "Alter Rex." The series ended, unfortunatley. I am back to see what happened to Wolsey. love ya, m. xoxo
Wolsey suffered from the fatal flaw of hubris. He was intelligent, and well educated and in some ways very politically astute, but he wasn't shy about showing how he felt about nobles that didn't match him. He also believed that the church could protect him if the King turned on him. He underestimated Henry's determination to have Anne, and what the king was willing to do, failing the Pope's granting him an annulment. In light of these things, I don't think anything could have saved him. Being a more deferential courtier, might have gained him a year or two, but ultimately, the Pope would still have said "No." and unless Wolsey was willing to jump the Papish ship, he was going down...to Ipswitch town...
I could listen to you read the phone book ( do they still have those 😅)
I love history. Thanks for posting these shorts
I expect his ambition would have seen Canterbury to be his next milestone, followed by the Papacy. If he couldn't make it to Rome than he would go down as the second most important person in England. Chief Minister to the King, both in the spiritual and secular realm. His plans for his tomb continued the display of power, wealth and influence. Circumstances went beyond his control. Failing to get Henry the annulment he wanted left him vulnerable to those seeking to advance their own influence. Eventually it all became Henry's, including Hampton Court and Whitehall. Even already commissioned parts of Wolsey's tomb became part of Henry's unfinished plans for his own.
Very interesting, thank you! ❤