Throughout English history, one of the most infamous monarchs was Henry VIII, of the House of Tudor. His rule saw the transformation of England from a medieval realm to one of the greatest Renaissance kingdoms. But, in the early part of Henry's rule, his Majesty was still but a boy, and cared nothing for ruling his kingdom. This allowed one of Britain's greatest statesmen the opportunity to govern as ruler, with the sovereign's approval. This man was Thomas Wolsey. Born a butcher's son, he rose steadily through the ranks to become the unofficial ruler of England. His power would go unchallenged for years, until a biological mistake would cause Henry to search for a new wife; one who would almost single-handedly bring about the Cardinal's downfall. Despite years of dedicated service, Wolsey's inability to secure the divorce of Henry VIII and Katherine of Aragon would later cause his political demise during the reign of Anne Boleyn. .
Thomas Wolsey, despite his common background, was recognized from an early age as an intellectual thinker, with a brain for politics, and a mind full of ambition. Wolsey was educated at Magdalene College of Oxford, earning his B.A. in 1488, and his M.A. in 1497 (Williams 06). On March 10, 1498 he was ordained a Roman Catholic priest and was presented the Rectory of Limington in Somerset by the Marques of Dorset (Williams 07). He later served as Master and Dean of Divinity at Magdalene College School from 1500-1501. In 1501, Wolsey entered the household of Henry Dean, Archbishop of Canterbury, and served as Chaplain until the Archbishop's death in 1503 (Ferguson 59). After this, Wolsey became Chaplain to Sir Richard Nanfan, serving the Governor of Calais for four years (Ferguson 65). During that time, Wolsey was introduced to Henry VII, and upon the Governor's retirement, was appointed to his Majesty's household (Ferguson 66). .
Henry VII cared nothing for Wolsey.
