Wolsey’s young life and rise to power

• At the age of 12, Wolsey went to Oxford University where he studied Latin and Greek
• Wolsey became an apprentice butcher at the age of 8
• Wolsey was born into a poor family
• Father was a butcher and cattle dealer.
• He studied to become a priest
• He was intelligent. He got a degree by 15.
• In 1509 he became royal almoner. Which is a person appointed by the king to distribute charity to the poor. organizing charitable acts and donation. This is apart of the royal council.
• Wolsey enjoyed paperwork while Henry didn’t.
• He got his big break in 1512 when he organised an army to invade france.
• They never took france but he proved himself to Henry. That he was a good organiser and a good leader.
• Henry made him Lord Chancellor in 1515. The highest position in government that wasn't hereditary. It meant he had control over all legal matters, including parliament.
• In 1515 became Archbishop of York and a Cardinal which is the highest position in the church
• In 1518 he became the papal legate which is the pope’s representative.
• People started calling him Alter rex which means second king.
• Henry liked Wolsey because he did the work Henry did not want to do.