Changes in Nobility in Government from 1513

• After 1513 however, the nobility were less influential in government.
• Henry elevated Thomas Wolsey as chief minister in both Church and State.
• Wolsey was seen as alter rex - exercising quasi-regal powers under the king.
• Wolsey worked very hard at the business of government. He operated rather like Henry VII but the scope of his authority was more limited.
• The nobility was often excluded from real power, holding honorary posts at Court but exercising limited power in government.
• Like his father, Henry VIII had other loyal servants, such as royal secretaries who carried out the bureaucratic tasks of government.
• Clerics, such as Wolsey, Warham and Tunstall continued to play an important part in government.
• Edward Stafford, Duke of Buckingham, the greatest landowner amongst the nobility was tried and executed for treason in 1520.
• The charges against Edward Stafford were flimsy and he was convicted by a new court of peers led by Norfolk. This episode reminded the nobility of Henry’s power.