Privy Chamber

• Establishment of the Privy Chamber

  1. Occurred during the reign of Henry VII

  2. Role extended in the early years of Henry VIII's reign

  3. King's 'minions' (young courtiers who enjoyed Henry's personal favour) became Gentlemen of the Privy Chamber

  4. Transformed the status of the minions and the Privy Chamber
• In 1519 Wolsey secured the removal of the minions and replaced them with his own supporters
• Most of the minions managed to recover their positions
• The Privy Chamber retained some of its prestige and influence and was the one part of government which was outside Wolsey's immediate control