11 - Cardinal Wolsey by Mandell Creighton

This podcast dives deep into the life of Cardinal Thomas Wolsey (1473-1530), the Lord Chancellor who met his downfall when he couldnt secure King Henry VIIIs marriage annulment to Catherine of Aragon. Noted British historian, Mandell Creighton, paints Wolsey as a figure condemned by Tudor historians as the minion of the Pope, and the upholder of a foreign despotism. However, an abundance of documents unveiled in the 19th century related to Henry VIIIs reign allowed for a more accurate portrayal of Wolseys ambitious plans and his ingrained patriotism. Through his diligent diplomacy and strategic alliances, Creighton asserts that at a crucial juncture in European history, Wolsey instilled England with a sense of its own significance, and secured for it a prominent position in European affairs. Join us as we explore the multidimensional life and impact of Cardinal Wolsey.