Born in the 1470s to an Ipswich tradesman, Thomas Wolsey rose from humble beginnings to become the most powerful and influential prelate and statesman at the court of Henry VIII. How did Wolsey gain such a position at court and what intrigues and struggles in England and Europe led to his spectacular downfall and arrest just before his death in 1530?
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On this one-day workshop, we will explore Wolsey’s early life and education at Oxford university, and his rise to power as a clergyman and a statesman. We will assess the colourful controversies surrounding his relationship with his mistress, Joan Lark and his residency at Hampton Court Palace; Wolsey’s declining influence with Henry VIII; and his increasingly troubled relationships with Katherine of Aragon, Anne Boleyn and the English Lords at Henry’s court. Shifting diplomatic alliances and warfare in Europe profoundly affected Wolsey’s ability to gain consent from Rome for Henry’s divorce, and we will investigate how factors such as the Pope’s precarious position in Rome and the Holy Roman Emperor’s familial ties to Katherine of Aragon would ultimately leave him exposed to his enemies and contribute to his downfall.
What will we cover?
Early life, education & the church
Joan Lark & Wolsey’s illegitimate children
Wolsey, Henry VIII & European diplomacy
Wolsey & the European Reformation: Luther, heresy & church reforms
A most faithful servant: Wolsey & Thomas Cromwell
Rome, the Holy Roman Emperor & Katherine of Aragon
Wolsey, Anne Boleyn & the court of Henry VIII
Wolsey’s fall from grace & death
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
Explain contemporary controversies surrounding Thomas Wolsey and the factors that may have influenced cultural representations of his life
Evaluate the significance of the church as a way for men of lower social status to progress careers
Assess Wolsey’s role in the European reformation
Evaluate the significance of European politics & warfare for Wolsey’s inability to obtain Henry a divorce
Critically assess the roles of Henry, Anne Boleyn and the English lords in Wolsey’s downfall
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This is an introductory course - a basic general knowledge of the Tudor era/early modern European politics is always helpful but by no means essential. An open mind, an interest in/willingness to engage with the topic and contribute to class discussions are the only real requirements.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
Interactive lecture with opportunities for learner input/analysis to enhance learning in a supportive environment.. We will also read contemporary sources together. Recommend further reading/handouts will be provided by the tutor on the day. .
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
No costs. You will receive PowerPoint slides after the session but if you wish to take additional notes please bring a pen and paper.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Please see the British & Irish Studies area for details. If you are particularly interested in the Tudor era please note that two other courses will run with Vanessa King slightly earlier in the academic year - HBH42 The Cult of Magnificence at the Tudor Court in April 2026; and HBH73 Wolf Hall & Beyond: Fact and Fiction on Saturday 21st March 2026.
We’re sorry. We don’t have a bio ready for the tutor of this class at the moment, but we’re working on it! Watch this space.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
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https://www.citylit.ac.uk/the-rise-and-fall-of-cardinal-wolsey3001531The rise and fall of Cardinal Wolseyhttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/category/britain-qing-opium-hwh158-1024.jpg2929GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/History/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/History/British & Irish history22851177117816301228511771178<p>Born in the 1470s to an Ipswich tradesman, Thomas Wolsey rose from humble beginnings to become the most powerful and influential prelate and statesman at the court of Henry VIII. How did Wolsey gain such a position at court and what intrigues and struggles in England and Europe led to his spectacular downfall and arrest just before his death in 1530? </p><p> </p>003001525The rise and fall of Cardinal Wolsey2929https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/category/britain-qing-opium-hwh158-1024.jpgInStockDaytimeTueKeeley StreetNo longer availableOne-off onlyWeekday2026-05-05T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allMay 2026Culture, history & humanitiesHBH1282929The rise and fall of Cardinal Wolsey231929Ellen Carpenterthe-rise-and-fall-of-cardinal-wolsey/hbh128-2526<p>Born in the 1470s to an Ipswich tradesman, Thomas Wolsey rose from humble beginnings to become the most powerful and influential prelate and statesman at the court of Henry VIII. How did Wolsey gain such a position at court and what intrigues and struggles in England and Europe led to his spectacular downfall and arrest just before his death in 1530? </p><p> </p>0015-FullStillOpen|2026-05-05 00:00:00<p><em>‘Why come ye not to court?</em></p><p><em>To which court?</em></p><p><em>To the King's court, or</em></p><p><em>Hampton Court?</em></p><p><em>For Hampton Court is the finer…’</em></p><p>On this one-day workshop, we will explore Wolsey’s early life and education at Oxford university, and his rise to power as a clergyman and a statesman. We will assess the colourful controversies surrounding his relationship with his mistress, Joan Lark and his residency at Hampton Court Palace; Wolsey’s declining influence with Henry VIII; and his increasingly troubled relationships with Katherine of Aragon, Anne Boleyn and the English Lords at Henry’s court. Shifting diplomatic alliances and warfare in Europe profoundly affected Wolsey’s ability to gain consent from Rome for Henry’s divorce, and we will investigate how factors such as the Pope’s precarious position in Rome and the Holy Roman Emperor’s familial ties to Katherine of Aragon would ultimately leave him exposed to his enemies and contribute to his downfall. </p><p>Born in the 1470s to an Ipswich tradesman, Thomas Wolsey rose from humble beginnings to become the most powerful and influential prelate and statesman at the court of Henry VIII. How did Wolsey gain such a position at court and what intrigues and struggles in England and Europe led to his spectacular downfall and arrest just before his death in 1530? </p><p> </p><ul><li>Early life, education & the church</li><li>Joan Lark & Wolsey’s illegitimate children </li><li>Wolsey, Henry VIII & European diplomacy </li><li>Wolsey & the European Reformation: Luther, heresy & church reforms </li><li>A most faithful servant: Wolsey & Thomas Cromwell</li><li>Rome, the Holy Roman Emperor & Katherine of Aragon </li><li>Wolsey, Anne Boleyn & the court of Henry VIII </li><li>Wolsey’s fall from grace & death</li></ul><ul><li>Explain contemporary controversies surrounding Thomas Wolsey and the factors that may have influenced cultural representations of his life </li><li>Evaluate the significance of the church as a way for men of lower social status to progress careers </li><li>Assess Wolsey’s role in the European reformation</li><li>Evaluate the significance of European politics & warfare for Wolsey’s inability to obtain Henry a divorce</li><li>Critically assess the roles of Henry, Anne Boleyn and the English lords in Wolsey’s downfall </li></ul><p> </p><p>This is an introductory course - a basic general knowledge of the Tudor era/early modern European politics is always helpful but by no means essential. An open mind, an interest in/willingness to engage with the topic and contribute to class discussions are the only real requirements. </p><p>Interactive lecture with opportunities for learner input/analysis to enhance learning in a supportive environment.. We will also read contemporary sources together. Recommend further reading/handouts will be provided by the tutor on the day. . </p><p>No costs. You will receive PowerPoint slides after the session but if you wish to take additional notes please bring a pen and paper. </p><p>Please see the British & Irish Studies area for details. If you are particularly interested in the Tudor era please note that two other courses will run with Vanessa King slightly earlier in the academic year - HBH42 The Cult of Magnificence at the Tudor Court in April 2026; and HBH73 Wolf Hall & Beyond: Fact and Fiction on Saturday 21st March 2026. </p>HistoryBritish & Irish historyvirtual232919HBH128NONETue05/05/2610:45 - 14:4510:4514:451 session1One-off onlyDaytimeWeekdayKSKeeley StreetEllen CarpenterBeginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allNo longer available2026-05-05T00:00:00+00:00May 2026Culture, history & humanities2929The rise and fall of Cardinal Wolseythe-rise-and-fall-of-cardinal-wolsey/hbh128-2526<p>Born in the 1470s to an Ipswich tradesman, Thomas Wolsey rose from humble beginnings to become the most powerful and influential prelate and statesman at the court of Henry VIII. How did Wolsey gain such a position at court and what intrigues and struggles in England and Europe led to his spectacular downfall and arrest just before his death in 1530? </p><p> </p>0015-FullStillOpen|2026-05-05 00:00:00<p><em>‘Why come ye not to court?</em></p><p><em>To which court?</em></p><p><em>To the King's court, or</em></p><p><em>Hampton Court?</em></p><p><em>For Hampton Court is the finer…’</em></p><p>On this one-day workshop, we will explore Wolsey’s early life and education at Oxford university, and his rise to power as a clergyman and a statesman. We will assess the colourful controversies surrounding his relationship with his mistress, Joan Lark and his residency at Hampton Court Palace; Wolsey’s declining influence with Henry VIII; and his increasingly troubled relationships with Katherine of Aragon, Anne Boleyn and the English Lords at Henry’s court. Shifting diplomatic alliances and warfare in Europe profoundly affected Wolsey’s ability to gain consent from Rome for Henry’s divorce, and we will investigate how factors such as the Pope’s precarious position in Rome and the Holy Roman Emperor’s familial ties to Katherine of Aragon would ultimately leave him exposed to his enemies and contribute to his downfall. </p><p>Born in the 1470s to an Ipswich tradesman, Thomas Wolsey rose from humble beginnings to become the most powerful and influential prelate and statesman at the court of Henry VIII. How did Wolsey gain such a position at court and what intrigues and struggles in England and Europe led to his spectacular downfall and arrest just before his death in 1530? </p><p> </p><ul><li>Early life, education &amp; the church</li><li>Joan Lark &amp; Wolsey’s illegitimate children </li><li>Wolsey, Henry VIII &amp; European diplomacy </li><li>Wolsey &amp; the European Reformation: Luther, heresy &amp; church reforms </li><li>A most faithful servant: Wolsey &amp; Thomas Cromwell</li><li>Rome, the Holy Roman Emperor &amp; Katherine of Aragon </li><li>Wolsey, Anne Boleyn &amp; the court of Henry VIII </li><li>Wolsey’s fall from grace &amp; death</li></ul><ul><li>Explain contemporary controversies surrounding Thomas Wolsey and the factors that may have influenced cultural representations of his life </li><li>Evaluate the significance of the church as a way for men of lower social status to progress careers </li><li>Assess Wolsey’s role in the European reformation</li><li>Evaluate the significance of European politics &amp; warfare for Wolsey’s inability to obtain Henry a divorce</li><li>Critically assess the roles of Henry, Anne Boleyn and the English lords in Wolsey’s downfall </li></ul><p> </p><p>This is an introductory course - a basic general knowledge of the Tudor era/early modern European politics is always helpful but by no means essential. An open mind, an interest in/willingness to engage with the topic and contribute to class discussions are the only real requirements. </p><p>Interactive lecture with opportunities for learner input/analysis to enhance learning in a supportive environment.. We will also read contemporary sources together. Recommend further reading/handouts will be provided by the tutor on the day. . </p><p>No costs. You will receive PowerPoint slides after the session but if you wish to take additional notes please bring a pen and paper. </p><p>Please see the British &amp; Irish Studies area for details. If you are particularly interested in the Tudor era please note that two other courses will run with Vanessa King slightly earlier in the academic year - HBH42 The Cult of Magnificence at the Tudor Court in April 2026; and HBH73 Wolf Hall &amp; Beyond: Fact and Fiction on Saturday 21st March 2026. </p>HistoryBritish & Irish historyconfigurable
16301178British & Irish historyhttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/humanities/history/british-and-irish-studies1/2/285/1177/1178/16301/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/History/British & Irish history
