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Wolsey & Domestic Policy (Background (He was the son of an Ipswich…
Wolsey & Domestic Policy
Legal Reforms
Attempted to bring greater justice to the legal system- as Lord Chancellor he was head of the secular legal system. He notices the common law had resulted in some unjust verdicts, so he spent time hearing cases.
However, he used the legal system for his own benefit, using the law to attack those who didn't like him- Sir Amyas Paulet case. Wolsey forced him to appear before him daily, threatening to confiscate his property for earlier challenging him
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The Court of the Star Chamber- Wolsey used this to advance the civil law which was based on natural justice by allowing justice for the poor
Financial Reforms
He introduced the subsidy, which became the standard parliamentary tax, which was based on more realistic wealth of taxpayers- brought in more money
Failed to raise the necessary funds needed to invade France in 1523 (only raied £300,000 of the £800,000 needed) which resulted in the Amicable Grant (a non-parliamentary tax), which evidently was unpopular and led to an uproar in East Anglia involving 10,000 men- led to the cancelling of the grant.
Although Wolsey had raised £322,000 in subsidies, £240,000 in taxation and £260,000 in forced loans, this did not cover Henry's £1.7 million Henry spent on war between 1509-1520
Social Reforms
He defended the poor in the Civil law when they were driven off common land in 1917- had legal proceedings in the Court of Chancery against those who ignored previous laws
Enclosures- when landowners put fences around their land. Wolsey took legal action against 264 landowners, but the impact was small as he was forced to sacrifice any gains made in the Subsidy act
Although Wolsey had a social conscience and was genuinely concerned about problems, many of his policies were focused on attacking the nobility and gentry
Administration
Wolsey disliked Parliament, which was only summoned twice during his time in office- it didn't provide the necessary funds in 1523 to fund war against France- he generally tried to avoid war.
The Privy Chamber- Wolsey introduced the Eltham Ordinances in 1526 which aimed to improve the chaotic finances in the Privy Chamber and bring greater efficiency to the King's household
However, Wolsey used these to restrict the power of others and further his closeness to the King- he reduced the Bedchamber from 12 to 6, removing the politically active Gentlemen and leaving those with little influence. This was important at a time of failures with the Amicable Grant and Subsidy.
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Background
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He was an intelligent and talented man- had a degree from Oxford and was quick to recognise opportunities for promotion
He had made his mark under Henry VII, being his chaplain
From the middle of 1514, Wolsey was taking care of almost all of the Kings matters- he became Lord Chancellor in 1515 and later cardinal. He became Papal legate in 1518- representative of the Pope, which was confirmed for life
He and Henry had a very trustworthy and close relationship- the King considered him as more of a partner than a servant