Thomas Wolsey
English political figure, archbishop of York and cardinal-priest of Santa Cecilia (1473-1530) · United Kingdom · On the map · Religious Figures · Died at 57
Thomas Wolsey was an English statesman and Catholic cardinal. When Henry VIII became King of England in 1509, Wolsey became the king's almoner. Wolsey's affairs prospered and by 1514 he had become the controlling figure in virtually all matters of state. He also held important ecclesiastical appointments.
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Heraldic banner of Wolsey as Archbishop of York, showing the arms of the See of York impaling his personal arms, with a cardinal's hat above. The griffin supporter holds the Lord Chancellor's mace.![Thomas Wolsey by an unknown artist c. 1520 held in the National Portrait Gallery, London[22]](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/2d/Thomas_Wolsey_%281473-1530%29.jpg/1280px-Thomas_Wolsey_%281473-1530%29.jpg)
Thomas Wolsey by an unknown artist c. 1520 held in the National Portrait Gallery, London[22]
Queen Catherine of Aragon, by an unknown artist
Henry Percy, the 6th Earl of Northumberland
Hampton Court Palace, London
Cardinal Wolsey at the Gate of Leicester Abbey by Charles West Cope, 1847
Bust of Wolsey at St Stephen's Church, IpswichAbout this person
These included the Archbishop of York - the second most important role in the English church - and that of papal legate. His appointment as a cardinal by Pope Leo X in 1515 gave him precedence over all other English clergy.
