No single administrator in the history of English government had wielded as much power as Thomas Wolsey. Not only was he a cardinal, but he became lord chancellor, as well, thus embodying the highest levels of both ecclesiastical and secular authority in the land, next to the king. His influence on young Henry VIII and on policies both international and domestic was considerable, and his assistance to the king was invaluable.
Henry was energetic and restless, and often could not be bothered with the details of running a kingdom. He gladly delegated authority to Wolsey on matters both momentous and mundane. While Henry was riding, hunting, dancing or jousting, it was Wolsey who decided virtually everything, from the management of the Star Chamber to who should be in charge of Princess Mary. Days and sometimes even weeks would pass before Henry could be persuaded to sign this document, read that letter, respond to another political dilemma. Wolsey nudged and badgered his master into getting things done, and carried out a large part of the duties himself.
But when Henry did take an interest in the proceedings of government, he brought the full force of his energy and acumen to bear. The young king could deal with a pile of documents in a matter of hours, and spot the flaw in one of Wolsey's plans in an instant. The cardinal took great care not to tread on the monarch's toes, and when Henry was ready to lead, Wolsey followed. He may have had hopes to rise to the papacy, and he frequently allied England with papal considerations; but Wolsey always put England and Henry's wishes first, even at the cost of his clerical ambitions.
Chancellor and King shared an interest in international affairs, and Wolsey guided the course of their early forays into war and peace with neighboring nations. The cardinal envisioned himself as an arbiter of peace in Europe, walking a treacherous course among the powerful entities of France, the Holy Roman Empire, and the Papacy. While he saw some success, ultimately, England did not have the influence that he had envisioned, and he could not make a lasting peace in Europe.
Still, Wolsey served Henry faithfully and well for many years. Henry counted on him to carry out his every command, and he did so exceedingly well. Unfortunately, the day would come when Wolsey could not give the king the very thing he wanted most.
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