About the lecture

In this module, we think about the rise of Thomas Wolsey from obscure beginnings to one of Henry VIII’s most trusted advisors. In particular, we focus on his early life and education, his early work in the church in both England and France, his service to Henry VII, and his appointment as Royal Almoner in 1509.

About the lecturer

Glenn Richardson is Professor of Early Modern History. He is a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society, a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries and is an Honorary Fellow of the Historical Association.

Glenn has published extensively on Tudor England's political and cultural relations with Continental Europe and on European Renaissance monarchy. His most recent book is The Field of Cloth of Gold (2013) on the meeting between King Henry VIII of England and King Francis I of France held near Calais in 1520.

In addition to journal articles and chapters in edited collections, his other books are: 'The Contending Kingdoms': France and England 1420-1700 (Ashgate, 2008), Renaissance Monarchy: The Reigns of Henry VIII, Francis I and Charles V (London, 2002) and Tudor England and its Neighbours [co-edited with Susan Doran] (2005).

His current main projects are a biography of Cardinal Wolsey and editing a collection of essays on Renaissance Cardinals.