Magnificence: the Zenith of Wolsey’ s Power I522-I528

Abstract Events did not bear out the lofty pretensions of Cornish’s political farce. Scarcely a week after Charles had left England, Surrey commenced military operations in France, but his campaign had ended by October in sickness, and with nothing accomplished; fighting was also undertaken on the Scottish border but this, although continuing late into 1523, petered out inconclusively; and the main English project, Suffolk’s invasion from Calais, unsupported by the Imperial allies, likewise ended ingloriously. The only results of the campaign were mutual suspicions on the part of the allies, and financial difficulties and widespread discontent in England. To add to Wolsey’s displeasure the death of Pope Adrian VI in September 1523 and the election of Clement VII made it, perhaps, too clear that the Emperor’s avowed championship of the English Cardinal’s candidature was worthless. Charles V had increased his hold upon Italy; Henry had gained nothing in France; and Wolsey had been snubbed-such was the outcome of the Friendship, Prudence, and Might so spectacularly celebrated in the summer of 1522.