Wolsey, Thomas. Born in 1471. Ecclesiastical statesman. Was employed diplomatically by Henry VII, and made Dean of Lincoln, becoming in the next reign successively Dean of York, Bishop of Lincoln, and Archbishop of York while holding at the same time the sees of Bath and Wells, Durham, and Winchester. He became also chancellor (1515), cardinal, and papal legate, and aimed at being pope. His overthrow in 1529 was caused by the jealousy of the great nobles, and his disagreement with the king on the divorce question. He founded Christ Church (Cardinal College), Oxford, where there is a portrait of him by Holbein, and built a palace at Hampton Court. Died 1530.

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