Expert: Mark Smith - 11/8/2004

Question
Did Cardinal Wolsey have a policy towards Ireland?
Did he have any particular designs on Ireland so to speak?
Did Wolsey and Henry differ at all in their outlook as regards Ireland?

Answer
Hello Deirdre.
Cardinal Wosey seems not to have shown much interest in Ireland. He was too engrossed in his European ventures, so he and Henry fell back on the old policy of playing the great families of Ireland off against each other. The Earl of Surrey, who was Lord Lieutenant of Ireland 1520-21, recommended an army of 6000 would be needed to subdue the island, but neither the King nor Wolsey were prepared to sanction such an expense. When it suited them they appointed the Earl of Kildare, probably Ireland's most powerful nobleman, Lord Lieutenant, but just as easily they dismissed him and appointed another Lord in his place, thus keeping the feuding going.   
It was only after Wolsey's fall and death in 1529 that Henry showed any real interest in Ireland.
Mark