Wolsey was the son of a wealthy townsman of Ipswich whose ability had raised him into notice at the close of the preceding reign, and who had been taken by Bishop Fox into the service of the Crown.

The activity which he showed in organizing and equipping the royal army for the campaign of 1513 won for him a foremost place in the confidence of Henry the Eighth.

The young king lavished dignities on him with a profusion that marked the completeness of his trust.

From the post of royal almoner he was advanced in 1513 to the see of Tournay.

At the opening of 1514 he became bishop of Lincoln; at its close he was translated to the archbishoprick of York.