Back in Tudor period, Wolsey had built a reputation and raised his skill into becoming an ‘Alter Rex’, alongside with Henry VIII on the throne. However, there was lots of argument and discussion towards Wolsey being an Alter Rex, as some people began disliking whilst others were more accepting to his authority. Sources 1 and 2 generally agree about Wolsey being disliked and disapproved by the public and by his King, all the same it was all due to his ‘ambitious’ personality, which led to his very self-obsessed and self-centred self that had made great frustration and annoyed others. On the other hand, mostly Source 3 and a bit of Source 2 disagrees with the view of Wolsey being disliked for his ‘Alter Rex’ actions, compared to his ambitious and ‘full of him’ act. The general disagreement reason is that Wolsey’s role for the King was of being an ‘Alter Rex’, meaning that it was his duty and job to act such matters. But also, without certain actions from his controlled power, there wouldn’t be a greater and more well-being for the English Empire (turning the Cathedral Church).

Source 1 most strongly agrees on the idea that Wolsey took the Alter Rex act all to himself, pleasing himself with the power and purposes it has giving him. Although, the Source was written by ‘Polydore Virgil’, who is known for his ‘Anglica Historia’ book, he had a very strong judgment and criticism side to him. That being said, the ‘Anglica Historia’ was remembered for its combination of narrative critical analysis of the 1500s Tudor period he lived through. Therefore, when it points out that Wolsey was “indeed detested by everyone”; Virgil is telling us the truth, because he took everything to direct and honest evaluation. That just goes to show that Wolsey was largely disliked by what Wolsey was and had done, as it supports the point with saying that Wolsey has “arrogance and ambition that aroused him and the hatred of the whole country”. Self-explanatory – Wolsey acting as an Alter Rex caused for great judgment to be brought against him, as it was clearer to see Wolsey’s personality. That being said, it just goes to show that this source pushes the border of how much Wolsey was disliked for his actions, but mainly his personality – due to greater authority caused for a more distinctive approach.

In addition, Source 2 also agrees with Source 1 on the point that Wolsey’s self-ambitions and “commanded purposes” made people view him as such an egoistic and self-obsessed ‘Alter Rex’. The source does have a double-sided view, as it was written by ‘Edward Hall’ who wrote this book (that is the extract for this source) by a more opened and light optimized view. As there was lots of protest and conspiracy with the King and the councillors, most people were afraid to speak as it would get them executed. Therefore, Hall had to consider easing in a good attitude, from which he could elaborate to his truthful opinions, and that truth was mainly negatively based on Wolsey. As when the King found Wolsey being “highly exalted, and has been triumphantly installing his rules without informing the King”, the truth came out clear and showed an honest side of why Wolsey was being so disliked. But not only by the public, but Source 2 adds that the King has began to hate Wolsey and worst then that, with his power he could as easily as execute him. Yet, it emphasises that even with the King’s knowledge, Wolsey “continued his malicious and proud purposes and attempts” in his work. Just goes to show that he didn’t care what others thought, if he wanted it he’d get it – and that was the key motivation to his wide dislike.

However, Source 3 very strongly disagrees on the idea that Wolsey used his Alter Rex authority for himself. However, Source 3 explains that Wolsey used it for the greater good of England. Yet it is important to consider the nature of the source, as this extract comes from a book about the ‘Life and Death of Cardinal Wolsey’, which frankly would exaggerate the good and well-being of Wolsey’s actions in his ruling years. George Cavendish doesn’t waste a good detail being brought down and he makes Wolsey be remembered for the better good he did instead. First making an important point that Wolsey “would first make the King aware of all such matters”, following the key principle of doing things right even with all his Alter Rex authority – outlining that he made things by the book, and didn’t push his powers for himself. Adding that he “disburden the King of weighty charge”, suggesting that he took it upon himself to do all the necessary work rightful so that the King wouldn’t feel overwhelmed by the amount of business and control he had to do. However, it is key to point out that by reading between the lines it can also explain that he took it upon himself to do all work so that he had full control to do as he wished, although he had make such matters visible to the King appoints. In general it got “the King wonderfully pleased”, and that’s all the liking he had intended for.

Similarly, Source 2 points out that Wolsey wasn’t all that backstabbing, he did have a way with the people to be right on the side of good. Outlining that he “spoke fair to the people to win their hearts” and also, “making many men believe that he spoke the truth”. Key here is to see that he had sometimes played it fair and equal to give a good belief for the throne and its actions. Particularly, this had made the people like him, and gave better feedback for his Alter Rex reputation. Furthermore, Source 2 points out the idea that he had “caused the throne to be erected of such height and design that it wouldn’t have ever been seen before”. Putting it clearly, due to Wolsey’s ambitions and self-dedication he had elevated the determination and national rule, as he had successful treated England with acceptable terms with France and Spain, plus he had the King to do the appropriate actions that made the Empire expand. It gave England a greater power, yet it would have changed it forever, like pushing “the Cathedral Church” to new limits for England. Altogether, the idea is that he had to act with greatness as an Alter Rex, so that it would make England great – not everyone understood him, but maybe someone somewhere else.

In conclusion, to reiterate and conclude on how far Sources 1, 2 and 3 went to agree that Wolsey was disliked for him acting as an Alter Rex. It is best to say that, the most important thing to consider is that Wolsey was all from the above – selfish, ambitious, arrogant, malicious, an irritation, a hostility for others – but because of that it made England great. Yet it has to be said that all-in-all, he was disliked more and more as his counselling years went on. The public and then the King followed on towards his disliking. Even though Source 3 tries to disagree with that, it will never persuade us, as it is not completely reliable, the Source was purposely written to show the good and great of Wolsey’s life. As for Source 1, it agrees with the question, and it also can be considered very reliable as it is written from perception of truth and honesty on what happened during the history of Tudor times in the early 1500s. So, altogether the sources would agree to a strong extent (considering the nature of Source 3).