Papal Authority and the Limits of the Law in Tudor England (Camden Fifth Series)

Cambridge University Press, 11/19/2015
EAN 9781107130364, ISBN10: 1107130360

Hardcover, 180 pages, 21.6 x 13.8 x 1.4 cm
Language: English

This volume brings together contributions from two separate editors. The first is a collection of texts edited by Peter Clarke that evidence Cardinal Thomas Wolsey's legatine powers to grant dispensations and other papal graces and his exercise of these powers during the 1520s in Henry VIII's realm; these papal favours released Henry's subjects from the rules of canon law in certain instances. The second is a text edited by Michael Questier comprising glosses on and suggested readings of the Elizabethan statute law which imposed treason penalties on Catholic clergy who exercised their office in reconciling to Rome (i.e. absolving from schism and heresy) and on those who availed themselves of this sacramental power. Both contributions illuminate the limits of the law and flexibility in interpreting and applying it and regard the role of Catholic clergy as agents of papal authority in Tudor England before and after the break with Rome.

Part I. Rivalling Rome
Cardinal Wolsey and Dispensations
1. Introduction
2. A note on editorial method
Appendix 1A. Enregistered copy of Pope Leo X's letter to Cardinal Wolsey, 27 June 1521
Appendix 1B. Purported 'Breve' of Pope Clement VII to Cardinal Wolsey, c.1527
Appendix 2. List of Wolsey's graces issued between 10 July 1525 and 4 July 1526
Appendix 3. List of Wolsey's graces issued in the three years preceding 23 October 1529 and in arrears
Appendix 4. Calendar of letters of dispensation of Cardinal Wolsey
Part II. The Limits of Conformity in Late Elizabethan England
A Plea for a Priest
1. Historical introduction
2. The present document and its origins
3. A plee for a Prieste
4. Index of personal and place names to appendices 2-4.