Cardinal Wolsey was an English statesman and a prominent figure in the court of King Henry VIII. Born around 1473, he rose to power as the Archbishop of York and became the King's chief advisor. Wolsey was known for his administrative skills and played a key role in the English government during the early 16th century. Despite his influence, Wolsey fell from favor when he failed to secure an annulment of Henry VIII's marriage to Catherine of Aragon. In 1529, he was stripped of his titles and eventually died in 1530 while on his way to face charges of treason. His legacy remains significant in English history.