 From 1514 to 1529 , however , it was Thomas Wolsey ( 1473 – 1530 ) , a cardinal of the established Church , who oversaw domestic and foreign policy for the young king from his position as Lord Chancellor . Wolsey centralised the national government and extended the jurisdiction of the conciliar courts , particularly the Star Chamber . The Star Chamber 's overall structure remained unchanged , but Wolsey used it to provide for much @-@ needed reform of the criminal law . The power of the court itself did not outlive Wolsey , however , since no serious administrative reform was undertaken and its role was eventually devolved to the localities . Wolsey helped fill the gap left by Henry 's declining participation in government ( particularly in comparison to his father ) but did so mostly by imposing himself in the King 's place . His use of these courts to pursue personal grievances , and particularly to treat delinquents as if mere examples of a whole class worthy of punishment , angered the rich , who were annoyed as well by his enormous wealth and ostentatious living . Following Wolsey 's downfall , Henry took full control of his government , although at court numerous complex factions continued to try to ruin and destroy each other . 
