Cardinal Wolsey Chain of Office

A hand crafted chain of Office inspired by Cardinal Wolsey.

The chain is made with antique gold plated "S" connectors depicting a rose design. There are two port cullis connectors and a central rose pendant. From the rose hangs a cross.

Thomas Wolsey (c. March 1473^[– 29 November 1530) was an English statesman and Catholic bishop. When Henry VIII became King of England in 1509, Wolsey became the king's almoner. Wolsey's affairs prospered and by 1514 he had become the controlling figure in virtually all matters of state. 

The highest political position Wolsey attained was Lord Chancellor, the king's chief adviser. In that position, he enjoyed great freedom and was often depicted as an alter rex ("other king"). After failing to negotiate an annulment of Henry's marriage to Catherine of Aragon, Wolsey fell out of favour and was stripped of his government titles. He retreated to York to fulfil his ecclesiastical duties as archbishop. He was recalled to London to answer to charges of treason but died on the way from natural causes.

The chain measures approximately 110 cm with an extension chain for adjustment to the back.