Was Wolf Hall’s Dorothea really Cardinal Wolsey’s daughter? Real history explained

Was Wolf Hall’s Dorothea really Cardinal Wolsey’s daughter? Real history explained

As a dedicated fan and student of history, I am utterly captivated by the portrayal of Thomas Cromwell’s complex emotional journey in “Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light” episode 2. The depth of guilt that Mark Rylance conveys over his mentor’s undignified death is nothing short of mesmerizing, and it’s a testament to the actor’s skill that he manages to keep us on the edge of our seats despite the passage of years since Wolsey’s demise.


In episode 2 of Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light, we delve deeper into the heavy remorse experienced by Thomas Cromwell (Mark Rylance), as he grapples with the ignoble demise of his mentor, Cardinal Wolsey (Jonathan Pryce).

It is revealed that the spiritual leader had a child, Dorothea (portrayed by Hannah Khalique Brown), who was his daughter out of wedlock. This child was born prior to him ascending to the position of bishop, and she lived in a convent before this event.

In the play, Cromwell remains obsessed with Wolsey’s demise even after many years, engaging in imaginary dialogues with the deceased cardinal and eventually seeking out Dorothea as well.

He makes the young nun a surprising offer of marriage, an offer made only slightly less creepy by the promise that it could be merely a wedding of convenience – meaning financial security and companionship, but not necessarily intimacy.

Dorothea firmly dismisses the idea in a very forceful manner, causing Cromwell to be taken aback by her claim that Wolsey believed he had been deceived by Cromwell during his final moments.

Intriguingly authentic, yet how much of this portrayal aligns with real-life events? Let me shed some light on the character Dorothea in “Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light,” and her relationship with both Wolsey and Cromwell.

Was Wolf Hall’s Dorothea really Cardinal Wolsey’s daughter?

Was Wolf Hall’s Dorothea really Cardinal Wolsey’s daughter? Real history explained

It’s highly probable that Cardinal Wolsey had a daughter named Dorothy, as portrayed in the book “Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light.

In his youth, before it became widespread, Catholic priests took the vow of celibacy. As a result, Cardinal Wolsey was in a romantic relationship with a woman called Joan Larke, and they together had two children, named Thomas and Dorothy.

In my perspective as a cinema connoisseur, I’d say this tale unfolds with our protagonist, Thomas, who found his new family in the Wynters. His journey was far from ordinary, as he rose through the ranks within the Church, eventually earning titles such as Archdeacon of Cornwall and Prebend of Saunderton.

As I recount my past, I find myself reminiscing about the time when I was graciously adopted by John Clancey and found a home within the esteemed Shaftesbury Abbey convent. This abbey had a reputation for providing a sanctuary to the daughters of affluent families. It was here that I devoted my life, taking the vows as a nun, until its dissolution.

In the novel “Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light,” Cromwell suggests that the abbey’s future would be spared, unlike many convents during that period. However, his prediction turned out to be misguided.

It’s plausible that Cromwell may have held a sense of loyalty towards Dorothy due to her family background, despite there being no proof that he intended to marry her or cohabit with her.

This is demonstrated by the fact that Dorothy was given a pension from Cromwell following the disbandment of Shaftesbury Abbey. This likely provided for her needs during the subsequent years, even though few details are available about her later life.

Read More

2024-11-18 02:03