Despite his remarkable, long, life at the centre of the Tudor court politics and English political life, this is the first full-length biography of Sir William Paulet. Born in Wiltshire in 1475, he lived to the advanced age of 97, during which time he held the posts of Lord Treasurer, Master of the King's Wards, Comptroller of the Household, Lord Chamberlain and President of the Council. His intimate involvement with royal government under three successive monarchs makes Paulet one of the most influential men of his age, and a fascinating subject with which to explore the economic, political and ecclesiastical landscape of Tudor England.
William Paulet, 1st Marquis of Winchester, was one of the most remarkable and influential men of sixteenth century England. Born in Wiltshire in 1475, he lived to the advanced age of 97, during which time he held the posts of Lord Treasurer, Master of the King's Wards, Comptroller of the Household, Lord Chamberlain, Speaker of the House of Lords, and President of the Council. In recognition of his services, Edward VI promoted him to the Marquisate of Winchester in 1551, cementing his position amongst the nation's elite.
Providing for the first time a full length account of Paulet's life and his extended role at the heart of Tudor government, this book will be welcomed by scholars of sixteenth century England as an invaluable aid to better understanding the period. Taking a broadly chronological approach, the book presents the main features of his life, against the turbulent background of mid-sixteenth century history. As well as demonstrating how he managed to hold office under three monarchs - Edward VI, Mary I and Elizabeth I - with radically different religious policies, this book considers Paulet's considerable impact on the economic, political and ecclesiastical landscape of Tudor England.
