English statesman Thomas Wolsey, a Roman Catholic Cardinal, was one of the most powerful people in England during the early 1500s. He lost his power in a dispute with King Henry VIII. Wolsey refused to sanction the divorce between Henry and Catherine of Aragón, which led to England's break with Rome.

Wolsey was born in Ipswich and educated at the University of Oxford.

Before Cardinal Wolsey was removed from power, he planned to make his home town of Ipswich a seat of learning equal to both Oxford and Cambridge. He started building a great college, but all that remains today is Wolsey's Gate, which can still be seen in College Street today.

Cardinal Thomas Wolsey