Oxford

Oxfordshire

England

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The transformation of Cardinal college to Christ Church college is a story of ambition and power. As a prolific patron of education and the arts, Cardinal Thomas Wolsey’s clear vision led to the college’s foundation. His goal was not only educational but symbolic, to demonstrate his power and piety, and to mediate the rise of Protestantism. Wolsey’s burning ambition and overt demonstration of power, in building the grand institutions of Cardinal College and Hampton Court Palace, would cost him dear.

Henry VIII was mercurial, and his will swayed by sycophants like the Norfolks and the Boleyns; was he goaded into turning on his beloved friend and mentor I wonder? Whilst these men are characters we broadly consider to be ruthless, underneath they were complex humans who, nevertheless, shared a deep and abiding friendship.

Walking in Wolsey’s footsteps, I feel the soul of the place, the priory and his dream, while my camera is forced to capture a modern veneer, a layer of decorative noise over a deep human tragedy. I want to focus on the meritocracy of Wolsey, the man who worked whilst others slept.

But there’s a significant problem that must be addressed. It’s impossible for me to present a linear timeline of Wolsey and the college, when any EVP I may record, has no predilection, for what we might consider to be historically appropriate. Whilst it would be wonderful to return the voice of a man silenced in 1530, speakers are unfiltered, their voices are non-linear. Over this, I have no control.

EVP Transcriptions

EVP 1: Let us hear her. I am afraid. It's only the wise men who go to her.

EVP 2: Signed the red book.

EVP 3: Militos.

EVP 4: Harry, Jane wonders down.

EVP 5: Did you like Henry? She's dead. What is she like?

EVP 6: I will direct thee. Barnes will not let me. Out of mercy.

EVP 7: Rachel I do beg, bless you.

EVP 8: Rachel second sees.

EVP 9: I'm here to see Rachel. Oh damn, he's moved.

EVP 10: I know you study it, and study. I'm mad with you. He will not kill Christopher. Never.

EVP 11: How dare you Paul. How dare you. There goes Besocchi.

EVP 12: He hadn't sinned. Nobody said a caveat. It is blocking. Would you please examine of you. This is great theatre!

EVP 13: I don't know.

EVP 14: I listened to music. So he popped by yesterday. Very Funny. Shut up. And you are still here.

EVP 15: I see a white slave, I'll kill her.

EVP 16: It's a late night bear you'll see.

EVP 17: Rachel calls you. Let me challenge you.

EVP 18: What is deleted? You've not been through our evidence. Whistle

EVP 19: You're wanted. She is around you.

EVP 20: Is it her?

EVP 21: The King would say we are dead.

EVP 22: ...the break with Guildford. That'll be heavy.

EVP 23: Flag the state, I do not stop.

EVP 24: We tell our Rachel, don't come back.

EVP 25: Bye bye Rachel.