Tensions arise in Wolf Hall between meritocracy and the caste system. Royalty and peerage could only be passed down through bloodline. One could be knighted, such as Sir Thomas Boleyn or Sir Thomas More, but low breeding could never be truly overcome. The Renaissance was the first time that a true middle class began to grow in Britain. Money no longer solely concentrated at the top of the social strata. Merchants, lawyers, and the like—self-made men—began to amass wealth. Such is the case of Thomas Cromwell, a man who made good on his own talents. However, a sharp mind, good education, and talent for making money could only go so far at this time.

In Thomas’ England, “To be trusted new men must forge themselves an ancient pedigree, like Walter’s or enter into the service of ancient families” (109). One way of doing so is working for the church, as in the case of Cardinal Wolsey. The son of a butcher, Wolsey comes from a humble background just like Thomas.

Thomas and Wolsey are constantly reminded of their origins. Wolsey advises Thomas that, when dealing with nobility, “You can never advance your own pedigree—and God knows, Tom, you were born in a more dishonorable estate than me—so the trick is to keep them scraped up to their own standards” (64-65).