Alexander Neville
York·14th century·England·Neville family
Alexander Neville was a late medieval prelate who served as the Archbishop of York from 1374 to 1388. Born into a powerful northern English family, he held several ecclesiastical appointments before his elevation to Archbishop. His tenure was marked by accusations of treason, leading to his flight and eventual translation to the Scottish see of St. Andrews, though he never took possession.
Key Facts
- ›Served as Archbishop of York from 1374 to 1388.
- ›Was a younger son of Ralph Neville, 2nd Baron Neville de Raby.
- ›Held prebendary of Bole from 1361 to 1373 and Archdeacon of Durham from circa 1371 to 1373.
- ›Appointed Archbishop of York on April 3 or 14, 1374.
- ›Accused of treason in 1386 and fled.
- ›Translated to the see of St. Andrews on April 30, 1388, but never took possession.
About Alexander Neville
Alexander Neville: Archbishop of York
Alexander Neville (c. 1340–1392) was a prominent late medieval prelate who held the significant office of Archbishop of York from 1374 to 1388. Born into the influential Neville family of northern England, he was the younger son of Ralph Neville, 2nd Baron Neville de Raby, and Alice de Audley.
Ecclesiastical Career
Neville's early ecclesiastical career included serving as a canon of York Minster, holding the prebendary of Bole from 1361 to 1373. He also claimed the Archdeaconry of Cornwall from 1361 to 1371 before becoming Archdeacon of Durham from approximately 1371 to 1373. His appointment as Archbishop of York was confirmed on January 1, 1374, with his consecration taking place at Westminster on June 4, 1374, and enthronement at York Minster on December 18, 1374.
Flight and Later Life
Neville's tenure as Archbishop was dramatically interrupted in 1386 when he was accused of treason amidst the Lords Appellant's rebellion against King Richard II. Facing imprisonment, he fled his position. Pope Urban VI subsequently translated him to the Scottish see of St. Andrews on April 30, 1388. However, due to Scotland's recognition of the Avignon papacy, Neville was unable to assume control of this new appointment. He spent the final years of his life as a parish priest in Leuven, where he died in May 1392 and was buried in the Church of the Carmelites.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Alexander Neville appointed Archbishop of York?
Alexander Neville was appointed Archbishop of York on April 3 or 14, 1374. He had been elected by the chapter of York in November 1373 and received royal assent on January 1, 1374.
What was Alexander Neville's family background?
Alexander Neville was born around 1340 and was a younger son of Ralph Neville, 2nd Baron Neville de Raby, and Alice de Audley. He belonged to the powerful Neville family of northern England.
Why did Alexander Neville flee his position?
In 1386, when the Lords Appellant rose against King Richard II, Neville was accused of treason. It was decided to imprison him for life, but he fled to avoid this fate.
What happened to Alexander Neville after he fled York?
Pope Urban VI translated Neville to the Scottish see of St. Andrews on April 30, 1388. However, he never took possession of this see as the Scots recognized the Avignon papacy.
Where did Alexander Neville die?
For the remainder of his life, Alexander Neville served as a parish priest in Leuven. He died there in May 1392 and was buried in the Church of the Carmelites.
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