Edward Lee
York·15th century·England·Magdalen College, Oxford; Cambridge University
Edward Lee served as the Archbishop of York from 1531 until his death in 1544. He was a prominent figure during the turbulent religious and political climate of Henry VIII's reign, involved in diplomatic missions, theological disputes, and the king's divorce proceedings. Lee is known for his controversies with Erasmus and his role in asserting royal supremacy in the English Church.
Key Facts
- ›Served as Archbishop of York from 1531 to 1544.
- ›Engaged in significant theological disputes with the humanist scholar Erasmus.
- ›Participated in diplomatic embassies to Austria and Spain on behalf of King Henry VIII.
- ›Played a role in the king's efforts to obtain a divorce from Catherine of Aragon.
- ›Argued in defense of the six Articles and was involved in the examination of doctrines and ceremonies.
- ›Was compelled to take the oath of the Pilgrimage of Grace but later preached against it.
- Controversies With Erasmus
- Diplomatic Missions To Austria and Spain
- Involvement In Henry Viii's Divorce Proceedings
- Defense of the Six Articles
- Compilation of Works On Theological Matters
About Edward Lee
Edward Lee (c. 1482 – 13 September 1544)
Edward Lee served as the Archbishop of York from 1531 until his death in 1544, a period marked by significant religious and political upheaval in England under King Henry VIII.
Early Life and Education
Born in Kent around 1482, Lee was the son of Richard Lee of Lee Magna. He was elected a fellow of Magdalen College, Oxford, in 1500 and later moved to Cambridge University, where he proceeded MA in 1504. During this time, he was ordained deacon and received his first clerical appointments. His early academic contacts included Thomas Cranmer, who later became Archbishop of Canterbury.
Controversies with Erasmus
Lee spent time studying Greek at the University of Louvain in 1518, where he encountered Erasmus. Their initial friendly disagreement evolved into a series of polemics, with Lee taking a traditionalist stance against Erasmus's humanist views on the New Testament. The dispute was bitter at times, involving criticisms of each other's works and public pronouncements. Thomas More, a family friend, attempted to reconcile them, but the quarrel was not fully settled until 1522.
Diplomatic and Royal Service
Lee undertook several diplomatic missions for King Henry VIII. In 1523, he was part of an embassy to Archduke Ferdinand of Austria to encourage opposition to Lutherans and Francis I of France. He also served as the king's almoner and received the archdeaconry of Colchester in the same year. In 1525 and 1529, he was sent on embassies to Spain, and in 1530, he was part of a mission to Pope Clement VII and Emperor Charles V regarding the king's divorce from Catherine of Aragon.
Archbishopric and the Divorce
Lee made himself useful to the king in the matter of the divorce. On June 1, 1531, he was part of a deputation sent to Queen Catherine to persuade her to forgo her rights. Following the king's request to the pope, Lee was elevated to the Archbishopric of York, consecrated on December 10, 1531. He later became chancellor of Salisbury and received prebends at York and the royal chapel.
Navigating Royal Supremacy and Religious Change
During the assertion of royal supremacy, Lee's position was complex. He initially refused to sign the declaration that the marriage with Catherine had been void from the beginning but later obtained approbation for the divorce grounds from the York convocation. He visited John Houghton in the Tower of London, urging submission. Despite suspicions of disliking royal supremacy, he was commanded to publish the king's new style and instruct clergy on papal supremacy. Lee admitted to not mentioning royal supremacy in a sermon but defended his actions and sent to Cromwell books prepared for his clergy and the people regarding the supremacy.
Later Life and the Pilgrimage of Grace
In 1536, during the Pilgrimage of Grace, Lee's position was equivocal. He took refuge at Pontefract Castle, which was surrendered to rebels, and he was compelled to take their oath. However, when clergy met to consider proposed articles, he preached against the movement, although the clergy did not follow him. He later regained favour with Cromwell and assisted in diocesan duties. In 1539, he argued in parliament in defense of the Six Articles. Lee patronized Roger Ascham from around 1540. In 1542, he surrendered manors to the crown in exchange for lands from suppressed priories. He died on September 13, 1544, at the age of sixty-two, and was buried in his cathedral. He was the last Archbishop of York to coin money.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Edward Lee become Archbishop of York?
Edward Lee was consecrated to the see of York on December 10, 1531, and was enthroned by proxy on December 17, 1531. He served as Archbishop until his death.
What was Edward Lee's role in Henry VIII's divorce?
Edward Lee was actively involved in King Henry VIII's efforts to divorce Catherine of Aragon. He was part of deputations sent to persuade the queen to forgo her rights and later forwarded the declaration of the York convocation that the Pope had no greater jurisdiction within England than any other foreign bishop.
Did Edward Lee have any major disputes?
Yes, Edward Lee had significant theological controversies with the humanist scholar Erasmus, advocating for a traditionalist position. Their dispute involved a series of polemics and was not fully reconciled until 1522.
What was Edward Lee's stance on the Royal Supremacy?
While Edward Lee professed his willingness to obey the king's will and forwarded declarations asserting the king's supremacy, he was suspected of disliking it. He admitted to not mentioning royal supremacy in a sermon, despite orders to do so.
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