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Henry Bowet

York·Royal Clerk

Henry Bowet served as both Bishop of Bath and Wells and later Archbishop of York. He was a royal clerk to King Richard II and demonstrated his loyalty and encouragement during a Scottish invasion. Bowet's tenure as Archbishop of York was notable for its lengthy vacancy prior to his appointment.

Key Facts

  • Served as Bishop of Bath and Wells from August 19, 1401.
  • Became Archbishop of York on October 7, 1407, after a two-and-a-half-year vacancy.
  • Briefly served as Lord High Treasurer in 1402.
  • Encouraged English soldiers during a Scottish invasion near Berwick-on-Tweed in 1417.
  • Died on October 20, 1423.
  • Buried in York Minster.
Full Name
Henry Bowet
Death Date
20 October 1423
Term Start Date
7 October 1407
Term End Date
20 October 1423
Notable Achievements
  • Encouraged English Soldiers During A Scottish Invasion.
Death Place
Cawood Bishop's Palace
Episcopal Ordination Date
19 August 1401
Notable Status

About Henry Bowet

Henry Bowet (died 20 October 1423) held significant ecclesiastical positions as both Bishop of Bath and Wells and later as Archbishop of York. His career was intertwined with the English monarchy, serving as a royal clerk to King Richard II.

Life and Historical Context

Bowet's ecclesiastical journey began with his appointment as Bishop of Bath and Wells on August 19, 1401. He subsequently succeeded to the Archbishopric of York on October 7, 1407, a position that had been vacant for two and a half years. This appointment involved papal diplomacy, as Pope Urban VI initially appointed Robert Hallam, but then, accommodating King Henry IV's wishes, nominated Hallam to Salisbury and granted the pallium to Bowet.

Bowet also briefly held secular office, serving as Lord High Treasurer from February to October in 1402. A notable event during his later years occurred in 1417 when, despite his advanced age and feebleness, he actively encouraged English soldiers during a Scottish invasion near Berwick-on-Tweed. His presence and words are said to have greatly bolstered their morale, contributing to the Scots' withdrawal.

Death and Burial

Henry Bowet died on October 20, 1423, at Cawood Bishop's Palace. He was buried in his cathedral, York Minster.

Source: Wikipedia ↗

Frequently Asked Questions

When did Henry Bowet die?

Henry Bowet died on October 20, 1423. He passed away at Cawood Bishop's Palace and was subsequently buried in his cathedral of York Minster.

What were Henry Bowet's roles in the church?

Henry Bowet served as the Bishop of Bath and Wells and later as the Archbishop of York. He was appointed Bishop of Bath and Wells on August 19, 1401, and succeeded to the Archbishopric of York on October 7, 1407.

Did Henry Bowet have any secular roles?

Yes, Henry Bowet was a royal clerk to King Richard II of England. He also briefly served as Lord High Treasurer from February to October in 1402.

How did Henry Bowet contribute during a military conflict?

In 1417, when the Scots invaded England and besieged Berwick-on-Tweed, Archbishop Bowet, despite being old and feeble, had himself carried to the English camp. His addresses there are credited with greatly encouraging the soldiers, leading to the Scots' hasty retreat.