John de Ufford
Canterbury·England·Royal administration
John de Ufford was an English administrator and cleric who served as Chancellor to Edward III and was appointed Archbishop of Canterbury. Despite his administrative career and appointment to the archdiocese, he died from the Black Death before his consecration.
Key Facts
- ›Served as Chancellor to Edward III, holding both the Great Seal and Privy Seal.
- ›Sent as an envoy to Pope Clement VI in 1344 to mediate peace during the Hundred Years' War.
- ›Appointed Archbishop of Canterbury by papal bull on September 24, 1348.
- ›Died of the Black Death on may 20, 1349, before his consecration.
- ›His family held the estate of Offord Dameys in Huntingdonshire.
Chancellor of England, Lord Privy Seal, Dean of Lincoln
About John de Ufford
John de Ufford: Chancellor and Appointed Archbishop of Canterbury
John de Ufford (died 20 May 1349) was a prominent figure in the administration of King Edward III of England, serving as the Chancellor and effectively heading the royal administration. His career also saw him appointed to the prestigious Archbishopric of Canterbury, though his tenure in this high ecclesiastical office was tragically cut short.
Life and Career
De Ufford's family was associated with the estate of Offord Dameys in Huntingdonshire. His administrative prowess led him to hold significant governmental positions. He was entrusted with the privy seal in 1342, becoming Lord Privy Seal, and later took on the duties of Lord Chancellor with the great seal on October 26, 1345. He resigned the office of Lord Privy Seal after September 29, 1344, but continued to serve as Chancellor until his death.
In addition to his secular duties, de Ufford also held ecclesiastical office, serving as Dean of Lincoln from 1344 to 1348. His diplomatic skills were also recognized when he was sent as an envoy to Avignon in the summer of 1344, alongside Nicholas de Luna and Hugh Neville, to Pope Clement VI to mediate peace during the Peace of Malestroit, a lull in the Hundred Years' War.
Appointment to Canterbury and Death
Following the death of Archbishop John de Stratford, Edward III chose de Ufford as his candidate for the Archbishopric of Canterbury. This choice was made despite the election of Thomas Bradwardine by the cathedral chapter. De Ufford received his appointment to the see of Canterbury via papal bull dated September 24, 1348, and was granted the temporalities of the see on December 14, 1348. However, his time in this role was brief. Already aged and infirm, John de Ufford succumbed to the Black Death on May 20, 1349, before he could be consecrated, rendering any potential disputes between the chapter and the king moot.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What was John de Ufford's role in the royal administration?
John de Ufford served as the chancellor to Edward III, holding the crucial positions of keeper of both the great seal and the privy seal. He was entrusted with the privy seal in 1342 and the great seal on October 26, 1345, effectively heading the royal administration.
Did John de Ufford ever become Archbishop of Canterbury?
John de Ufford was appointed to the Archbishopric of Canterbury by papal bull dated September 24, 1348. However, he died of the Black Death on May 20, 1349, before he could be consecrated to the office.
What was John de Ufford's diplomatic mission in 1344?
In the summer of 1344, John de Ufford was sent as an envoy, along with Nicholas de Luna and Hugh Neville, to Avignon. Their mission was to attend a council held by Pope Clement VI to mediate peace during the Peace of Malestroit, a period of respite in the Hundred Years' War, though their mediation ultimately proved unsuccessful.
When and how did John de Ufford die?
John de Ufford died on May 20, 1349. He was carried off by the Black Death, a devastating plague that swept through Europe at the time.
What other positions did John de Ufford hold in the church?
Before his appointment to Canterbury, John de Ufford held the position of Dean of Lincoln from 1344 to 1348. This demonstrates his significant standing within the ecclesiastical hierarchy prior to his elevation to archbishop.
Related Archbishops
John de Stratford
John de Stratford was a prominent Archbishop of Canterbury, Bishop of Winchester, and held significant political offices including Treasurer and Chancellor of England. He played a crucial role in the political landscape of England during the reigns of Edward II and Edward III, advocating for church liberties and constitutional principles. His legacy includes significant legislative work and the founding of a chantry college in his native Stratford-upon-Avon.
George Neville
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