John Kemp
Canterbury·14th century·England·Ecclesiastical
John Kemp was a prominent medieval English cardinal and Archbishop of Canterbury, also serving as Lord Chancellor of England. He had a long and influential career in royal service, holding significant positions and playing a key role in the council during the minority of Henry VI. Kemp was known for his political acumen, particularly in supporting Henry Beaufort, and for his management of state affairs during turbulent periods.
Key Facts
- ›Born around 1380, educated at Merton College, Oxford.
- ›Served as Lord Chancellor of England twice, first from 1426 to 1432 and again from 1450.
- ›Promoted to Archbishop of York in 1426 and later to Archbishop of Canterbury in 1452.
- ›Created a cardinal priest in December 1439 and later cardinal-bishop of Santa Rufina.
- ›Founded Wye College near his birthplace.
- ›Died on March 22, 1454, and was buried at Canterbury.
Served As Lord Chancellor of England, Served As Archbishop of York, Served As Archbishop of Canterbury, Created Cardinal, Founded Wye College
About John Kemp
John Kemp: Cardinal, Archbishop, and Lord Chancellor
John Kemp (c. 1380 – 22 March 1454) was a significant figure in English medieval politics and church history, holding the esteemed positions of Cardinal, Archbishop of Canterbury, and Lord Chancellor of England. Born into a gentry family in Kent, Kemp received his education at Merton College, Oxford, and pursued a career as an ecclesiastical lawyer before entering royal service.
Career in Service
Kemp's career was marked by a progression through various important offices. He served in the administration of Normandy, acted as Keeper of the Privy Seal, and held episcopal sees including Rochester, Chichester, and London. He played a prominent role in the English council during the minority of Henry VI, notably as a supporter of Henry Beaufort. Kemp served as Lord Chancellor of England twice, first from March 1426 to February 1432, and again from January 1450 until his death.
Elevated Status and Later Years
In 1426, Kemp was promoted to Archbishop of York and later, in July 1452, was translated to the Archbishopric of Canterbury. His influence extended to the highest levels of the Church when he was created a cardinal priest in December 1439, and later received the title of cardinal-bishop of Santa Rufina. Despite facing criticism for neglecting his dioceses and being branded "the cursed cardinal" by some, he demonstrated vigor in dealing with Jack Cade's rebellion and worked to sustain royal authority. He founded Wye College, near his birthplace, which later became associated with the University of London. John Kemp died suddenly on March 22, 1454, and was buried in Canterbury Cathedral.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What were John Kemp's major roles in government?
John Kemp held significant governmental positions, most notably serving as Lord Chancellor of England twice. He was also employed in the administration of Normandy, where he became chancellor of the duchy, and held the office of Keeper of the Privy Seal.
What ecclesiastical positions did John Kemp hold?
Kemp had a distinguished ecclesiastical career. He was elected Bishop of Rochester, translated to Chichester, and then to London. He later became Archbishop of York and ultimately Archbishop of Canterbury. He was also created a cardinal by Pope Nicholas V.
What was John Kemp's relationship with Henry VI?
During the minority of Henry VI, Kemp held a prominent position in the English council and was a staunch supporter of Henry Beaufort, who was the king's uncle. Henry VI himself referred to Kemp as "one of the wisest lords of the land".
Did John Kemp found any institutions?
Yes, John Kemp founded Wye College near his birthplace in Kent. This college later became part of the University of London before its closure in 2009.
Related Archbishops
Simon Sudbury
Simon Sudbury served as Bishop of London from 1361 to 1375 and Archbishop of Canterbury from 1375 until his death in 1381. He also held the position of Lord Chancellor of England in the final year of his life. Sudbury met a violent end during the Peasants' Revolt, becoming a symbol of the discontent that led to his beheading.
Thomas Arundel
Thomas Arundel was a prominent English clergyman who held significant political and religious power in the late 14th and early 15th centuries. He served as Archbishop of York and later Archbishop of Canterbury, playing a key role in the deposition of King Richard II and the subsequent reign of Henry IV. Arundel was a staunch opponent of the Lollard movement, instrumental in the passage of legislation against them.
Thomas Langley
Thomas Langley was a significant English prelate and statesman of the early to mid-15th century, holding high ecclesiastical and political offices. He served as Bishop of Durham, Dean of York, and twice as Lord Chancellor of England under three kings. Langley was also a Keeper of the King's signet and Privy Seal, effectively acting as England's first Foreign Secretary, and is noted as the second longest-serving Chancellor of the Middle Ages.