John le Romeyn
John le Romeyn, also known as John Romanus, was an influential medieval Archbishop of York who served from 1286 until his death in 1296. He was a highly educated cleric, holding degrees from Oxford and Paris, and his tenure was marked by administrative diligence, pastoral visits, and involvement in significant ecclesiastical and political matters, including a notable confrontation with the Bishop of Durham.
Key Facts
- ›Illegitimate son of John le Romeyn the elder, treasurer of York.
- ›Master at Oxford University and Doctor of Theology at the University of Paris.
- ›Elected Archbishop of York on October 29, 1285, with a re-election held under papal supervision.
- ›Consecrated in Rome on February 10, 1286, and enthroned at York Minster on June 9, 1286.
- ›Issued decrees on the financing of Southwell Minster's chapter house and intervened in the spiritual health of Kirklees Priory.
- ›Defended the Jewish community of York from harm and was imprisoned by Parliament for excommunicating the Bishop of Durham.
- Ordained Priests and Visited Numerous Religious Houses and Deaneries During His Early Tenure.
- Issued Orders For the Ordination of Clergy Holding Benefices But Not Yet Priests.
- Monitored Kirklees Priory For Spiritual Health.
- Re-Consecrated the Parish Church of Saint Oswald, Oswaldkirk.
- Issued A Decree Concerning the Financing of Southwell Minster's Chapter House.
- Protected the Jewish Community of York From Harm.
- Participated In Embassies For King Edward I.
About John le Romeyn
John le Romeyn (died 1296)
John le Romeyn, also known as John Romanus, was a medieval Archbishop of York who presided over the archdiocese from 1286 until his death in 1296. His tenure was marked by administrative diligence, pastoral engagement, and involvement in significant ecclesiastical and political affairs of late 13th-century England.
Early Life and Education
Born around 1230, John le Romeyn was the illegitimate son of John le Romeyn the elder, who served as treasurer of York. Little is known of his mother. Romeyn received a distinguished education, achieving the status of Master at Oxford University and later earning a Doctor of Theology from the University of Paris by 1276.
Archiepiscopal Career
Before his elevation to archbishop, Romeyn held several ecclesiastical positions, including rector of Nether Wallop, precentor and chancellor of Lincoln, and the prebend of Warthill in Yorkshire. He was first elected Archbishop of York on October 29, 1285. His journey to Rome for his pallium was complicated by questions regarding the canonical validity of his election, leading to his resignation and a new election supervised by Pope Honorius IV, in which Romeyn was again chosen. He was consecrated in Rome on February 10, 1286, by Latino Malabranca Orsini and enthroned at York Minster on June 9, 1286.
During his first seven months, Romeyn demonstrated considerable energy, holding group ordinations, attending Convocation, and visiting eighteen priories, twelve rural deaneries, and several towns and an abbey. He frequently utilized the Bishop of Whithorn as his deputy for confirmations and other ecclesiastical duties. He issued an order requiring unordained clergy holding benefices to present themselves for ordination. Romeyn also took an interest in the spiritual well-being of Kirklees Priory, instructing the prior of St Oswald's to visit and hear the nuns' confessions. In 1287, he mandated the re-consecration of the parish church of Saint Oswald in Oswaldkirk.
Romeyn issued a decree in 1288 concerning the financing of a chapter house at Southwell Minster and, in 1289, requested the Provincial to receive a canon into the Carmelite Order. Notably, in 1290, he publicly instructed his parishioners that they would face excommunication if they harmed members of York's Jewish community during a period of potential expulsion.
Confrontation with the Bishop of Durham
A significant challenge to Romeyn's authority occurred in 1293 when he was summoned before Parliament. He was accused of usurping royal prerogatives for having excommunicated Anthony Bek, the Bishop of Durham, because Bek had permitted the arrest of two Durham priests. Parliament ruled that Bek had acted in his capacity as earl palatine, not as a bishop, and ordered Romeyn's imprisonment. However, Romeyn avoided arrest by paying a substantial fine of 4000 marks to King Edward I.
Later Life and Death
John le Romeyn was a member of a few embassies for King Edward I, though he does not appear to have been heavily involved in the kingdom's governance otherwise. He died on March 11, 1296, at Bishop Burton near Beverley in Yorkshire and was interred at York Minster.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When did John le Romeyn serve as Archbishop of York?
John le Romeyn served as Archbishop of York from his consecration on February 10, 1286, until his death on March 11, 1296.
What was John le Romeyn's educational background?
John le Romeyn was highly educated, holding a Master's degree from Oxford University and a Doctor of Theology from the University of Paris by 1276.
What significant events occurred during John le Romeyn's term as Archbishop?
During his term, he undertook extensive pastoral visits, issued important decrees, protected the Jewish community from expulsion, and faced a significant legal challenge in Parliament for excommunicating the Bishop of Durham.
Where was John le Romeyn buried?
John le Romeyn was buried at York Minster, the cathedral church of his archdiocese.
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