John of Thoresby
John of Thoresby was an English clergyman and politician who served as Bishop of St David's, Bishop of Worcester, and ultimately Archbishop of York. He held the significant political office of Lord Chancellor of England under King Edward III. Thoresby is also recognized for his efforts to reform and improve the condition of the northern province and for his role in settling differences between the sees of York and Canterbury.
Key Facts
- ›Served as Bishop of St David's, Bishop of Worcester, and Archbishop of York.
- ›Held the office of Lord Chancellor of England under King Edward III from 1349.
- ›Appointed Bishop of St. David's on may 23, 1347, and consecrated on September 23, 1347.
- ›Became Archbishop of York on August 16, 1352.
- ›Undertook significant building work at York Minster, contributing to a new choir.
- ›Created cardinal priest of S. Sabina on September 17, 1361.
- Reformed the Church and Diocese In the Northern Province.
- Settled Differences Between the Sees of York and Canterbury.
- Contributed To Building A New Choir At York Minster.
- Drew Up A Catechism For Salvation.
About John of Thoresby
John of Thoresby (died 6 November 1373) was a prominent English clergyman and politician who rose to hold significant ecclesiastical and governmental positions. He served as Bishop of St David's, then Bishop of Worcester, and ultimately as Archbishop of York. His political career included a crucial role as Lord Chancellor of England under King Edward III, a position he held from 1349.
Life and Historical Context
While his exact birthplace is uncertain, with some suggesting Yorkshire and others Lincolnshire, John of Thoresby's early career involved serving as the King's proctor in the Court of Rome. He held the office of Master of the Rolls from 1341 to 1346 and was given custody of the privy seal, becoming Lord Privy Seal, from 1345 to 1347. His episcopal journey began with his appointment as Bishop of St. David's on May 23, 1347, followed by his consecration on September 23, 1347. He was translated to the see of Worcester on September 4, 1349.
Major Contributions
John of Thoresby's election as Archbishop of York in 1352 was unanimous and approved by both King Edward III and Pope Clement VI. Upon assuming the archbishopric, he inherited a diocese in a state of disarray, with non-resident cardinals holding high offices and a consequent lack of order and discipline. Thoresby dedicated himself to addressing these issues. He developed a catechism, outlining essential beliefs for salvation, which was issued in both Latin and English versions. A significant achievement during his time was the resolution of long-standing differences between the sees of York and Canterbury, establishing protocols for each primate's authority within the other's province. He was also created a cardinal priest of S. Sabina on September 17, 1361.
Building and Legacy
As Archbishop, John of Thoresby was a notable patron of building works. He contributed a substantial sum of £1810 sterling towards the construction of a new choir at York Minster, a project known as the "novum opus chori," within which he was eventually buried. His archiepiscopate also saw individuals like Walter Skirlaugh and William of Wykeham serve under him, suggesting a potential influence on these prominent builders of the era. John of Thoresby died at Cawood, Yorkshire, on November 6, 1373.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What were John of Thoresby's political roles?
John of Thoresby served as Lord Chancellor of England under King Edward III starting from 1349. He also held the position of Lord Privy Seal from 1345 to 1347 and was a Warden of the Cinque Ports in 1355.
What were John of Thoresby's significant appointments in the church?
John of Thoresby was appointed Bishop of St. David's on May 23, 1347, and consecrated on September 23, 1347. He was later translated to become Bishop of Worcester on September 4, 1349, and finally became Archbishop of York on August 16, 1352.
What contributions did John of Thoresby make to York Minster?
Archbishop John of Thoresby undertook significant building work at York Minster. He contributed £1810 sterling towards building a new choir, which he was buried before.
Did John of Thoresby have any notable affiliations during his career?
John of Thoresby was the King's proctor in the Court of Rome for a period. He was also created a cardinal priest of S. Sabina on September 17, 1361.
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