John Piers

John Piers (1522/3–1594)

John Piers, also recorded as Peirse, was an English prelate who served as the Archbishop of York from 1589 to 1594. His ecclesiastical career saw him hold significant positions, including Bishop of Rochester and Bishop of Salisbury, before his final appointment to the northern primacy. Born in South Hinksey, near Oxford, Piers received his education at Magdalen College, Oxford, where he pursued his studies and held various academic posts, including demy, fellow, and later Master of Balliol College.

Life and Career

Piers's early life was rooted in academic pursuits at Oxford. He was instituted to the rectory of Quainton in 1558 and later served as rector of Langdon in Essex. His career advanced steadily, leading to his appointment as Dean of Chester in 1567 and then Dean of Salisbury in 1571. In Salisbury, he was instrumental in aligning the cathedral's practices with the Reformation under royal command. He was consecrated Bishop of Rochester on April 15, 1576, and subsequently translated to the See of Salisbury in November 1577. Queen Elizabeth I also appointed him Lord High Almoner in 1576.

Royal Service and Later Years

In his capacity as Lord High Almoner, Piers engaged in matters of state, including a dispute over deodands with the Earl of Shrewsbury. He was entrusted by the Queen in 1583 to convey a message to Archbishop Grindal regarding his resignation. Piers also provided counsel to Elizabeth on matters of foreign policy, notably regarding assistance to the Low Countries. He was involved in ecclesiastical proceedings against those accused of Presbyterian leanings. Following the defeat of the Spanish Armada, he was chosen to preach at the thanksgiving service at St. Paul's Cathedral in November 1588. His translation to the Archbishopric of York in 1589 marked the culmination of his ecclesiastical career. John Piers died at Bishopthorpe on September 28, 1594, at the age of 71. He was unmarried and buried at York Minster with a substantial epitaph.