Richard Fleming

Richard Fleming: Bishop of Lincoln and Founder of Lincoln College

Richard Fleming (c. 1385 – 25 or 26 January 1431) was an English bishop who held the significant position of Bishop of Lincoln. He is primarily remembered as the founder of Lincoln College, Oxford, an institution established with the specific aim of training theologians to counter the teachings of John Wyclif.

Life and Historical Context

Born into a gentry family in Crofton, Yorkshire, Fleming received his education at University College, Oxford. His early career involved academic and ecclesiastical roles, including serving as a prebendary of York and junior proctor of the university. He was involved in the examination of John Wyclif's writings, a controversial period in English religious history. Despite facing censure from Archbishop Arundel for alleged support of Wycliffite errors, Fleming was later exonerated or renounced them and continued his work.

Fleming attended the Council of Constance, where he delivered sermons advocating for clerical reform. His efforts in ecclesiastical service led to his nomination to the see of Lincoln by papal provision in 1419, with his consecration occurring in Florence in 1420. He also attended the Council of Pavia and Siena, where he reportedly delivered a notable speech in defense of the English "nation" and papal authority.

Major Contributions

The most enduring legacy of Richard Fleming is the founding of Lincoln College, Oxford, in 1427. The college was intended to be a bastion against Wycliffite heresy. Although the college was not fully established at the time of his death, his manuscript books formed the core of its library.

Death

Richard Fleming died in Sleaford, Lincolnshire, in January 1431. His death occurred before his ambitious plans for Lincoln College were fully realized, but the institution ultimately went on to secure its future.