Richard le Grant
Canterbury·13th·England·Lincoln (Chancellor), Canterbury (Archbishop)
Richard le Grant served as Archbishop of Canterbury from 1229 to 1231. A distinguished writer and teacher from Nazeing, Essex, he was nominated by King Henry III in opposition to another candidate. During his brief tenure, he attempted clerical reforms and objected to royal tax demands but died while traveling to Rome for papal aid.
Key Facts
- ›Archbishop of Canterbury from 1229 to 1231.
- ›Native of Nazeing, Essex.
- ›Previously served as Chancellor of Lincoln.
- ›Appointed by Pope Gregory IX.
- ›Died in Italy on his return journey from Rome.
- ›Buried in San Gemini, Umbria.
- Attempted Reforms In the Clergy Over Pluralism.
- Attempted To Limit Clergy Employment In Royal Government.
About Richard le Grant
Richard le Grant: Archbishop of Canterbury (1229-1231)
Richard le Grant was the Archbishop of Canterbury for a brief period between 1229 and 1231. A native of Nazeing, Essex, he was also recognized as a distinguished writer and teacher. Before his elevation to archbishop, Grant held the position of chancellor of the see of Lincoln.
Life and Historical Context
Henry III nominated Richard le Grant to the archbishopric of Canterbury in 1229, a nomination that was made in opposition to Walter d'Eynsham. Pope Gregory IX officially provided Grant to the see on January 19, 1229. He was consecrated on June 10, 1229. Recommendations for his appointment came from Alexander de Stavenby, Bishop of Coventry, and Henry Sandford, Bishop of Rochester, who wrote to the Pope on his behalf. Grant received the temporalities of the see likely on March 24, 1231. During his tenure, on January 26, 1231, Grant, along with other bishops, opposed Henry III's demand for a second scutage payment. He also found himself in conflict with Hubert de Burgh, the Justiciar, over the wardship of the de Clare estates at Towbridge, a dispute that King Henry III ultimately ruled in favor of his justiciar.
Major Contributions and Endeavors
Archbishop Richard le Grant sought to implement reforms within the clergy, focusing on the issues of pluralism (holding multiple church offices) and the involvement of clergy in royal government. To gain support for these aims, he journeyed to Rome to enlist the papacy's aid. Despite receiving a favorable reception at the Curia, his life was cut short.
Death and Burial
Richard le Grant died on August 3, 1231, in Italy while on his return journey to England. He was subsequently buried in San Gemini, in the region of Umbria.
Possible Identification
There has been speculation that Richard le Grant might be the same individual as Richard of Wetheringsett. Richard of Wetheringsett is known as the earliest chancellor of the University of Cambridge, serving between 1215 and 1232, and is also credited as the author of the summa "Qui bene presunt."
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Richard le Grant Archbishop of Canterbury?
Richard le Grant served as Archbishop of Canterbury from 1229 to 1231.
Where was Richard le Grant from?
Richard le Grant was a native of Nazeing, Essex.
What was Richard le Grant's role before becoming Archbishop?
Before becoming Archbishop of Canterbury, Richard le Grant was the chancellor of the see of Lincoln.
What significant actions did Richard le Grant take as Archbishop?
As Archbishop, Richard le Grant attempted to implement reforms in the clergy regarding pluralism and their employment in royal government. He also objected to King Henry III's demand for a second scutage payment.
Where did Richard le Grant die and where is he buried?
Richard le Grant died on his return journey from Rome to England on August 3, 1231, in Italy. He was buried in San Gemini in Umbria.
Related Archbishops
John of Sittingbourne
John of Sittingbourne was the Archbishop of Canterbury-elect in 1232, having previously served as the prior of Christ Church Priory. His election to the archbishopric was short-lived, as he resigned the office at the papal court shortly after his election.
William Chillenden
William Chillenden was an English monk who served as Prior of Christ Church Priory in Canterbury. He was elected as Archbishop of Canterbury in 1270 but his election was ultimately set aside by the pope.
Thomas of Corbridge
Thomas of Corbridge served as Archbishop of York from 1299 to 1304. Though elected by the chapter, his appointment was confirmed by Pope Boniface VIII. His tenure was marked by a commitment to visiting his diocese and a significant conflict with King Edward I, which some chroniclers believed contributed to his death.