Roger Walden
Roger Walden was an English treasurer and Bishop of London who also briefly served as Archbishop of Canterbury. Little is known of his early life, but he held various ecclesiastical and governmental positions, including Treasurer of Calais and Treasurer of England, before his elevation to Canterbury under Richard II. His tenure as Archbishop was short-lived, as he was replaced upon Henry IV's accession.
Key Facts
- ›Served as rector of St Helier in Jersey from 1371 to 1378.
- ›Became Archdeacon of Winchester in 1387.
- ›Appointed Treasurer of Calais in 1387 and Treasurer of England in 1395.
- ›Chosen as Archbishop of Canterbury on November 8, 1397.
- ›Lost the Archbishopric of Canterbury in 1399 and was restored to Thomas Arundel.
- ›Elected Bishop of London on December 10, 1405.
Treasurer of Calais, Treasurer of England, Archbishop of Canterbury, Bishop of London
About Roger Walden
Roger Walden (died 1406) was an English ecclesiastical figure who held significant governmental and religious offices, most notably serving briefly as Archbishop of Canterbury and later as Bishop of London.
Life and Historical Context
Little is known about Roger Walden's birth or early years. His career shows a mix of ecclesiastical and administrative roles. He was the rector of the Parish Church of St Helier in Jersey from 1371 to 1378. Following this, he held livings in Yorkshire and Leicestershire before becoming the Archdeacon of Winchester in 1387. In the same year, he was appointed Treasurer of Calais and held other positions in that locality.
Walden served Richard II as his secretary and in 1395 became the treasurer of England, also acquiring the deanery of York. His most prominent ecclesiastical appointment was on November 8, 1397, when he was chosen as Archbishop of Canterbury, succeeding Thomas Arundel who had been banished. However, his tenure as Archbishop was short-lived. With the accession of King Henry IV, Arundel was restored to his position in 1399, leading to Walden's loss of the Archbishopric. After a brief imprisonment, he retired, describing himself as "in the dust and under feet of men."
Later Life and Death
On December 10, 1405, through the influence of Thomas Arundel, Roger Walden was elected Bishop of London. He died at Much Hadham in Hertfordshire on January 6, 1406, and was buried in St. Paul's Cathedral. An "Historia Mundi" manuscript is sometimes attributed to him, but it is believed to have been written by an earlier author.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Roger Walden?
Roger Walden was an English cleric who served as Treasurer of Calais, Treasurer of England, Archbishop of Canterbury, and Bishop of London. He died in 1406.
When was Roger Walden Archbishop of Canterbury?
Roger Walden was chosen as Archbishop of Canterbury on November 8, 1397. He lost this position in 1399 when Thomas Arundel was restored.
What other positions did Roger Walden hold?
Before becoming Archbishop, Walden held positions such as rector of St Helier, Archdeacon of Winchester, Treasurer of Calais, and Treasurer of England. He later became Bishop of London.
Where did Roger Walden die?
Roger Walden died at Much Hadham in Hertfordshire on January 6, 1406. He was buried in St. Paul's Cathedral.
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