Sewal de Bovil
Sewal de Bovil was a medieval Archbishop of York who served for two years before his death in 1258. Despite being illegitimate, he received a papal dispensation to hold the office. His tenure was marked by a dispute with the papacy over the deanery of York, which led to his temporary excommunication.
Key Facts
- ›Attended Oxford University around the same time as Edmund of Abingdon.
- ›Held positions as canon, prebendary of Fenton, Archdeacon of York, and Dean of York.
- ›Received a papal dispensation to become archbishop due to being illegitimate.
- ›Appointed Archbishop of York in 1255 and consecrated in 1256.
- ›Was excommunicated by Pope Alexander IV in 1257 over a dispute regarding the deanery of York.
- ›Appointed to a commission to mediate between King Alexander III of Scotland and Scottish nobles in 1257.
- Secured A Papal Dispensation To Become Archbishop Despite Illegitimacy.
- Mediated Between King Alexander Iii of Scotland and Scottish Nobles.
About Sewal de Bovil
Sewal de Bovil was a medieval Archbishop of York who served from 1256 until his death in 1258. Little is known about his origins or family, but he was a contemporary and friend of Edmund of Abingdon at Oxford University. Bovil's career progressed through various ecclesiastical roles, including canon of York Minster, prebendary of Fenton, Archdeacon of York, and Dean of York. He earned a doctor of theology degree by 1244.
Life and Ministry
Bovil's path to becoming Archbishop of York was notable due to his illegitimacy, for which he obtained a papal dispensation on March 11, 1256. He was selected as archbishop around October 1, 1255, and consecrated on July 23, 1256, by Walter de Cantilupe, Bishop of Worcester. His tenure was marked by a significant dispute with Pope Alexander IV concerning the appointment of Jordan, an Italian, to the deanery of York. This conflict resulted in Bovil's excommunication in 1257, though he was later absolved after a compromise was reached, and Godfrey Ludham was promoted to the deanery.
In addition to his archiepiscopal duties, Bovil was appointed in July 1257 to a commission tasked with mediating between King Alexander III of Scotland and the Scottish nobility. He died on May 10, 1258, and was buried in York Minster. The chronicler Matthew Paris described him as "a humble and holy man well skilled in law and other sciences."
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Sewal de Bovil serve as Archbishop of York?
Sewal de Bovil served as Archbishop of York for two years, from his consecration on July 23, 1256, until his death on May 10, 1258.
What was notable about Sewal de Bovil's eligibility for archbishop?
Sewal de Bovil received a papal dispensation to become archbishop because he was illegitimate. This occurred on March 11, 1256, before his consecration.
What conflict did Sewal de Bovil have with the Pope?
Sewal de Bovil objected to Pope Alexander IV appointing an Italian named Jordan to the deanery of York after Bovil became archbishop. This led to Bovil being excommunicated in 1257 until a compromise was reached.
What were Sewal de Bovil's earlier career positions?
Before becoming archbishop, Sewal de Bovil was a canon of York Minster, held the prebend of Fenton, served as Archdeacon of York, and was the Dean of York. He earned a doctor of theology title by 1244.
Where was Sewal de Bovil educated and buried?
Sewal de Bovil attended Oxford University. He died on May 10, 1258, and was buried in York Minster.
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