Simon Islip
Simon Islip was an English prelate who served as the Archbishop of Canterbury from 1349 until his death in 1366. Educated at Oxford, he was a distinguished ecclesiastical lawyer and held various significant positions before his elevation to archbishop. During his tenure, he navigated the challenges of the Black Death, regulating clerical stipends and settling disputes with the Archbishop of York.
Key Facts
- ›Served as Archbishop of Canterbury from 1349 to 1366.
- ›Educated at the University of Oxford, earning a doctorate in canon and CIVIL law.
- ›Held positions including Archdeacon of Stow, Archdeacon of Canterbury, and Dean of Arches.
- ›Appointed keeper of the Privy Seal in 1347, enjoying the trust of Edward III.
- ›Regulated clerical stipends during the Black Death and settled a dispute with the Archbishop of York.
- ›Died on April 26, 1366, after being incapacitated by a stroke.
- Regulated Clerical Stipends During the Black Death
- Settled A Dispute With the Archbishop of York Regarding the Carrying of the Episcopal Cross
- Received Extensive Powers From Edward Iii During the King's Absence In France
About Simon Islip
Simon Islip (Archbishop of Canterbury)
Simon Islip was an English prelate who served as the Archbishop of Canterbury from 1349 until his death in 1366. He was recognized as an outstanding ecclesiastical lawyer of his time, having been educated at the University of Oxford where he obtained a doctorate in canon and civil law.
Early Life and Education
Islip hailed from Islip, Oxfordshire, the same village from which his cousin, Walter de Islip, Chief Baron of the Irish Exchequer, took his surname. Simon was educated at the University of Oxford and became a fellow of Merton College in 1307. His academic achievements established him as a prominent legal mind within the Church.
Career Before Archbishophood
Prior to his elevation to Canterbury, Islip held several significant ecclesiastical offices. He served as rector of Easton and St. Mary's Church, Horncastle, and became the Archdeacon of Stow in 1332. He also held important prebendaries, including the Prebendal of Aylesbury at Lincoln Cathedral, and acted as Vicar-General of the Diocese of Lincoln. He was appointed Archdeacon of Canterbury in 1343 and subsequently became Dean of Arches.
Lord Privy Seal
In 1347, Islip was appointed keeper of the Privy Seal. He held the trust of King Edward III, who delegated considerable political and diplomatic responsibilities to him during the King's absences in France. Despite his loyalty, Islip was prepared to challenge the King on matters concerning the Church, notably opposing a royal demand for a tenth of ecclesiastical income.
Archbishop of Canterbury
Elected to the see of Canterbury on September 20, 1349, Islip's tenure coincided with the devastating outbreaks of the Black Death. His primary concerns included regulating clerical stipends, as the reduced number of clergy led to increased fees. His frugal nature and his efforts towards strict economy earned him a reputation for meanness. A notable achievement during his archbishophood was settling a long-standing dispute with the Archbishop of York regarding the right to carry the episcopal cross in the Canterbury province.
Death and Legacy
Simon Islip died on April 26, 1366, at Mayfield, Sussex. For the last three years of his life, he was incapacitated by a stroke that affected his speech. He left bequests for the monks of Canterbury and for the establishment of a new college at Oxford, though this institution was later absorbed into Christ Church, Oxford.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Simon Islip serve as Archbishop of Canterbury?
Simon Islip served as Archbishop of Canterbury from September 20, 1349, until his death on April 26, 1366.
What was Simon Islip's background before becoming Archbishop?
Simon Islip was an accomplished ecclesiastical lawyer, educated at the University of Oxford where he earned a doctorate. He held positions such as Archdeacon of Stow and Dean of Arches, and served as keeper of the Privy Seal.
What challenges did Simon Islip face during his tenure as Archbishop?
As Archbishop during the first two outbreaks of the Black Death, Islip focused on regulating clerical stipends due to the reduced number of clerics. He also successfully settled a long-standing dispute with the Archbishop of York.
Where was Simon Islip educated and from where did he take his surname?
Simon Islip was educated at the University of Oxford. He and his cousin, Walter de Islip, took their surname from their native village of Islip, Oxfordshire.
What was Simon Islip's relationship with King Edward III?
Simon Islip enjoyed the trust and confidence of Edward III, who relied on him for political and diplomatic matters, granting him extensive powers. However, Islip did not hesitate to oppose the King when the affairs of the Church were concerned.
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