Simon Langham

Simon Langham: Archbishop of Canterbury and Cardinal

Simon Langham (c. 1310 – 22 July 1376) was a prominent English clergyman who held significant positions within both the church and the government of England, including serving as Archbishop of Canterbury and later being elevated to the rank of cardinal.

Life and Historical Context

Born at Langham in Rutland, Langham became a monk in the Benedictine Abbey of St Peter at Westminster. His early career saw him rise through the ranks of the abbey, becoming prior and then abbot. He was the son of Thomas Langham, who was buried in the abbey.

Langham's influence in secular affairs grew when he was appointed Treasurer of England in November 1360. He subsequently became Bishop of Ely on 10 January 1362, with his consecration taking place on 20 March 1362. During his tenure as Bishop of Ely, he was a notable benefactor to Peterhouse, Cambridge, donating the rectory of Cherry Hinton. He resigned the treasurership before February 1363 and was appointed Chancellor of England on 21 February 1363.

Archbishop of Canterbury

Simon Langham was chosen as Archbishop of Canterbury on 24 July 1366. A significant event during his primacy was his decision in 1366 to expel the secular clergy from Canterbury College, Oxford, and replace them with monks or friars. This action is notable as the expelled head of the seculars was John de Wiclif, who is identified with the reformer John Wycliffe. This incident reflected the ongoing tensions between monastic and secular clergy at Oxford University.

Despite his earlier involvement in anti-papal measures, Langham was made a cardinal of San Sisto Vecchio by Pope Urban V in 1368. This appointment led to a loss of favour with King Edward III, and two months later, Langham resigned his archbishopric and moved to Avignon. He had already resigned the chancellorship on 18 July 1367, though he was later permitted to hold less prominent positions in England.

Death and Legacy

In 1374, Langham was elected Archbishop of Canterbury for a second time, but he withdrew his claim. He died in Avignon on 22 July 1376 and was initially buried there. His remains were moved to Westminster Abbey in 1379.

Langham's tomb, located in the chapel of St Benedict within Westminster Abbey, is a significant work by Henry Yevele and Stephen Lote, dating from 1389-1395, and is recognized as the oldest monument to an ecclesiastic in the Abbey. He bequeathed the residue of his substantial estate and his extensive library to Westminster Abbey. His generosity led to him being referred to as the Abbey's second founder, with his bequest contributing to the construction of the western section of the nave. The books he donated are documented in 'The Manuscripts of Westminster Abbey' (1909) by J. A. Robinson and M. R. James.