Simon Sudbury
Simon Sudbury served as Bishop of London from 1361 to 1375 and Archbishop of Canterbury from 1375 until his death in 1381. He also held the position of Lord Chancellor of England in the final year of his life. Sudbury met a violent end during the Peasants' Revolt, becoming a symbol of the discontent that led to his beheading.
Key Facts
- ›Bishop of London from 1361 to 1375.
- ›Archbishop of Canterbury from 1375 until his death.
- ›Served as Lord Chancellor of England in 1380-1381.
- ›Crowned King Richard II in 1377.
- ›Killed violently during the Peasants' Revolt in 1381.
- ›His head was fixed to a pole on London Bridge after his execution.
- Served As Bishop of London.
- Served As Archbishop of Canterbury.
- Served As Lord Chancellor of England.
- Crowned Richard Ii.
- Founded A College In Sudbury With His Brother.
About Simon Sudbury
Simon Sudbury: Archbishop of Canterbury and Lord Chancellor
Simon Sudbury (c. 1316 – 14 June 1381) was a significant ecclesiastical and political figure in 14th-century England, holding the positions of Bishop of London, Archbishop of Canterbury, and Lord Chancellor of England. His life and career were marked by service to the Crown and the Church, culminating in a violent death during a period of social upheaval.
Early Life and Ecclesiastical Career
Born in Sudbury, Suffolk, Simon of Sudbury, as he became known, received his education at the University of Paris. He began his ecclesiastical service as a chaplain to Pope Innocent VI. His ascent in the Church was rapid; he was appointed Chancellor of Salisbury in 1361 and, in October of that same year, was provided by the Pope to the see of London. His consecration as Bishop of London took place on March 20, 1362. He also served Edward III as an ambassador and in other capacities.
Archbishop of Canterbury and Lord Chancellor
On May 4, 1375, Simon Sudbury succeeded William Whittlesey as Archbishop of Canterbury. During his tenure, he was a supporter of John of Gaunt. A notable event in his archiepiscopacy was the coronation of the new king, Richard II, at Westminster Abbey in July 1377, following the death of Edward III. He also presided over proceedings against John Wycliffe at Lambeth in 1378, though he acted under considerable pressure.
In January 1380, Sudbury was appointed Lord Chancellor of England. This role, combined with his involvement in introducing the unpopular third poll tax, made him a target of popular discontent. The insurgent peasants of the Peasants' Revolt regarded him as a principal architect of their grievances.
Death during the Peasants' Revolt
Simon Sudbury's life ended tragically on June 14, 1381, during the Peasants' Revolt. While saying Mass in St. John's Chapel, he was seized by rebels who had gained access to the Tower of London. He was dragged to Tower Hill and beheaded. Accounts describe the execution as brutal, with multiple blows required to sever his head. His body lay exposed, and his severed head was impaled on a pole and placed on London Bridge. His body was later interred in Canterbury Cathedral, and his head was eventually taken to Sudbury and is kept at St. Gregory's Church. He also co-founded a college in Sudbury and undertook building work at Canterbury.
Legacy and Commemoration
Sudbury's tomb in Canterbury Cathedral holds his remains, with a lead cannonball in place of his missing head. The tomb's original effigy was lost during the English Reformation, but the stone canopy survives. By tradition, the mayor of Canterbury annually places a wreath of red roses on his tomb on Christmas Day. His coat of arms featured a talbot hound sejeant within a bordure engrailed, a motif also adopted by the town of Sudbury in his honor.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Simon Sudbury live?
Simon Sudbury was born around 1316 and died on June 14, 1381. He was a prominent figure in the 14th century.
What were Simon Sudbury's most important roles?
Simon Sudbury served as the Bishop of London from 1361 to 1375 and then as the Archbishop of Canterbury from 1375 until his death. In his final year, he also held the significant position of Lord Chancellor of England.
How did Simon Sudbury die?
Simon Sudbury met a violent death during the Peasants' Revolt in 1381. He was dragged from the Tower of London and beheaded on Tower Hill due to his unpopularity, particularly his role in introducing the third poll tax.
Where is Simon Sudbury buried?
Simon Sudbury's body was taken to Canterbury Cathedral, where his tomb is located. His severed head was taken to Sudbury and is kept at St Gregory's Church.
What is known about Simon Sudbury's family and education?
Simon Sudbury was the son of Nigel Theobald and studied at the University of Paris. He had a brother named John of Chertsey.
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