Thomas Arundel

Thomas Arundel, born Thomas Fitzalan in 1353, was a significant English clergyman and statesman who wielded considerable influence during the late 14th and early 15th centuries. He held the high offices of Lord Chancellor and served as Archbishop of York before becoming Archbishop of Canterbury. Arundel is particularly remembered for his staunch opposition to the Lollard movement and his pivotal role in the political upheavals that led to the deposition of King Richard II and the accession of Henry IV.

Life and Historical Context

A younger son of Richard Fitzalan, 3rd Earl of Arundel, Thomas Arundel's early career was marked by rapid advancement, partly due to his family's status. He studied at Oriel College, Oxford, before being provided as Bishop of Ely in 1373. His political involvement intensified when his elder brother, Richard Fitzalan, opposed Richard II's policies. Arundel found himself at the forefront of the Lords Appellant's efforts to control royal advisors between 1386 and 1388. He was elevated to Archbishop of York in 1388, a move that consolidated the conspirators' influence. He served as Lord Chancellor twice under Richard II, from 1386 to 1389 and again from 1391 to 1396.

Archbishop of Canterbury and Political Power

In 1396, Arundel was appointed Archbishop of Canterbury. However, within a year, he was exiled by Richard II. During his exile, he was translated by Pope Boniface IX to the Bishopric of St. Andrews, a move that proved ineffective due to the Western Schism. He later joined forces with Henry Bolingbroke, and together they invaded England, leading to Richard II's abdication and Henry Bolingbroke's ascension as Henry IV. Arundel played a prominent role in this usurpation. As Henry IV's health declined, Arundel returned to the forefront of government, even caring for the ailing king at Lambeth Palace. He also dealt with the crisis surrounding the execution of the Archbishop of York, Richard Scrope, in 1405–06. Under Henry IV, Arundel served as Lord Chancellor again from 1407 to 1410. His influence waned following the accession of Henry V.

Opposition to Lollardy

Arundel was a fervent opponent of the Lollards, followers of John Wycliffe. He was instrumental in the passage of the De heretico comburendo statute in 1401, which empowered bishops to arrest and hand over heretics to secular authorities for burning. This act was followed by the execution of William Sawtrey. In 1407, Arundel presided over a synod at Oxford that issued constitutions regulating preaching and the use of scripture. By 1410, measures taken by Oxford censors had led to Lollardy becoming primarily a lay movement, often linked with political dissent.

Death and Legacy

Thomas Arundel died on February 19, 1414, and was buried in Canterbury Cathedral. His tomb's remnants were discovered during archaeological excavations in the 1990s. In modern times, Arundel has been controversially named one of the "Ten Worst Britons" and accused by Terry Jones of being responsible for Geoffrey Chaucer's death.