Thomas Langton
Canterbury·15th century·England·Carmelite friars
Thomas Langton was an English prelate who served as chaplain to King Edward IV and held successively the bishoprics of St David's, Salisbury, and Winchester before being elected Archbishop of Canterbury. He was a significant benefactor to Queen's College, Oxford, and established a school for grammar and music during his time as Bishop of Winchester. Langton died shortly after his election as Archbishop, succumbing to the plague.
Key Facts
- ›Served as chaplain to King Edward IV and undertook diplomatic missions to France and Aragon.
- ›Held the bishoprics of St David's, Salisbury, and Winchester.
- ›Was a considerable benefactor to Queen's College, Oxford, building new rooms and enlarging lodgings.
- ›Established a school for grammar and music at Winchester.
- ›Elected Archbishop of Canterbury on January 22, 1501, but died of the plague five days later.
- ›Buried in a chapel he had built in Winchester Cathedral.
Chaplain To King Edward Iv, Bishop of St David's, Bishop of Salisbury, Bishop of Winchester, Benefactor To Queen's College, Oxford, Established A School In Winchester
About Thomas Langton
Thomas Langton: Archbishop-elect of Canterbury
Thomas Langton (died January 27, 1501) was a prominent English churchman and diplomat who rose through the ecclesiastical ranks to be elected Archbishop of Canterbury. His career spanned the reigns of Edward IV, Richard III, and Henry VII, during which he served as chaplain to King Edward IV and undertook significant diplomatic missions.
Life and Background
Born in Appleby-in-Westmorland, Langton received his early education from the Carmelite friars. He pursued higher education at Queen's College, Oxford, and later Cambridge, where he earned degrees in canon law and became a fellow of Pembroke Hall. After leaving the university, he became chaplain to King Edward IV, earning the king's trust and being dispatched on important embassies to France and Aragon.
Ecclesiastical Career
Langton received numerous ecclesiastical appointments throughout his career. He served as treasurer of Exeter, prebendary of St. Decuman's, and master of St. Julian's Hospital. He was advanced to the bishopric of St. David's in 1483, likely through the favour of King Edward V. Following the deposition of Edward V, Langton continued his rise under Richard III, who translated him to the bishopric of Salisbury in 1485. In 1493, King Henry VII transferred him to the more prestigious see of Winchester.
Contributions and Legacy
During his seven years as Bishop of Winchester, Langton established a school within the palace precincts to train youths in grammar and music, demonstrating his personal interest in the arts and education. He was also a considerable benefactor to Queen's College, Oxford, where he funded the construction of new rooms and enlarged the provost's lodgings. Langton's final appointment was as Archbishop of Canterbury, to which he was elected on January 22, 1501. Tragically, he died of the plague just five days later, on January 27, 1501, before his election could be confirmed. He was interred in a chapel he had commissioned in Winchester Cathedral.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Thomas Langton's role before becoming Archbishop of Canterbury?
Before his election as Archbishop, Thomas Langton served as chaplain to King Edward IV. He also held various significant ecclesiastical positions, including Bishop of St David's, Bishop of Salisbury, and Bishop of Winchester.
Where was Thomas Langton educated?
Thomas Langton was educated by the Carmelite friars in Appleby-in-Westmorland. He matriculated at Queen's College, Oxford, and later moved to Cambridge, possibly to Clare Hall, where he was elected fellow of Pembroke Hall and served as proctor.
What were some of Thomas Langton's diplomatic activities?
As king's chaplain, Thomas Langton was sent on various important embassies. He acted as ambassador to France and was sent to treat with Ferdinand II, king of Aragon. He also visited France on diplomatic business to conclude espousals for Edward's daughter Elizabeth.
What contributions did Thomas Langton make to Queen's College, Oxford?
Thomas Langton was elected provost of Queen's College, Oxford, and was a considerable benefactor to the college. He funded the construction of some new sets of rooms and enlarged the provost's lodgings.
What happened to Thomas Langton shortly after his election as Archbishop of Canterbury?
Thomas Langton was elected Archbishop of Canterbury on January 22, 1501. However, he died of the plague just five days later, on January 27, 1501, before the confirmation of his election could take place.
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