Thomas Rotherham
Thomas Rotherham was an English cleric and statesman who served as Archbishop of York and twice as Lord Chancellor. Born in Rotherham, Yorkshire, he was educated at Eton College and King's College, Cambridge, before holding several episcopal appointments. He is remembered for his involvement in political intrigue during the reign of Edward IV and for his significant endowments, including the founding of the College of Jesus in Rotherham.
Key Facts
- ›Served as Archbishop of York from 1480 to 1500.
- ›Appointed Lord Chancellor of England on two occasions.
- ›Founded the College of Jesus in Rotherham, which served as a precursor to Rotherham Grammar School.
- ›Educated at Eton College and King's College, Cambridge.
- ›Involved in political events surrounding the death of Edward IV and the accession of Richard III.
- ›Died of the plague in 1500.
- Archbishop of York
- Lord Chancellor
- Bishop of Rochester
- Bishop of Lincoln
- Keeper of the Privy Seal
- Endowed Chapel of Jesus and College of Jesus In Rotherham
- Helped Build University Library At Cambridge
- Built Part of Lincoln College, Oxford and Increased Its Endowment
About Thomas Rotherham
Thomas Rotherham: Archbishop and Statesman
Thomas Rotherham (24 August 1423 – 29 May 1500) was a prominent English cleric and statesman, best known for his service as Archbishop of York and his two terms as Lord Chancellor of England. Born in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, he is a venerable figure in his hometown.
Life and Historical Context
Rotherham received his early education from a grammar teacher before attending the newly founded Eton College to prepare for university. He continued his studies at King's College, Cambridge, where he earned a Bachelor of Divinity and became a Fellow, lecturing on Grammar, Theology, and Philosophy. His ecclesiastical career progressed with appointments as prebendary of Lincoln and Salisbury, followed by episcopal roles as Bishop of Rochester (1468) and Bishop of Lincoln (1472).
His political career saw him appointed Keeper of the Privy Seal in 1467 by King Edward IV. He served as an ambassador to France and Burgundy and was entrusted with the office of Lord Chancellor in 1475. Rotherham also owned Barnes Hall in South Yorkshire between 1477 and his death.
During the turbulent period following Edward IV's death in April 1483, Rotherham became involved in political intrigue. He sided with dowager queen Elizabeth Woodville against Richard, Duke of Gloucester, and his actions regarding the Great Seal led to his dismissal as Lord Chancellor. He was briefly imprisoned in the Tower of London in June 1483 on suspicion of conspiracy but was released by mid-July.
Major Contributions
Thomas Rotherham made significant contributions through his endowments. He helped fund parts of Lincoln College, Oxford, and increased its endowment. At Cambridge, where he served as Chancellor four times and Master of Pembroke Hall, he assisted in the construction of the University Library. His most notable foundation was the College of Jesus in Rotherham, established in 1482 in memory of his first teacher. This college, intended to educate boys in grammar and music, served as a precursor to the Rotherham Grammar School, which continued the tradition of teaching grammar and adopted Rotherham's armorial bearings.
Death and Legacy
Thomas Rotherham died of the plague in Cawood, near York, on 29 May 1500. His remains were interred in a marble tomb in York Minster in 1506. The College of Jesus he founded was dissolved around 1550, but the educational mission it represented continued, with the Rotherham Grammar School and its successor, Thomas Rotherham College, carrying on his legacy.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Thomas Rotherham born and where?
Thomas Rotherham was born on 24 August 1423 in Rotherham, Yorkshire. He is considered a venerable figure in his town of birth.
What were Thomas Rotherham's most significant roles?
Thomas Rotherham served as Archbishop of York and was appointed Lord Chancellor of England on two occasions. He also held the positions of Bishop of Rochester and Bishop of Lincoln.
What educational institutions did Thomas Rotherham attend?
He was educated by a grammar teacher and later attended the newly founded Eton College. He continued his studies at King's College, Cambridge, where he graduated as a Bachelor of Divinity.
What notable endowments did Thomas Rotherham make?
Rotherham endowed a Chapel of Jesus within Rotherham parish church and founded the College of Jesus in Rotherham as a memorial to his first teacher. He also contributed to Lincoln College, Oxford, and the University Library at Cambridge.
How did Thomas Rotherham's career end?
After being reappointed Lord Chancellor in 1485, he was dismissed by Henry VII and subsequently retired from most public work. He died of the plague in 1500.
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