William Chillenden
Canterbury·13th·England·Christ Church Priory, Canterbury
William Chillenden was an English monk who served as Prior of Christ Church Priory in Canterbury. He was elected as Archbishop of Canterbury in 1270 but his election was ultimately set aside by the pope.
Key Facts
- ›Was a monk at Christ Church Priory, Canterbury.
- ›Served as treasurer of Christ Church Priory before becoming Prior.
- ›Elected Prior of Christ Church in 1263 (or 1264).
- ›Elected Archbishop of Canterbury on September 9, 1270.
- ›His election as Archbishop was set aside by the pope in the summer of 1272.
- ›Died on September 13, 1274.
About William Chillenden
William Chillenden, who also went by the name Adam of Chillenden, was an English churchman notable for his tenure as Prior of Christ Church Priory in Canterbury and a brief, unconfirmed election as Archbishop of Canterbury. He was a monk within the priory and served as its treasurer before his elevation to Prior in either 1263 or 1264.
His significant ecclesiastical career reached a pivotal point when he was elected as the Archbishop of Canterbury on September 9, 1270. This selection, however, faced opposition from King Edward I, who favored his Chancellor, Robert Burnell, for the archiepiscopal see. The papal authorities intervened, and in the summer of 1272, Chillenden's election was annulled by the pope. Consequently, he never officially assumed the full authority of the Archbishopric, which included receiving the pallium, a symbol of metropolitan authority.
William Chillenden died on September 13, 1274, never having formally served as Archbishop of Canterbury. His life and career are primarily documented through his roles within Christ Church Priory and the circumstances surrounding his ultimately unsuccessful bid for the highest ecclesiastical office in England.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was William Chillenden?
William Chillenden, also known as Adam of Chillenden, was a monk at Christ Church Priory in Canterbury. He held positions as treasurer and later Prior of the priory before being elected Archbishop of Canterbury.
When was William Chillenden elected Archbishop of Canterbury?
William Chillenden was elected Archbishop of Canterbury on September 9, 1270. However, this election was not confirmed.
Why was William Chillenden's election as Archbishop not successful?
King Edward I had preferred his Chancellor, Robert Burnell, for the position. Ultimately, Pope Gregory X set aside Chillenden's election in the summer of 1272, and he never received the pallium.
When did William Chillenden die?
William Chillenden died on September 13, 1274.
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