William de Wickwane
York·13th century·University (implied)
William de Wickwane was the Archbishop of York from 1279 to 1285. His tenure was marked by a revival of the ancient dispute over the primatial cross with Canterbury and a significant conflict with the Cathedral Chapter of Durham, which led to excommunication and an interdict.
Key Facts
- ›Served as Archbishop of York from 1279 to 1285.
- ›Revived the centuries-old controversy regarding the primatial cross with Canterbury.
- ›Excommunicated the Cathedral Chapter of Durham and the Bishop of Durham in 1281.
- ›Placed the entire diocese of Durham under interdict in 1281.
- ›Died in 1285 at Pontigny Abbey in Burgundy while en route to the papal curia.
- Attempted To Reform Liturgical Practices and Address Clergy Concubinage In the Diocese of York.
About William de Wickwane
William de Wickwane served as the Archbishop of York from 1279 to 1285. While much of his personal background, including his place of education, remains unknown, his title of 'magister' suggests he likely had a university education.
Life and Ministry
Wickwane held prebendal benefices in Yorkshire, including North Newald by 1265 and the prebend of Ripon. He was elected Archbishop of York on June 22, 1279, and was consecrated by Pope Nicholas III at Viterbo on September 17, 1279. Upon his return to England, he reignited a long-standing conflict with Canterbury by having his primatial cross carried before him through the latter's see. He was formally enthroned at York Minster on Christmas Day 1279, a period marked by his dispute with Archbishop John Peckham of Canterbury over this matter.
In 1281, Wickwane's attempt to conduct an archiepiscopal visitation of Durham Cathedral was met with forceful resistance from the cathedral chapter. In response, he excommunicated the chapter and Robert of Holy Island, the Bishop of Durham, and placed the entire diocese of Durham under interdict. This dispute endured for six years before being resolved by compromise, following appeals to Rome.
Wickwane also engaged with the clergy regarding liturgical standards and discipline, notably writing to Bogo de Clare about the condition of vestments and other items in York Minster. He also sought to prevent clergy who kept concubines from performing their clerical duties within the Diocese of York.
Death
William de Wickwane died on August 26 or 27, 1285, at Pontigny Abbey in Burgundy. He was en route to the papal curia to present his case against the monks of Durham. He was buried at the Cistercian abbey in Pontigny.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was William de Wickwane Archbishop of York?
William de Wickwane served as the Archbishop of York from 1279 until his death in 1285.
What was the primary controversy during William de Wickwane's tenure?
A significant controversy involved William de Wickwane reviving the ancient dispute over the carrying of the primatial cross with the Archbishop of Canterbury.
What conflict did William de Wickwane have with the Diocese of Durham?
In 1281, Wickwane attempted to conduct an archiepiscopal visitation of Durham Cathedral but was forcibly prevented by the chapter. He responded by excommunicating the chapter and the Bishop of Durham, and placing the diocese under interdict.
When and where did William de Wickwane die?
William de Wickwane died on August 26 or 27, 1285, at Pontigny Abbey in Burgundy.
What was William de Wickwane's background?
His specific background and place of education are unknown, but he was referred to as 'magister', suggesting he likely attended a university.
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