William Edington
Winchester·14th century·England·Augustinian (for the priory)
William Edington was an English bishop and administrator who served as Bishop of Winchester from 1346 until his death in 1366. He held significant royal positions, including Keeper of the wardrobe, Treasurer, and Chancellor, implementing financial reforms that aided English military efficiency during the Hundred Years' War. As Bishop, he initiated extensive rebuilding of Winchester Cathedral and founded Edington Priory.
Key Facts
- ›Served as Bishop of Winchester from 1346 to 1366.
- ›Held key administrative roles: Keeper of the wardrobe (1341-1344), Treasurer (1344-1356), and Chancellor (1356-1363).
- ›Implemented reforms of royal finances that contributed to English military efficiency in the Hundred Years' War.
- ›Began extensive rebuilding of Winchester Cathedral.
- ›Founded Edington Priory in his birthplace.
- ›Was the first Prelate of the Order of the Garter in 1348.
Reforms of Royal Finances, Extensive Rebuilding of Winchester Cathedral, Founding of Edington Priory, First Prelate of the Order of the Garter
About William Edington
William Edington: Bishop and Administrator
William Edington (died 1366) was a prominent English bishop and administrator who served as Bishop of Winchester from 1346 until his death. His career was marked by significant contributions to both royal administration and ecclesiastical affairs.
Royal Service and Financial Reforms
Edington's abilities were recognized by King Edward III, leading to his appointment as Keeper of the wardrobe (1341–1344), Treasurer of the realm (1344–1356), and finally Chancellor (1356–1363). During his tenure as Treasurer, the realm faced serious financial difficulties due to the demands of the Hundred Years' War. Edington implemented crucial reforms to royal finances, bringing expenditures under the oversight of the exchequer. These administrative improvements are credited with contributing to the English military efficiency during the early stages of the conflict.
Ecclesiastical Career and Building Projects
As Bishop of Winchester, Edington initiated a significant rebuilding program for Winchester Cathedral. He also founded an Augustinian priory at his birthplace in Edington, Wiltshire, in 1351, for prayers for his family. The church of this priory remains today as an example of transitional architectural style. In 1348, Edington became the first Prelate of the newly founded Order of the Garter, an office that has been held by his successors as Bishops of Winchester ever since.
Decline and Legacy
In his final years, Edington was offered the position of Archbishop of Canterbury in 1366 but declined, citing declining health and preferring the greater income of his See of Winchester. He died on October 6 or 7, 1366, and is buried in Winchester Cathedral, where he commissioned a chantry chapel in the nave.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What were William Edington's main roles in royal service?
William Edington served as Keeper of the wardrobe from 1341 to 1344, then as Treasurer of the realm from 1344 to 1356. He concluded his royal service as Chancellor from 1356 until his retirement in 1363.
What was the significance of William Edington's financial reforms?
Edington's reforms of royal finances had wide-ranging consequences and contributed to the English military efficiency in the early stages of the Hundred Years' War. He aimed to bring all royal expenditure under the oversight of the exchequer by budgeting revenues and expenses.
What architectural contributions did William Edington make?
As Bishop of Winchester, William Edington was responsible for starting an extensive rebuilding of Winchester Cathedral, particularly the nave. He also founded Edington Priory, the church of which still stands today and is noted as a good example of transitional church-building style.
Why did William Edington decline the offer to become Archbishop of Canterbury?
In May 1366, King Edward III had Edington elected Archbishop of Canterbury, but Edington declined. He cited failing health as a reason, but also famously stated that 'Canterbury is the higher Rack, but Winchester is the better Manger,' indicating the richer income of Winchester compared to the higher honor of Canterbury.
Where is William Edington buried?
William Edington died on 6 or 7 October 1366. He is buried in Winchester Cathedral, where his effigy can be seen in the chantry chapel he had built in the nave.
Related Archbishops
William Thomson
Sir William Thomson was a 19th/20th century Scottish mathematician and physicist who became a prominent university administrator in South Africa. He held significant positions at several South African universities and was knighted for his contributions to university education.
Richard Fleming
Richard Fleming was a medieval English bishop who served as Bishop of Lincoln and was the founder of Lincoln College, Oxford. He was educated at Oxford University and played a role in examining the writings of John Wyclif. Fleming was instrumental in advocating for clerical reform and was nominated to the see of Lincoln by papal provision.
Simon Sudbury
Simon Sudbury served as Bishop of London from 1361 to 1375 and Archbishop of Canterbury from 1375 until his death in 1381. He also held the position of Lord Chancellor of England in the final year of his life. Sudbury met a violent end during the Peasants' Revolt, becoming a symbol of the discontent that led to his beheading.