William Langton
William Langton, also known as William of Rotherfield, was a medieval English priest and nephew of Archbishop Walter de Gray. He was twice elected to high ecclesiastical office, first as Archbishop of York and later as Bishop of Carlisle, but in both instances, his election was ultimately quashed or refused. Langton held significant positions such as Dean of York and Archdeacon of York during his career.
Key Facts
- ›Nephew of Archbishop Walter de Gray.
- ›Held the prebend of Strensall by June 1245.
- ›Named Archdeacon of York by September 1249.
- ›Named Dean of York by March 1262.
- ›Elected Archbishop of York in March 1265, but the election was quashed by the Pope in November 1265.
- ›Elected Bishop of Carlisle in December 1278 but refused the office.
Ecclesiastic
About William Langton
William Langton (died 1279)
William Langton, also identified as William of Rotherfield, was a significant medieval English priest and ecclesiastic who served in the 13th century. He was a nephew of Archbishop Walter de Gray, a figure of considerable influence in the English church.
Career and Offices
Langton held several important positions within the church hierarchy. He was the rector of Great Mitton in the West Riding of Yorkshire by April 1255. Prior to that, he held the prebend of Strensall by June 1245 and was named Archdeacon of York by September 1249. His most prominent roles were as Dean of York, a position he held by March 1262, and his two significant, though ultimately unfulfilled, elections to higher office.
Archdiocesan Aspirations
William Langton was elected to fill the role of Archbishop of York on March 12, 1265. However, this election was quashed by the Pope in November of the same year, meaning he never formally served as Archbishop. Later in his career, he was elected Bishop of Carlisle on December 13, 1278, but he refused this office as well.
Death and Burial
William Langton died on July 15, 1279. He was subsequently buried in the south transept of York Minster, a testament to his significant connection with the archdiocese.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was William Langton?
William Langton, also known as William of Rotherfield, was a medieval English priest and nephew of Archbishop Walter de Gray. He held several important positions within the church, including Dean of York.
What were William Langton's highest elected offices?
William Langton was elected to two of the highest ecclesiastical offices: Archbishop of York and Bishop of Carlisle. However, he never officially consecrated or took up the latter position.
What happened to William Langton's election as Archbishop of York?
William Langton was elected Archbishop of York on March 12, 1265. His election was subsequently quashed by the Pope in November of the same year.
Did William Langton become Bishop of Carlisle?
William Langton was elected Bishop of Carlisle on December 13, 1278. However, he refused to accept the office.
Where was William Langton buried?
William Langton died on July 15, 1279, and was buried in the south transept of York Minster.
Related Archbishops
Thomas of Corbridge
Thomas of Corbridge served as Archbishop of York from 1299 to 1304. Though elected by the chapter, his appointment was confirmed by Pope Boniface VIII. His tenure was marked by a commitment to visiting his diocese and a significant conflict with King Edward I, which some chroniclers believed contributed to his death.
Walter Giffard
Walter Giffard was an English churchman who served as Lord Chancellor of England and later as Archbishop of York. Born around 1225, he studied at Cambridge and Oxford before taking holy orders and rising through the ecclesiastical ranks. His significant secular role as Lord Chancellor was followed by his appointment to the Archbishopric of York, where he played a part in national governance.
John of Sittingbourne
John of Sittingbourne was the Archbishop of Canterbury-elect in 1232, having previously served as the prior of Christ Church Priory. His election to the archbishopric was short-lived, as he resigned the office at the papal court shortly after his election.