A catalogue of the bishops of England, since the first planting of Christian religion in this island together with a briefe history of their liues and memorable actions, so neere as can be gathered out of antiquity. By F.G. subdeane of Exceter.

49. Henry Bowett.

THe space of two yéeres and a halfe the Sée was 〈◊〉〈◊〉 [ 1406] after the death of Richard Scroope: the pope had 〈◊〉〈◊〉 placed in the same Robert Halam Chauncellor of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of Oxford. But vnderstanding that the king was greatly displeased therewith, he was content (according to the kings desire) to gratifie Henry Bowet then Bishop of Bath with this preferment, and made Halam Bishop of Sa∣lisbury. This Henry Bowet was a doctor of Law, and first 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Cannon of Wels, had trauailed much in Fraunce & Italy, and was preferred to Bath also at first by the king who fa∣uored him much. He was consecrated to that Church No∣uember 16. 1401. and translated to Yorke December 1. 1406. About the yéere 1403. he was Treasurer of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the space of one yéere. He continued Archbishop almost 17. yéeres; in which time, viz. the yéere 1417. it hapned that 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Henry the 5. being absent & 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in the conquest of 〈◊〉〈◊〉,

the Scots came with a great power into the Realme and be∣sieged Barwicke and the castle of 〈◊〉〈◊〉. This Bi∣shop was then a very aged man, and so impotent, as he was able neither to goe nor ride; yet would he néeds accompanie his countrimen that went against the Scots, and caused his men to carrie him in a chaire, that so at least by words and exhortation he might do his best, though he were not able to fight, nay not so much as to stande or go. This man is saide to be the greatest housekeeper of any Archbishop that euer sate in Yorke before him. For proofe whereof it is alleaged, that he spent vsually in his house, of Claret wine onely 80. tunnes. He departed this life at Cawood October 20. 1423. and was buried in the east part of the Minster of Yorke by the altar of all Saints which himselfe built and furnished sumptuously with all things that might belong vnto it. He built also the Hall in the castell of Cawood, and the kitchin of the Mannor house of Oteley.