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.

33. Lanfrank.

STigand being yet aliue, but depriued as is beforesaid, [ 1070] Lanfranke was consecrate Archbishop. This Lanfrank was borne at Papia in Lumbardy, twenty myles from Millayn, where being brought vp in learning, and now come vnto mans state, he determined to trauaile. Through France he came into Normandy, prouoked by the fame and great re∣ports he had heard of Eluin abbot of Becco. Upon the way thitherward, it was his hap to be encountred with théeues that spoiled him of all he had, bound him and threw him into a thicket, where he might haue perished with cold and hun∣ger had not God sent some extraordinary company that way that loosed him, hauing laien there onely one night. Thence he got him vnto the monastery of Becco, and for very want and penury was faine to become a Reader of Logike there, vntill he was admitted to the place of a monke. Soone after that, he was made Prior of Becco, whence in regard of his singular wisedome and great knowledge in all good learning that those times could affoord) he was called by Duke Wil∣liam to be abbot of S. Stephens in Cane, a monastery that the said Duke had founded. Now Stigand being displaced in manner aboue rehearsed, the conquerour well knowing how much it behooued him to the establishment of his new erected throne in England, to haue a man wise and faithfull in that place; made a speciall choice of him, as one in all respects most fit and woorthy; which being well knowne to all men, the Couent at the kings first nomination readily chose him, the nobilitie and courtiers willingly assented, and receaued

him with great applause, and lastly the Pope affoorded him his pall with extraordinary fauour. It is said, at his first com∣ming the Pope rose vp vnto him and mette him, telling him he yeelded him that honour not of dutie, but in regard of his excellent learning, whereof he had heard great fame. Thomas Archbishop of Yorke was present the same time, together with 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Bishop of Dorchester. This Thomas had béene lately consecrated vnto Yorke by Lanfrank, and for a certaine time refused to make profession of obedience vnto the See of Canterbury, euen vntill by the commandement of the king he was inforced thereunto. Now whether it were discontentment and perswasion of a wrong, or else enuie at Lanfranks either vertue or good fortune that mooued him, hée presently began to make complaint vnto the Pope of a great miury offered vnto his Sée, in the demaund of his profession. Lanfrank pleaded prescription for his right, and offred to make proofe of the same. The Pope therefore not willing to trouble himselfe any more with the matter, committed the hearing thereof vnto the king, who in the yéere 1072. iudged it for Canterbury. Sée more of this quarrell in Thomas of Yorke. Lanfrank himselfe was consecrated very solemnly at Canterbury, all the Bishops in England being present them∣selues or by their proctors August 29. 1070. Almost 18. yeres he continued Archbishop, gouerning his charge laudably and happily, till that about the end of his time one action obscu∣red his former praises, and furthermore was the cause of ma∣ny great calamities vnto him. It is thought that William the Conqueror left the kingdome of England vnto his yoon∣ger sonne William Rufus, at the perswasion especially of this Archbishop, who the rather wisht well vnto the yoong prince, because he had béene brought vp vnder him in his childhood. He is blamed much for putting the eldest sonne Robert from that which might séeme in some sort due vnto him; and sure∣ly God blessed him not in that action. The king thus aduan∣ced by him, fel out with him, and droue him out of the realme. The cause of this displeasure is diuersly reported: But most men agree it was none other then this, that the king thought him a little too busie in exhorting him to vertue and godli∣nesse, and reprehending his manifold vices. Being thus:

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banished, he trauatled to Rome, and wandred vp and downe many countries, till at last (by what intercession I finde not) he was suffred to come home againe. Soone after his return, he fell sicke of an ague, and so ended his daies, Iune 4. 1088. or (as Houeden hath) May 24. 1089. He was buried at Canterbury in his owne church, vnto which he was a great benefactor. He bestowed much vpon the fabrike and repa∣ration of the same, built much housing for the monkes (whose number he increased from 30. to 140.) restored the dignities and offices of old belonging to the monastery, and recouered vnto the same 25. Mannors that had béene taken from it wrongfully in times past by Odo Bishop of Bayon and earle of Rent. Moreouer he built the Archbishops pallace at Can∣terbury in a manner all, he founded two hospitals without the citie of Canterbury, and endowed them with competent reuenewes; (Saint Iohns and Harbaldown) He bestowed large mony toward the building of the cathedrall Church of Rochester, (or rather indéed built it all) and did much (the par∣ticulars I cannot set downe) for the abbey of Saint Albons. He was a great student, writ many learned works, and (which deserueth especiall remembrance) tooke great paines in reforming the Bible, the copies whereof were much cor∣rupted throughout England by the negligence of the wri∣ters.