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.

34. Stigandus.

HE was chaplaine vnto Edward the Confessor, and by [ 1047] him preferred to the Bishopricke of Elmham (whence that Sée was shortly remooued to Norwich) 1043. In the short time he staied there (not past fower yéeres) he had much adoo with one Grinketell, that by money found meanes to cast out Stigand and placed himselfe. He could not kéepe his hold long: For Stigand quietly recouered it againe, and held it till that the yéere 1047. he was translated to Winchester: from whence also he was remooued to Canterbury in the yéere 1052. But whether he 〈◊〉〈◊〉 his title to Canter∣bury, Robert the former Archbishop being yet aliue, or whe∣ther

insatiable couetousnes prouoked him thereunto, I can not tell; he retained still Winchester, notwithstanding his preferment to Canterbury, which was the cause of his vndo∣ing at last. For the Conqueror who came into this realme while he was Archbishop, being desirous to place his owne countrey men in all roomes of speciall authority; and besides hauing a priuate grudge at Stigand for forcing him to yéeld Kentish men their ancient liberties (whereof sée more in Can∣terbury) procured him to be depriued of both his Bishopricks vpon this point, that he had contrary to the lawe held them both together. He lieth intoombed at Winchester with Wyni the first Bishop, inclosed (as it séemeth to me) with him in the same coffin: vpon the North side thereof is written:

Hiciacet Stigandus Archiepiscopus.

He was depriued an. 1069. and died a prisoner in the castle of Winchester soone after.