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.

28. Iohn Alcock.

AFter the translation of Iohn Morton the Sée was void [ 1486] (as one saith) thrée yéeres. Howbeit I finde that Iohn Alcock doctor of Law, and Bishop of Worcester, was preferred therevnto the yéere 1486. A man of admirable temperance, for his life and behauiour vnspotted, and from a childe so earnestly giuen to the study, not onely of learning, but of all vertue and godlinesse; as in those daies neuer any man bare a greater opinion and reputation of holinesse. He liued all his life time most soberly and chastly, resisting the temptations of the flesh, and subduing them by fasting, stu∣die, praier, & other such good meanes, abhorring as 〈◊〉〈◊〉 all foode that was likely to stir him vp vnto wantonnes. He was borne at Beuerley in Yorkeshire; first Deane of Saint Ste∣phens in Westminster and Master of the Rolles, consecrate Bishop, of Rochester 1471. translated first to Worcester 1476. and then to Ely (as I said) 1486. about which time he was for a while Lord Chauncellour of England by the appointment of that prudent and most excellent prince king Henry the 7. Being yet at Worcester he founded a 〈◊〉〈◊〉, at kingstone vpon Hul; built a chappel vpon the south side of the parish church, where his parents were buried, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 a Chauntrey there. He built moreouer from the very foundation that stately hall in the pallace of Ely, togither with the gallerie; and in almost euery house belonging to his Bishopricke, bestowed very great cost. Lastly, he was the author of a goodly Colledge in Cambridge, now called 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Colledge: it was first a Monastery of Nunnes, dedicated to Saint Radegund, and being fallen greatly in decay, the goods and ornaments of the church wasted, the lands diminished, and the Nunnes themselues hauing for saken it, insomuch as onely two were left, where of one was determined to be gone shortly, the other but an infant: This good Bishop obtained licence of K. Henry the 7. to conuert y^t same to a college, wher∣in he placed a master, 6. fellowes, & a certain number of schol∣lers (since augmented by other benefactors) and dedicated the same vnto the honor of y^t holy Trinity, the blessed Uirgin, S.

Iohn the 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and S. Radegund: what was not ex∣pended vpon these buildings, or to other good purposes of like profite, he bestowed in hospitality and house keeping euery whit. Hauing sate 14. yeeres and somewhat more, he was taken out of this life to that place where no doubt he findeth the reward of his doings, viz. vpon the first day of October 1500. He lieth buried in a chappell of his owne building, on the North side of the Presbytery, where is to be seene a very goodly & sumptuous toombe, erected in memory of him, which by the barbarous and 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 of some body, is pit∣tifully defaced, the head of the Image being broken off, the compartiment and other buildings torne downe.