The succession of the bishops of England since the first planting of Christian religion in this island together with the historie of their liues and memorable actions faithfully gathered out of the monuments of antiquity. VVhereunto is prefixed a discourse concerning the first conuersion of our Britaine vnto Christian religion. By Francis Godwin now Bishop of Hereford.

About this Item

Title
The succession of the bishops of England since the first planting of Christian religion in this island together with the historie of their liues and memorable actions faithfully gathered out of the monuments of antiquity. VVhereunto is prefixed a discourse concerning the first conuersion of our Britaine vnto Christian religion. By Francis Godwin now Bishop of Hereford.
Author
Godwin, Francis, 1562-1633.
Publication
London :: Printed [by Eliot's Court Press] for Andrew Hebb, and are to be sold at the signe of the Bell in Pauls Church-yard,
[1625?]
Rights/Permissions

To the extent possible under law, the Text Creation Partnership has waived all copyright and related or neighboring rights to this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above, according to the terms of the CC0 1.0 Public Domain Dedication (http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/). This waiver does not extend to any page images or other supplementary files associated with this work, which may be protected by copyright or other license restrictions. Please go to http://www.textcreationpartnership.org/ for more information.

Subject terms
Bishops -- England.
Great Britain -- Church history -- Early works to 1800.
Link to this Item
http://name.umdl.umich.edu/A01804.0001.001
Cite this Item
"The succession of the bishops of England since the first planting of Christian religion in this island together with the historie of their liues and memorable actions faithfully gathered out of the monuments of antiquity. VVhereunto is prefixed a discourse concerning the first conuersion of our Britaine vnto Christian religion. By Francis Godwin now Bishop of Hereford." In the digital collection Early English Books Online. https://name.umdl.umich.edu/A01804.0001.001. University of Michigan Library Digital Collections. Accessed May 2, 2025.

Pages

Page 464

THE BISHOPPES OF CHICHESTER.

WIlfride Archbishop of Yorke being ba∣nished by Egfride King of Nor∣thumberland (as in Yorke you may reade more at large) hee thought good to occupy his talent by prea∣ching the worde of God amongst the South Saxons. Edilwalch the King of that countrey, a little before his comming had receiued the faith of Christ, by the perswasion of Wlfhere king of Mercia. He willing to increase his owne knowledge, and desirous that his subiects should be directed the way of saluation; made very much of Wilfride, and as∣signed him an habitation in Seolsey, a place all compassed a∣bout with the sea except one way. All that land, containing eighty seuen housholds, this king gaue vnto Wilfride for his maintenance. Hee built a monastery there, and established his Cathedrall Sée in the same. Now it pleased God so to blesse his labours, as in a short time, great numbers of the people being conuerted, embraced Christian religion: And a day being appointed for their Baptisme, they had no sooner receiued the same, but immediately it rained plentifully, the want whereof had caused a earth the space of thrée yéers, be∣fore;

Page 465

and that so great, as not onely many died daily for hun∣ger, but great numbers ioyning hand in hand forty or fifty in a company, threw themselues headlong into the sea, choosing rather to die than to endure that torment of hunger any lon∣ger. Thus it pleased God, at once to deliuer these men from temporall death by famine, and euerlasting destruction that their ignorance threatned vnto them. Neither was this all the good that Wilfride did vnto them. Their sea and riuers abounding with great store of good fish which they knew not how to take, he taught them to fish, & caused great store of fish to be caught, wherewith many poore people were greatly re∣lieued. Hauing staid fiue yeares there, he was called home in to his owne countrey againe, and restored to his Archbishop∣ricke of Yorke.

  • 2. Eadbert.* 1.1 After his departure, Sussex was gouerned by the Bishops of Winchester vntil the yeare 711. at what time Eadbert was consecrate Bishop of Seolsey, which place before that; he gouerned as Abbot.
  • 3. Eolla; he being dead, the Sée stood voide vntill after the death of Beda.
  • 4. Sigga or Sigelm, alias Sigfridus,* 1.2 Hee was present at the principal. Counsell held by Cuthbert Archbishop of Can∣terbury. anno. 746.
  • 5. Alubrith.
  • 6. Osa,* 1.3 alias Bosa.
  • 7. Giselher.
  • 8. Tota.
  • 9. Wighthun.
  • 10. Ethelulph.
  • 11. Beornege.* 1.4 Matthew Westminster maketh mention of one Camelec Bishop of the South Saxons that (as hée saith) was taken prisoner of the Danes the yeare 915. and afterwards redéemed with the price of forty pound sterling by King Edward the elder. But I thinke it mi∣staken, for that S. Britons one of the name was Bishop of Landaffe at that time, and was the man I doubt not.
  • 12. Coenred.
  • 13. Guthard, he died 960.
  • 14. Alfred,* 1.5 he died 970.
  • ...

Page 466

  • * 1.615. Eadelm.
  • * 1.716. Ethelgar Abbot of the new Abbey at Winchester, conse∣crate May 6. 980. translated to Canterbury 988.
  • * 1.817. Ordbright.
  • 18. Elmar, he died 1019.
  • 19. Ethelrike or Agelred (for so Houeden calleth him) died 1038.* 1.9 Nouember 5.
  • * 1.1020. Grinketell being depriued of the Bishopricke of the East Angles for Smony, obtained this, 1039. He died 1047
  • * 1.1121. Heca Chaplaine vnto King Edward the Confessor, con∣secrate 1047. he died 1057.
  • * 1.1222. Agelrike a monke of Christchurch in Canterbury. Hee was a man singularly commended for his skill in the Lawes and customes of the Realme, was appointed by William the Conqueror to assist Gosfrid Bishop of Coustantia, in iudging a great controuersie betwéene Lanfranke the Archbishop, and Odo Earle of Kent the kings brother, concerning title of diuers lands; and because being a very aged man, hee was vnable to ride from Chichester vnto P. kenden hath in Kent, where the whole County in a manner were assembled about this matter: he was brought thither in a wagon or cha∣riot. In a Conuocation holden at Windsor he was de∣priued, and that (as Florent. Wigorn. suppseth) vniust∣ly the yeare 1070 and imprisoned at Marleborough.
  • . Stigard chaplaine vnto the Conqueror, translated his See from Seoley (an obscure place at that time, and now eaten vp with the sea that euery high water coue∣reth it) vnto Chchester,* 1.13 in olde time called Cissancester, so he was the first Bishop of Chichester. He died anno. 1087.
  • .... William.

2. Ralfe. A man of very high stature, and no lesse high of minde. He stood very stotly in defence of Anselme the Arch∣bishop: in so much as when the king William Rufus threate∣ned him for the same, hee ffered him his ring and rosier, say∣ing, it should better become him to leaue his place thn his duety. Neither could hee euer be induced to forsake the saide Archbishop, vntill hee seemed to forsake his owne cause by

Page 467

flying the country. After that, when the king was content to winke at the mariage of many Priests in the realme (vnto whome (I meane married Priests) the Archbishop was a grieuous and heauy aduersary) and receiued of them yearely a great summe of money for defending them against the au∣sterity of the other, (to wit Anselme) this Bishop resisted the collection of that mony in his Dioces, calling it the tribute of fornication; and when (notwithstanding his resistance) it was paied, hee interdicted his owne Dioces, commaunding the Church-doores euery where to bee stopped vp with thornes. The king (a wise and gentle Prince, Henry the first) whe∣ther not vouchsafing to contend with him, or taking his well meaning in good part, was not onely content to pardon this disobedience, but also bestowed the money so gathered in his Dioces vpon him, saying it was a poore Bishopricke and née∣ded such helpes. And certaine it is, that before the comming of this man, it was indéede exceeding poore. Hee increased it wonderfully, and yet notwithstanding built his Cathedrall Church of Chichester from the ground. It was scarcely fini∣shed, when as May the fifth, 1114. it was quite defaced, and a great part of the city consumed with casuall fire. Hee found meanes to repaire it againe, beeing helped much with the li∣berality of the king and some other. This Bishop sate many yeares, (the certaine time I know not) and drawing toward his end, deliuered vnto the poore with his owne hands what∣soeuer he had in the world, leauing himselfe scarce clothes to couer him. Hee was euer a great almes man, and notwith∣standing his great building, a great house kéeper also. Nei∣ther was hee lesse carefull of the spirituall Temple of Christ thn the materiall: he was a very painefull Pracher, yéerely visiting his whole Diocesse (preaching in euery place) thrice, reprehending and punishing sinne seuerely, and lastly perfor∣ming such other pastorall duties as hee thought vnto his charge might belong.

4. Seffridus Abbot of Glastenbury,* 1.14 was brother vnto Ralfe Archbishop of Canterbury. He was consectate Aprill 12. 1123. It séemeth by Wath. Westm. this man died 1132.

5. Hilarius. This man of only all the Bishops in England was content absolutely to allow of the declaration after pub∣lished

Page 468

at Clarindon, without mention of that odious clause, (saluo ordine suo) but was shrewdly baited of his brethren for his labour, as in the life of Thomas Becket you may read more at large.

* 1.156. Iohn de Greenford Deane of Chichester was elected the yeare 1173. consecrate 1174. and died 1180.

7. Seffridus the second succéeded. In his time to witte, October 19. 1187. the Cathedrall Church together with the whole City was once more consumed with casuall fire. The Church & his owne Pallace he both réedified in very good sort.

* 1.168. Simon de Welles was elected Bishoppe December 2. anno. 1198.

* 1.179. Richard Poore Deane of Salisbury was consecrate 1215. translated to Salisbury 1217. and after to Durham. See Durham.

* 1.1810. Ralfe de Warham first Officiall, and then (as one saith) Prior of Norwich was confirmed by Gualo the Popes Legate, and had restitution of his temporalties, Decem. 27. anno. Henry. 3.2. Hee gaue to the Church a Windmill in Bishopstone and died 1222.

* 1.1911. Ralfe Neuil al. de Noua villa was elected Nouemb. 1. 1222. & consecrate the year following, being then lately made Chauncellor of England by the consent and good liking of the whole realm, for the great opinion they had of his vprightnes and sincerity; whereof indéed he yéelded such proofe in the exe∣cution of that office, as neuer any man hold the same with greater commendation. About the year 1230. he was chosen Archb of Canterbury, but was so far from séeking that digni∣ty corruptly, as hee refused to giue the monks money to pay for their charges in certifying this election vnto the Pope. How he missed it, sée Canterbury in the lif of S. Edmund. Af∣ter that hee was elect Bishop of Winchester, & thereupon re∣signed his Chancellorship 1237. but was induced to take it a∣gaine soone after, and held it till his death. For the successe of his election to Winchester, Sée more in William de Raleigh of Winchester. He died Feb. 1. 1244. at London in that house which is now known by the name of Lincolns Inn He built it from the ground to be a house of receipt for himselfe and his successors when they should come to London. After his time

Page 469

(I know not by what means) it came to the possession of Hen∣ry Lacy Earle of Lincolne, who somwhat enlarged it and left it the name it now hath This Bishop moreouer builded a Chappell, & dedicated it to Saint Michaell without the East∣gate of Chichester, and was otherwise a great Benefactor vn∣to his owne Church.

12. Richard de la Wich.* 1.20 After the death of Ralf Neuil, the Canons of Chichester to curry fauour with the king. chose a Chaplaine of his for their Bishop, one Robert Passelew, a man wise enough, and one that had done the king much good seruice, but so vnlearned, as the Bishops of the realme disdai∣ning much to be ioyned with him, procured his election to be disanulled, and Richard de Wiche to be chosen. This Richard de Wiche was borne at Wiche in Worcetershire, of which place hee tooke his surname, and was brought vp in the vni∣uersities of Oxford first, and Paris afterward. Beeing come to mans estate, he trauelled to Bononia; where hauing studi∣ed the Canon Law seuen yeares, he became publicke reader of the same. After that, hee spent some time at Orleans in France, and then returning home, was made Chauncellour vnto Saint Edmund Archbishop of Canterbury as also of the vniuersity of Oxford. Hée was consecrate by the Pope him∣selfe at Lyons 1245. and so gouerned the charge committed to him, as all men greatly reuerenced him; not onely for his great learning, but much more for his diligence in preaching, his manifold vertues, and aboue all his integrity of life and conuersation. In regard of these things, as also of many mi∣racles that are fathered vpon him, hée was canonised and made a Saint some seuen yeares after his death. He deceased Aprill 2. 1253. (as Math. Paris deliuereth) yet our Marty∣rologies in which he is calendred say it was April 3. the ninth yeare after his consecration, and of his age the fifty sixt. Hée was buried in his owne Church, and the yeare 1276. his bo∣dy was remooued from the first place of buriall and laide in a sumptuous shrine.

13. Iohn Clypping a Canon of Chichester succéeded him.* 1.21 This man amongst other things, gaue vnto his Church the Mannor of Drungwick, vpon which hee built much at his owne cost, euen all the Mannour house there.

Page 470

* 1.2214. Stephen de Berksteed was restored to the temporal∣ties of this Sée Iune 20. Hen. 3.46. Hee was excommuni∣cate the yeare 1265. for taking part with the Barons against the king.

15. Gilbertus de sancto Leofardo Treasurer of Chiche∣ster, and an Oxford man was restored to the temporalties of this Sée Iun. 18. Edw. 1.16. died the yeare 1305. Hee was (saith Matthew Westminster) a Father of the fatherlesse, a comforter of mourners, a defender of widdowes, a reléeuer of the poore, a helper of the distressed and a diligent visiter of the sicke, especially the poore, vnto whom he resorted more of∣ten then vnto the rich. He ascribeth also diuers miracles vnto him, beleeue him as you list. Hee raised from the foundation the Chappell of Saint Mary.

16. Iohn de Langton brought vp in the vniuersity of Ox∣ford, sometimes Chauncellor of England, builded a costlie window in the south part of the Church. This Bishop (or at least he that was Bishop of Chichester, the yeare 1315.) excommunicated the Earle Warren for adultery, wherupon the Earle came vnto him with armed men, and made shew of some intent to lay violent hands vpon him. The Bishops men perceiuing it, set vpon them, and by their Masters com∣mandement put both the Earle and his men in prison.

17. Robert Stratford brother to Iohn Stratford Archbi∣shop of Canterbury, Archdeacon of Canterbury, Chauncellor of the Uniuersity of Oxford, and Lord Chancellour of Eng∣land; at what time hee was preferred to the Bishopricke of Chichester, made suite, hee might with the kings good fauour giue ouer his office, which was granted him; but not long af∣ter, it was laid vpon him againe, while he was Chancellor of Oxford, he found meanes to driue away schollers from Stan∣ford that had begun to settle themselues there, by reason of the troublesome factions betweene the Southern and Nor∣thren men, for reforming whereof, he deuised to appoint one of the roctrs alwaies to be a Southern man, and the other a Northren, which long time after was obserued. Hee died at Aluingburne. Aprill. 9. 1362.

* 1.2318. William de Lenne, alias Lulimere, Doctor of Law, and Deane of Chichester, was consecrate about Midsomer, 1362.

Page 471

and translated to Worceter, 1368. Sée Worceter.

19. William Reade Prouost of Wengham, and was sometimes fellow of Merton colledge in Oxford,* 1.24 where hée gaue himselfe most part vnto the study of the Mathematikes, and that to so good purpose, as hee hath the reputation of the most excellent Mathematician of his age. In his riper years he ell to Diuinity, and procéeded Doctor of that faculty. Hee built the Castle of Amberley from the ground, as as also the library of Merton Colledge, where he left his picture, many tables and Astronomicall instruments, that (as I heare) are there yet to be séene, I finde his will proued, Nouem. 4. 1385.

20. Thomas Rushooke a Fryer preacher,* 1.25 Doctor of Di∣uinity, and Confessor vnto the King, was first Bishoppe of Landaff, and about the middle of October. 1385. remooued thence to Chichester. He was drouen away from the Court by the Barons, and his goods confiscate by Parliament in March, 1388. It should séeme also, that he was then put from his Bishopricke. For I find a record wherein shortly after, he is called, Thomas late Bishop of Chichester.

21. Richard Mtford was translated to Salisbury the yeare 1395. See Salisbury.

22. Robert Waldby was translated from Dublin 1395.* 1.26 and from Chichester to Yorke the yéere following. Sée Yorke.

23. Robert Reade,* 1.27 a Frier preacher, became Bishop of Carlioll 1396. by the Popes gift, who notwithstanding that one William Sirkland was elected lawfully, bestowed that place vpon him at the kings request. In the end of the same yeare he was translated to Chichester, where he built a fayre crosse in the market place. It séemes hee died about whitson∣tide 1417.

24. Stephen Patington translated from S. Dauids hether in December 1417.* 1.28 He died soone after, or rather indeede (as I find by a record in the Tower) before his translation could be perfected.

25. Henry Ware Doctor of Law,* 1.29 officiall to the Archbi∣shop of Canerbury, was consecrate, in May 1418.

26. Iohn Kemp Bishop of Rochester,* 1.30 translated hither 1422. and hence to London the same yéere, afterwards to

Page 472

Yorke and Canterbury. Sée Canterbury.

* 1.3127. Thomas Poldon first Bishop of Hereford was trans∣lated hence to Worceter, 1426. See Worceter.

* 1.3228. Iohn Rickinpale Doctor of Diuinity, and Chauncel∣lour of Yorke, a Cambridge man, and sometimes Chauncel∣lour of that Uniuersity, was consecrate in the parish Church of Mortlake, Iun. 30. 1426. and died Iuly. . 1426.

* 1.3329. Simon Sidenham Doctor of Law, Deane of Salisbu∣ry, was consecrate, Febr. 12. 1430.

30. Richard Praty, sometimes Chauncelour of the Uni∣uersity of Oxford. He died about S. Iames tide 1445.

* 1.3431. Adam Molins Doctor of Law, Deane of Sarum, as also of S. Berins in Cornwall, and sometimes Clarke of th Councell, was consecrate the yeare 1445. in Nou. and then presently had the kéeping of the priuy seale committed to him. He was slaine at Portsmouth, of Marriners subborned ther∣unto by Richard Duke of Yorke, Iune 9. 1449. Hee gaue to the high Altar certaine rich clothes of crimson veluet.

* 1.3532 Reginald Peacocke, was borne in Wales, brought vp in Oiall Colledge in Oxford, where hée procéeded Doctor of Diuinity, became Chaplaine vnto Husrey Duke of Gloce∣ter, vncle and Protector of king Henry the sixt, and was preferred by him vnto the Bishopricke of Saint Assaph: from whene the yeare 1450. hée was translated to Chichester. Bearing himselfe bold vpon the said Dukes fauou he doub∣ted not to defend openly diurs doctrines, some true & some false (but all strange in those times) which after the Dukes death, he was sain to recant at Pauls crosse, where before his face were burnt the books he had written which were many. Much of the Scripture he translated into English, which I perceiue not to haue béen misliked. His opinions so retreated, were especially foure. 1. That it should not be of the necessity of saluation to beleeue that Christ descended into hel. 2. Or to beleeue the Communion of Saints. 3. That the Uni∣uersall Church may erre in matters of Faith. 4. That it is not necessary to saluation to beléeue and approoue all that is affirmed and determined by a generall Councell.

Page 473

The recantation aforesaid was made Decemb. 4. 1457. Af∣ter which, hee was depriued of his Bishopricke, hauing a pension assigned him to maintaine him in an Abbey, where soone after he died.

33 Iohn Arundell Doctor of Physicke succéeded.* 1.36

34 Edward Story Doctor of Diuinity, sometimes fellow of Pembrook hal in Cambridge,* 1.37 & Master of Michael house there, was consecrate Bishop of Carliol, October foureéene, 1468. sate there nine yéeres, and was translated hether, the yéere 1477. Hee built the New Crosse in the Market place.

35 Richard Fitz-Iames was translaed from Rochester 1504.* 1.38 and remooued hence to London. 1506. See Lon∣don.

36 Robert Sherborne brought vp in New Colledge in Oxford, was translated from Saint Dauid,* 1.39 Nouember 8. 1508. He sate Bishop of Chichester 28. yeares, and died August 21. 156. being 96 yeares of age, hauing then lately resigned his Bishopricke. A man very wise, often employ∣ed in Ambassages by King Henry the 7. a great housekeeper, a great almes man, one that bestowed much money in beau∣tifying his Church, and increased the number of the Mini∣sters belonging thereunto. It was not without cause there∣fore that he vsed for his Poosy this of Dauid, Dilexi deco∣rem domus tuae Domine, as also sometimes this, Credite o∣peribus.

37 Richard Sampson, Doctor of law, consecrate Iune 9. 1536.* 1.40 was translated to Lichfield, 1543. March 12. See Lichfield.

38 George Day Doctor of Diuinity, and for the space of ten yeares,* 1.41 Prouest of Kings Colledge in Cambridge, was consecrate in May 1543. depriu•••• the yeare 1551. re∣stored by Queene Mary, 1553. 〈…〉〈…〉 had layen long pri∣soner in the Fleete, and died August . 1556. Hee was brother vnto W. Day, long after Bishoppe of Winche∣ster.

Page 474

39 Iohn Scory Bacheler of Diuinity, consecrate Bishop of Rochester, Aug. 30. 1551. was shortly after remoued to this Church. By Quéene Mary hee was displaced, and by Quéene Elizabeth preferred to Hereford.

* 1.4240 Iohn Christopherson, Doctor of Diuinity, Master of Trinity Colledge in Cambridge, and Deane of Norwich, was appointed Bishop of Chichester by Quéen Mary, soone after the death of Day. He was borne in Lancashire, and brough vp in Saint Iohns Colledge in Cambridge. A man very learned, whereof hee hath left many testimonies be∣hind him. He was depriued by Act of Parliament in the be∣ginning of Queene Elizabeth. In the meane time hee be∣stowed much money in furnishing the Masters lodging in Trinity Colledge aforesaid, and gaue vnto the Colledge many bookes, Gréeke, Latine, and Hebrew.

* 1.4341 William Barlow Doctor of Diuinity, first Bishop of S. Assaph. then of Saint Dauids, and after of Wells, was lastly confirmed Bishop of Chichester, Decem. 20. 1559. and sate there about ten yeeres. See Welles.

* 1.4442 Richard Curteise Doctor of Diuinity, and sometimes fellow of S. Iohns Colledge in Cambridge was consecrate May 20. 1570.

* 1.4543 Thomas Bickley Doctor of Diuinity, Warden of Merton Colledge in Oxford, was consecrate about the be∣ginning of the yéere 1585. He was born at Stow in Buc∣kinghamshire, brought vp in Magdalen Colledge, where he was first Chorister, then one of the Demies, & lastly fellow. In Quéen Maries time hee was faine to forsake, not onely his fellowship, but the Realme also. Most part of her raigne he liued in France; at Paris and Orleans. In the beginning of the raign of Q. Elizabeth, returning home, hee became Chaplaine vnto the Archbishop of Canterbury, Mat. Parker by whos meanes hee was preferred vnto the Wardeeship of Merton Colledge. Thomas Bentam Bishop of Lichfielde his olde acquaintance in Magdalen Colledge, & his compani∣on in exile, bestowed vpon him moreouer the Archdeaconry of Stafford, and a Prebend in Lichfield. Hauing gouerned

Page 475

the said Colledge twenty yéers, he was called to the Bishop∣ricke of Chichester, where he sate 11. yéeres. He liued al∣wayes sole and vnmarried, died at Aldingburne Aprill, 30. 1596. being well néere 90. yeares of age, and was honoura∣bly enterred in his Cathedrall Church of Chichester. He be∣queathed vnto Merton Colledge in Oxford 100. pound, to Magdalen Colledge 40. pound, and diuers other summes of money to diuers other good vses.

44 Anthony Watson somtimes fellow of Christs Colledge in Cambridge,* 1.46 now Deane of Bristow, and one of her Ma∣iesties Chaplaines was consecrate Aug. 15. 1596. and vpon the displacing of Bishop Flecher, became Almoner vnto her Maiesty. He died as his predecessor did, a Bacheler, in September 1605.

45 Lancelot Andrewes Doc••••r of Diuinity, and Dean of Westminster, was consecrate Nouemb. 3. 1605. and trans∣lated to Ely, 1609.

46 Samuel Harsenet Doctor of Diuinity and Archdeacon of Colchester,* 1.47 first fellow, then Master of Pembrooke hall in Cambridge, was consecrate Decemb. 3. 1609.

The Bishopricke of Chichester is valued in the Kinges bookes at 677. pound, 15. pence. In the Popes bookes at 333. ducats.

Notes

Do you have questions about this content? Need to report a problem? Please contact us.