There is no record of the church before Bishop Clinton and little until Bishop Nonant. Bishop Muschamp is said to have been the first bishop to be buried at Lichfield, but this is uncertain.
Peter, Bishop of Licifeldensis,
1070 (some think 1067) –1085, agreed to move the see to Chester, 1072 or 3,
following orders in a Norman Church Council. He was now Bishop of Centrenis. He
could have been a royal chaplain to William the Conqueror and almost certainly was
from a Norman family. Absentee
Robert de Limesey, 1086–1117, moved the see
at Chester to Coventry, c. 1095, but officially 1102. He had been a
chaplain to William the Conqueror and became an envoy to the pope on behalf of
Henry I. The de Limesi family were Normans from Rouen, north Normandy, and were
related distantly to William. Absentee
Robert Peche (Pecham), 1121–1126/7, was
a chaplain to Henry I. In 1120, Henry’s son and heir, William, drowned when the
‘White Ship’ was wrecked off Barfleur attempting to cross the Channel. This
loss altered Henry profoundly and perhaps Robert Peche helped the King to
grieve. He could have been present at the King’s second wedding, Windsor, 24
January 1121. Absentee
Roger de Clinton, 1129–1148. Roger’s uncle,
Geoffrey de Clinton came from an obscure minor estate in Cotentin, west
Normandy and probably knew Henry I as a young man. By 1120 he was Henry’s
chamberlain and treasurer. He was given the sheriffdom of Warwickshire and
permission to build Kenilworth Castle, a counterweight to Warwick Castle owned
by the Beaumont family and suspected by Henry of being disloyal. Geoffrey possibly
offered Henry 3000 marks if he would make Roger the bishop. Roger was part of
the deputation to the pope, 1139, required to defend King Stephen against the
charge of breaking his oath to Henry I of making his daughter Matilda heir to
the throne. This suggests Clinton supported Stephen in the Wars of Anarchy,
1138–1153; many bishops changed sides, some several times. There is a
suggestion Clinton increased the number of prebends, but this could be a
confusion of what occurred at Coventry. He did reconstitute the chapter along
the lines of other cathedrals. A dean is apparent around 1140. Clinton died at
Antioch on a crusade. More of a soldier than priestly. Indifferent,
especially to Lichfield?
Walter Durdent, 1149–1159, was a
Benedictine monk and theologian appointed by the Archbishop of Canterbury. He
was essentially a Bishop of Coventry, and was buried there. Absentee
Richard Peche, 1161–1182, was another
Coventry bishop appointed by the Archbishop of Canterbury. He is said to have
only used the title Bishop of Coventry. He assisted in the coronation of Henry
II in 1170 and for a time was suspended from his see for this act. Around 1170
a precentor is mentioned. In 1176, the deanery was improved. When he died and was
buried at Stafford, he assumed to be an Augustinian monk. Minor involvement
Gerard la Pucelle, 1183–4, took the oath of
fealty to Henry II in 1168. Gerard was in Thomas Becket’s entourage and
a close friend of John of Salisbury, an Anglo-Saxon (now known as Englisc
or Early Medieval) scholar. Some
suspected he died of poison. Absentee
Hugh de Nonant, 1188–1198, was related to
two bishops of Lisieux, west Normandy. His name suggests he came from a
distinguished Norman family. He served both Archbishop Thomas Becket and King
Henry II. He went into exile with Becket, but then left him. He then served
Richard I who made him sheriff of three counties and this made him wealthy. When
Richard was captured and ransomed, Nonant ignored his plea and instead supported
John in his quest to seize kingship. One historian believes he was John's chief
propagandist. When Richard returned, he had to rebuy his position; his
sheriffdoms were unavailable. He greatly upset the monks at both Canterbury and
Coventry cathedral and is reported to have said he wanted to get rid of all
monks. The first statutes of the cathedral were written in 1191, probably by
the dean and chapter. They had a resemblance to the statutes of Rouen
Cathedral. In 1195, there were 22 canons and their duties were now fixed. Nonant
gave up his bishopric and returned to France where he assumed the habit of a
monk! Minor interest in Lichfield.
Episcopate limited to the years 1189–93.
Geoffrey de Muschamp,
1198–1208, probably came from a baronial family in Wallovere, Northumberland.
He was elected bishop by the monks of Coventry and probably supported by the
Archbishop of York and Richard I. He was present at John’s coronation in 1199.
He was one of the bishops who fled from England in 1207 when John was given a
papal edict to accept John Langton as the Archbishop of Canterbury and to
readmit the monks of the cathedral. On 23 March 1208, the edict was followed
and all church services stopped. Muschamp died October 1208 and might be buried
at Lichfield, not Coventry. First
to take an interest in Lichfield
William de Cornhill,
1215–1223, was possibly the brother or nephew to Reginald de Cornhill one of King
John's chief administrators. Their family appear to have had estates in London
and Kent. He was elected bishop by the monks of Coventry, against John’s
preference, and was one of the enforcers for John when he accepted the Magna
Carta in 1215. Cornhill was present at the first coronation of Henry III in
1216. A stroke in 1221 caused loss of speech and perhaps eventually resignation.
In 1222, William de Mancetter (Manecestra) was appointed dean and he probably continued
Cornhill’s initiatives. Cornhill was the first recorded bishop to be buried in the
cathedral. Could have been the bishop to inspire a totally new cathedral.
Alexander de Stavenby,
1224–1238, was probably from Stainsby, Lincolnshire, but one writer stated he
was Welsh. He knew Stephen Langton, Archbishop of Canterbury, and worked for a
pope. He wrote statutes for how priests should behave including every Christian
should say the Lord’s Prayer 7 times each day. He also wrote a tract on the
nature of pride, envy, anger, sloth (idleness in the service of God), avarice,
luxury and gluttony. He listed both Coventry and Lichfield as seats of his
diocese. He served Henry III as a diplomat and represented the king on
many missions to Rome and France. Transepts and much of the nave were built
during his episcopacy and he must have agreed for the king to influence its
architecture. He was buried in the cathedral. Good
Hugh de Pateshull, or Hugh Pattishall,
1239–1241, came from Pattishall, Northamptonshire, and a family of judges. He
was a royal clerk, clerk to the exchequer and ultimately Lord High Treasurer,
1234–1240. He loyally served Henry III and it was the king who chose him as
bishop after three failed attempts to fill the post. Short-lived compromise,
but ensured the king’s interest in the construction of the cathedral.
Roger Weseham, 1245–1256, was probably a
native of Weasenham, Norfolk and a lecturer and theologian at Oxford
University, who wrote much on sermons.
He was appointed by the pope after much disagreement on who should be
elected bishop. He, with previous bishops, added prebends and by 1255, there
were 28. Thomas Wymondham became the precentor in the 1241 interregnum and by
1265 was Treasurer of England. This must have helped the funds. Weseham was
forced to resign due to paralysis. A concerned priest
Roger de Meuland, (de Longespee?),1258–1295. Nothing is known of his paternity and early life, but he might have been brought up in France and was distantly related to Henry III. He was Bishop of Coventry and Lichfield for 37 years, in a time when there was much construction of the current cathedral. His elevation to bishop was probably managed by Richard the king’s brother. He upset Henry by trying to control royal free chapels in the diocese and later by cooperating with Simon de Montfort when he took control in 1264. He gave his loyalty back to Henry when he regained power in 1265 and then to Edward I in 1272. He was given the sheriffdom of two counties making him wealthy. During his episcopacy a choir of six paid choristers was mentioned in 1265. In 1281–2, he was censured twice for not confirming people. Meuland’s stone coffin was probably the one found in the 1992 excavation of the south choir aisle. See the post ‘Bishop Meuland – an enigma’ for a longer biography. Managed in turbulent times. He much improved the statutes of the cathedral.
Walter de Langton, 1296–1321, was born in
West Langton or Church Langton, Leicestershire. He said he was the son of Simon
Peverel, a family having wealth and power in Tudor times. An uncle was Dean of
York in 1262. He became a clerk of the wardrobe, 1281–2 in Edward I’s royal
chancery. In 1295, the king made him treasurer and he retained this position
until1307. A year later he was made Bishop of Coventry and Lichfield. He became
considerably rich and remained loyal to Edward; the Queen described him as 'the
king's right eye’. On Edward’s death in 1307, Edward II and resentful barons
invented charges against him and placed him in prison. He was released in1309,
pardoned in 1312 and again became the treasurer. It is clear Langton schemed
financial dealings, was ruthless when embroiled in considerable litigation and
very good at conniving to make personal gain. This was only possible with royal
support and in return Langton was totally loyal to the crown. He was buried
near the altar. For a longer biography see the post ‘Bishop Walter Langton –
benefactor’. Very powerful and rich. A great benefactor. Raised the
cathedral and the Close. The Great Register began at the end of his episcopacy.
Roger de Northburgh, 1322–1358, origins are oddly unknown, but probably came from landed French nobility. He was employed in the royal wardrobe of Edward I and then Edward II. In 1311–12, he accompanied the king’s army to Scotland and then across northern England. He was trusted to keep the Privy Seal and for the first time this was made independent of the king and barons. In 1314, he joined the king at the battle of Bannockburn and was captured. On being freed he became the Keeper of the Wardrobe. The king gave him many titles and emoluments in the church eventually making him rich. A twelve long argument between the monks of Coventry and canons of the cathedral led the pope to invest Northburgh as the bishop. Then began numerous disputes between the bishop and his chapter and many churches in the diocese. He removed absentee clergy. He remained politically active and loyal after Edward III came to the throne in 1330. Consequences of the Black Death in 1348, including loss of clergy, and many years of famine had to be managed. Meanwhile he became the Lord Treasurer. He went through a major dispute with certain barons and came close to imprison in the tower. He died in office and was possibly buried in the cathedral, though where is unknown. Northburgh presided during 36 turbulent years, and remained close to three Edward kings. Very powerful and rich. Reordered the diocese and kept records of work on and in the cathedral. A bishop always in dispute with the dean and chapter.
Robert de Stretton,
1360–1385, was born in one of the Stretton villages in Leicestershire. A
scholar who somehow served Edward, the Prince of Wales, probably in the early
1340s. Royal service brought him many ecclesiastical preferments. How Stretton
became Bishop of Coventry and Lichfield remains controversial. He was elected
to the see, with the support of the Black Prince in1358, but it did not have
the pope’s agreement. Royal assent was given in1359, but consecration was
delayed almost 22 months, until 1360. One possible problem was Stretton had an
eye defect and could not easily read, though this did not stop him becoming a
very able administrator of the diocese. Some said he was illiterate. He lived
near the cathedral and served it reliably, particularly removing absentee
clergy and stopping clergy bringing women to their rooms. It was Stretton who
moved Langton’s shrine for Chad to the location in front of Langton’s Lady
Chapel. Close to his death he became completely blind. He requested to be
buried close to the grave site of Chad and in the Chapel of St Andrew (east end
of the north choir aisle). Served the cathedral in many ways.
Richard le Scrope, 1387–1398, was the third
son of a baronet at Masham, North Yorkshire. He studied at both Oxford and Cambridge
Universities and in 1378 became the Chancellor of Cambridge University. From
1382 he was a papal chaplain and was elected Bishop of Chichester in 1385, but this
was blocked by Richard II. A year later he became the Bishop of Coventry and
Lichfield, probably on the recommendation of Richard. The dean for the first
time was made to have permanent residency. In 1397, he was sent to Rome on
behalf of the king and was there appointed Archbishop of York. In 1399,
together with two other bishops, accepted Richard II’s abdication and later
escorted Henry Bolingbroke to the throne. Scrope was connected to the Earl of
Northumberland by marriage and when they rebelled against the king was caught
up in the fighting. Why he entered in military action has remained a mystery. He
was captured, sentenced without trial and in 1405 beheaded outside the walls of
York. This made him a saint and martyr. For more
information see the post, ‘King Richard II of
Bordeaux and Lichfield’. Short
lived and did little for Lichfield. A schemer.
John Burghill or Burghull, 1398–1414, origins are unknown until he became a Dominican monk in a convent at Hereford. Perhaps, he came from the village of Burghill, northwest of Hereford. He became a noted Friar preacher. John was made the confessor and chaplain to Richard II, who forwarded him to be bishop at Lichfield. At his installation in Lichfield Cathedral were King Richard, 3 Archbishops, 5 bishops, 4 Dukes, 4 Earls and many others. Richard died c, 1400 and his interment at the Dominican friary church at Kings Langley in Hertfordshire was conducted by Burghill. Afterwards, Burghill became a great benefactor leaving much to the cathedral, and this was warmly commemorated after his death in 1414. Burghill was the first medieval bishop who appeared to not seek position, but instead led a simple, ascetic life. For more information see the post, ‘King Richard II of Bordeaux and Lichfield’. Holy, helpful and much liked.
John Catterick, 1415–1419, was
Bishop of St Davids in 1414 and one year later Bishop of Coventry and
Lichfield. He did not attend the cathedral and in 1419 was translated to Exeter
and died one month later. Absentee
William Heyworth, 1420–1447, also
Heiworth or Hecheworth. It has been conjectured Heyworth came from a family at
Wheathampstead, north of St Albans, Hertfordshire, and became Abbot of St
Albans before becoming the bishop. There were others with his family name
serving in the cathedral during this time. In this time the Sarum Missal was
introduced into services. In 1424, he founded ‘Milley’s Hospital’. Minor
bishop, but little known (there is a gap in records for 50 years).
William Booth, 1447–1452, was
the son of a baronet in Lancashire and became Rector to a Lancashire church. In
1452, after only three years as bishop, was made Archbishop of York. In 1455,
he supported the Lancastrians at the start of the Wars of the Roses led by
Henry VI’s wife, Margaret of Anjou. Some historians think he became the Queen’s
chancellor. In 1461, at the Battle of Towton, the Yorkists defeated the
Lancastrians. Booth changed sides and with the Archbishop of Canterbury crowned
Edward IV. The defeated Lancastrians fled to Scotland. Booth was one of the
leaders of an army which in 1463 repelled an attempted invasion by the Scots
initiated by the deposed Henry VI and Margaret of Anjou. He died the following
year and was buried at Southwell Minster. Short-lived. Lived in very
turbulent times. Powerful.
Reginald Boulers, 1453–1459, was made
abbot in Gloucester in 1437 and Bishop of Hereford in 1450. He was a close
friend of Henry VI and supported the Lancastrians. In 1450, he was seized by
the Yorkists and imprisoned in Ludlow Castle. This kept him away from the rebelling
Lollards. He was one of many bishops joining Archbishop Booth and supporting
the queen in 1455 and in a ruling council in 1457. He died in office before the
Lancastrians were defeated. Absentee
John Hales, 1459–1490, came from Sherford, Devon, near
Kingsbridge. Between 1457–1450 he was Dean of Exeter Cathedral where previous
family had held high office. He became bishop, at the age of 59/60, in Henry
VI’s final years of his first reign and was also made the Keeper of the Privy
Seal. This title was removed by Edward IV. He brought to the Close academics
and theologians and housed them. He died about 90 years old and was buried in
the cathedral. Enjoyed the company of scholars. Not much is
recorded about how he improved the cathedral.
William Smyth, 1493–1496, came
from a wealthy family at Farnworth, Widnes, Lancashire. It is said he was
brought up in the Hall owned by the Earl of Derby. In 1476, he gained a degree
in canon law at Oxford University. With the accession of Henry VII after the
Battle of Bosworth he was given many preferments and in 1493 the bishopric. He
was the custodian of the daughters of Edward IV and made Chancellor of Oxford
University. He became wealthy and was philanthropic, including providing a
hospital for the poor, aged men and a grammar school in Lichfield, originally
known as Priory of St John. He rarely attended the cathedral, being busy with ecclesiastical,
legal and political duties. After three years he was translated to Lincoln
Cathedral. Minor and indifferent to the cathedral.
John Arundel, 1496–1502, a
nobleman from Cornwall. Between 1482–1496, he was Dean of Exeter Cathedral
before becoming Bishop. In 1502 he was translated to Exeter. Completely
indifferent
Geoffrey Blythe, 1503–1531, came
from Norton, Sheffield. His mother was a sister to the Archbishop of York. He
attended Eton and Cambridge. Henry VII sent him on various embassies abroad and
then made him bishop. From 1512 to 1524 he was appointed president of the Council
of Wales and the Marches. He was acquitted of a treason charge in 1509. His
elder brother was Bishop of Salisbury. He led a concerted effort to eradicate a
community of Lollards in Coventry, 1511‑2, which resulted in 13 martyrdoms by
burning. He paid for tapestries and silverware and bequeathed legacies to the
cathedral. He gave 50 oaks and £20 for repairs. He was buried near the shrine
of Chad. Powerful and good to the cathedral, but infamous in Coventry.
Rowland Lee or Leigh, 1534–1543, came from Isel, Cumberland and was educated at Cambridge. He obtained various livings under the patronage of Cardinal Wolsey and then with Henry VIII and Thomas Cromwell, apparently accepting the suppressing of monasteries. He was involved with the divorce proceedings against Catherine of Aragon and reputedly officiated at Henry's secret marriage to Anne Boleyn, 1533. Soon after he was made Bishop, and on consecration, took the new oath to the King as head of the Church of England and not to the Pope. During his episcopate occurred the loss of Chad’s shrine and other valuables owned by the cathedral. The loss, 1541, of the archdeaconry of Chester to the newly formed diocese of Chester was also during his watch. He was made Lord President of the Council of Wales and the Marches and under the direction of Thomas Cromwell harshly instituted law and order in Wales. It is thought he hanged without fair trial many for lawlessness and is said to have been dismayed when Wales came into Union with England in 1536. There are some who think Wales at this time needed severe penalties for disorder. He was buried at Shrewsbury. Powerful and much disliked. He did the bidding of Thomas Cromwell and the King. Possibly amoral.
Richard Sampson, 1543–1554, was educated at Cambridge
and in France. He obtained preferment from Cardinal Wolsey and became chaplain
to Henry VIII and given many other positions. He composed choral music. In 1521,
at Oxford he had to deal with some heretical books. He became one of Henry
VIII's chief agents in his divorce proceedings, being rewarded with the deanery
of Lichfield in 1533, but never appeared in the cathedral. In 1536, he became
Bishop of Chichester and in 1543 was translated to Lichfield on royal
authority alone, without papal confirmation. In 1548, he terminated the
chantries and the chantry chaplains. Endowments and the chaplain’s college were
sold off. Statues within the cathedral were removed. In his time vestments,
plate, and service-books of the cathedral were dispersed. Dean Savage (1927)
expressed it as he was responsible during ‘the whole of his tenure for a
discreditable traffic (loss) in every king of Church property. When Edward VI became king, Sampson lost his
standing, but not bishopric, on account of ignoring the pope on his
consecration. In 1554, he was deprived of the bishopric having expressed his
regret of being disloyal to the pope. He died at Eccleshall and buried in the
parish church. He oversaw and was adept at managing the many changes of
Reformation.
Ralph Baine, 1554–1559, came from Yorkshire and
educated at Cambridge. He was a lecturer in Hebrew. He opposed Henry VIII’s
divorce and had to leave the country. In 1553 Mary I came to the throne and she
demanded a Catholic form of worship. The cathedral was lacking in most of the
apparatus for divine service. Baines was the last Catholic bishop of Lichfield
and was much involved in the Protestant persecutions during Mary I’s reign. In
1559, under Elizabeth I he was deprived of his bishopric and imprisoned in the
Tower. It is unclear whether he died in the tower or in confinement in a London
house. A Catholic caught up in violent times. There were many changes in the
priests in the cathedral.
Thomas Bentham, 1560–1579, came from Yorkshire and
educated at Oxford. He went into exile during Mary I’s reign, but then returned
and preached Protestantism whilst in danger of being sent to the stake. He
prayed with those in London who were being burnt. He was made bishop under
Elizabeth I. He is remembered for his theological studies; another academic
fluent in Hebrew. In 1579, the Privy Council ordered the destruction of certain
copes, vestments, tunicles and other Popish stuff. He was buried at Eccleshall.
A bishop who enforced a Protestant worship in the cathedral and diocese.
Dean Savage stated he was a Godsend to Lichfield.
William Overton, 1580–1609, was born in London,
educated at Glastonbury, Oxford University and Cambridge University. In
Elizabeth I’s reign he received many benefices and eventually the bishopric,
but came to the cathedral with personal debt. The cathedral was poor and he
attempted without much success to improve its and his own finances. He had a
reputation of being genial, hospitable, and generous to the poor, but Dean
Savage described him as harsh, avaricious and quarrelsome. However, he lived in
the deanery, much to the dean’s despair. He helped to develop glassmaking in
Staffordshire including importing skilled French workers. He died at
Eccleshall. A bishop always having money problems.
George Abbot, 1609–1610. Was only a bishop for a
month. A learned man who tolerated dissenters. Became Archbishop of Canterbury
and took a leading part in preparing the authorised version of the New
Testament. He was much against the teaching of William Laud. Short-lived.
Richard Neile, 1610–1614, was born in Westminster,
educated at Westminster School and sent to Cambridge University as a poor
scholar with the patronage of the powerful Burghley family. He held six
bishoprics, the most ever achieved, and Lichfield was the second in line. He
was responsible for the last burning at the stake in England; Edward Wightman 1612
in Lichfield Market Place. He was close to James I. Neile was a promoter of
William Laud and a high churchman. A short-lived bishop with strong
anti-Calvinist views. Did little for the cathedral and diocese.
John Overall, 1614–1618, was born in Suffolk and
studied at Cambridge. He was a learned man who translated much for the King
James version of the bible. Like his predecessor he was an Arminian and
therefore opposed to Papalism and Puritanism. He rarely attended the cathedral,
spending his time on business for the king and church court. Another
short-lived bishop with high church views.
Thomas Morton, 1619–1632, was born in York and
graduated from Cambridge University. He was chaplain to two earls before
becoming chaplain to James I. He communicated with many European theologians
and lecturers. In 1616, James made him Bishop of Chester and in 1619 Bishop of
Lichfield and Coventry. He managed Catholic and Calvinist followers with
moderation, but was opposed to the doctrine of predestination (all events are
willed by God including who he intends to save). The management of the
cathedral was left to the dean and four canons. In 1632 he became Bishop of
Durham and welcomed Charles I on his visitations. During the Commonwealth he
narrowly escaped imprisonment and lived quietly with Royalist friends. A
learned man who was generous to all. Little is known of what he gave to the
cathedral and diocese.
Robert Wright, 1632–1643, was born in humble
beginnings in St Albans. He graduated from Oxford and in time became a chaplain
to Elizabeth I and then James I. He was Bishop of Bristol in 1623 and then
Lichfield in 1632. In his time all the pew seats were removed from the
cathedral on the orders of Charles I. He was a Royalist sympathiser, was
impeached for high treason and imprisoned in the tower for 18 weeks. He died at
Eccleshall Castle in September 1643 under siege by Parliamentarians. A
staunch Royalist who had to manage a diocese divided into Royalist and
Parliamentarian factions. The cathedral became isolated and a battle site.
Accepted Frewen, 1644–1646, was born in Sussex and
graduated from Oxford. He became a
chaplain to Charles I even though he was possibly puritanically inclined (his
name indicates this). In 1628, he became Vice-Chancellor of Oxford University.
He was deprived of his see when the English episcopy was abolished in 1646. Parliament
declared his estates forfeited for reason of treason and a price was
fixed on his head, but he escaped to France. At the Restoration in
1660, he regained the bishopric, but later in the year was made Archbishop
of York. A short-lived Royalist
priest who kept his faith, but lost his cathedral.
There are no details concerning services in the cathedral
during the war. Some priests took up arms, mainly for the Royalists. Some left
the area. Some stayed and helped in the restoration.
John Hacket, 1661–1670, was born in London and
graduated from Cambridge. In 1623 he was chaplain to James I. In 1641, he pleaded
in Parliament for the continuance of cathedral establishments. As the
Canon-Resident at St Pauls, he frequently preached before Charles II. He was an
ardent Royalist. At the age of 69, in 1661, he was made the Bishop of Lichfield
on the recommendation of Charles II, and given the considerable task of funding
and overseeing the reconstruction of the devastated cathedral. A team of clergy
and builders had already been gathered before Hacket arrived, but he was the
manager of funds. Hacket wrote new statutes for the organisation of the
cathedral. He died in a prebendal house in the Close, with the sound of a
reinstalled bell pealing, and was buried in the cathedral. See the post ‘Bishop
John Hacket’ for more information on his life and ‘Damage and Restoration’ for
the rebuilding of the cathedral. A
fund-raiser and organiser who oversaw rebuilding of the cathedral over 8 years.
Thomas Wood, 1671–1692, was born in Hackney and
educated at Westminster School and Oxford. A chaplain to Charles I and was
about to have preferments when the Civil War started so he moved abroad. Under
Charles II, in 1663, he was made Dean of Lichfield. He detested popery and
aligned himself with non-conformists; this was one of the arguments with John
Hacket. He was mean and difficult and this upset the canons of the cathedral.
He sued because the Bishop’s Palace was not ready for his residency. He rarely
visited Lichfield and lived in London and Durham. His family were nobility and
this is held to explain why he became bishop; said to be on the recommendation
of the mistress of Charles II. The archbishop suspended him conditional on
repaying debts and attending the cathedral. Instead, he attended Coventry. He
left gifts to places elsewhere. An ineffective bishop, much disliked by
those around him. Virtually an absentee.
William Lloyd, 1692–1699, born in Berkshire and knew
several languages at an early age. Graduated from Oxford and had a series of
livings. He was the bishop of St Asaph before moving to Lichfield. During his
short episcopy, he had to correct much that his predecessor had neglected. He
refined the statutes of the cathedral. He rebuilt the Civil war damaged diocesan
residence at Eccleshall Castle. After translation to Worcester, he was
prominent in opposition to James II and his Catholic sympathies. Short-lived
bishop noted for the restoration of the bishop’s palace.
John Hough, 1699–1717, was born in Middlesex and
educated in Walsall and then Oxford University. In 1687, he was elected
President of Magdalen College, Oxford, against James II’s catholic preference.
The king objected in strong ways, but eventually accepted Hough. In 1690 he was
made Bishop of Oxford and nine years later Bishop of Lichfield. He rebuilt the
episcopal house at Eccleshall. He lived in the diocese
and was liked by many. He was notably charitable. A quiet, mild,
retiring man. He was offered the primacy, but declined.
Edward Chandler, 1717–1730, was born in Dublin and
educated at Trinity College. He became chaplain to William Lloyd, Bishop of
Lichfield and then succeeded him. He was later translated to Durham and gave
£9000 for the see.. He is known for his writing, his diatribe against
‘freethinkers’ and for becoming very rich. He wrote statutes detailing how
clergy should conduct themselves.
Richard Smalbroke, 1731–1749, was born in Birmingham
and matriculated at Oxford. In 1709, he became the chaplain to the Archbishop
of Canterbury, and in 1724 was made Bishop of St Davids. It is said he learned
to speak Welsh. He was translated to Lichfield and has been accused of filling
the cathedral with his relatives. During his episcopacy he wrote much and his
sermons were published. Like many bishops before, he complained of absentee
clergy. In 1738, he was informed the cathedral was in good repair 'except in
the roof’. In 1749 many of the statues on the west front were removed. He was
buried in the cathedral, whereas three members of his family were buried in the
south cloister at Westminster Abbey. A diligent bishop with strong views who
expressed them without hesitation.
Frederick Cornwallis, 1750–1768, born in London to an
aristocratic family. Educated at Eton and Cambridge. In 1746, he was made
chaplain to George II and a canon at Windsor. He became Bishop of
Lichfield, thanks to the patronage of the Duke of Newcastle. In 1752, he made
changes to the times and nature of the services. Inevitably, he was translated
to be the Archbishop of Canterbury. Considered to be an able administrator,
but an uninspiring priest.
John Egerton, 1768–1771, born in Middlesex, the son
of a bishop and a member of an aristocratic family. Educated at Eton and
Oxford. In 1756 was made Bishop of Bangor before coming to Lichfield. He
declined the primacy of Ireland and instead became the Bishop of Durham, though in a poor state of health. He made great
improvements in Durham. A short-lived bishop who did not do much for the
cathedral and diocese.
Brownlow North, 1771–1774, was born in Chelsea to an
aristocratic family. A half-brother, Frederick North, became Prime Minister,
1770–1782. Educated at Eton and Oxford. He was priested by Frederick
Cornwallis, Bishop of Lichfield. In 1770, he was Dean of Canterbury before
becoming Bishop of Lichfield, recommended by his half-brother. Three years
later he was translated to Worcester. Another short-lived bishop who did
little.
Richard Hurd, 1774–1781, born on a farm in Penkridge.
Went to Brewood Grammar school and Cambridge. A writer and preacher, including
at Lincoln’s Inn. Appointed Bishop in 1774 and two years later became tutor
to the Prince of Wales and the Duke of York. He was then translated to
Worcester. The king offered him the primacy, but he declined. He left eight
volumes of sermons, dialogues and controversial tracts. A respected
theologian.
James Cornwallis, 1781–1824, nephew of Frederick Cornwallis
and fourth Earl Cornwallis. Educated at Eton and Oxford. He was Dean of
Canterbury before becoming Bishop and at the same time Dean of Windsor and Dean
of Durham. He died in office. He oversaw alterations to the nave, choir, and
Lady Chapel between 1788 and 1795. The choir was lengthened so the whole
congregation could be seated comfortably. The nave roof was lightened in
weight. Improvements were made at Eccleshall Castle. Cornwallis took a keen interest
in the improvements and was a liberal subscriber. Many of these changes were
much later criticised. A
long-serving bishop in a time when much alteration to the cathedral was
undertaken.
Henry Ryder, 1824–1836, born in Streatham, Surrey, to a noble family. He studied at Cambridge and became Bishop of Gloucester in 1815. He was the first evangelical bishop and an inspiration to Cardinal John Henry Newman. Evangelicalism was part of the Revival Movement in which individuals could be ‘born again’. Essentially, you are justified by faith in Christ as taught in the Gospels and you turn away from sin. Ryder recognised the poor were usually shut out of churches and he started an intensive programme of building churches in Staffordshire, or adding galleries to increase the seating. Between 1831 and 1840, 34 new churches were built in Staffordshire and another 80 followed between 1841 and 1850. Many of the new churches were large and accommodated many worshippers. An innovative bishop who must have struggled with many parishioners.
Samuel Butler, 1836–1839, was born in Kenilworth and
educated at Rugby School and Cambridge. He majored in Latin and Greek and in
1798 at the age of 24 became headmaster of Shrewsbury school. He raised the
profile of the school, but introduced changes which were much disliked. Darwin
was a notable pupil who hated the rote learning. Discipline was poor and
accommodation was spartan. He then became bishop and immediately lost Coventry
in his title having it transferred to Worcester. He died of asthma in office. A short-lived bishop with a controversial
past.
James Bowstead, 1840–1843, born in Great Salkeld,
Cumbria, and educated at Bampton Grammar and Cambridge where he became a tutor.
He was nominated Bishop of Sodor and Man by Queen Victoria in 1838.
Eighteen months later he was translated to Lichfield and decided to make his
journey from Liverpool to Lichfield on horseback. On the way his horse stumbled
causing him damage to his spine. It led to a long painful illness and
eventually death. Most of the time he could not carry out his priestly
duties. An unwell bishop.
John Lonsdale, 1843–1867, born near Wakefield and
educated at Eton and Cambridge. Admitted to Lincoln’s Inn, 1811. In 1815, was
chaplain to the Archbishop of Canterbury. He became the precentor at Lichfield
in 1828 and the first Principal of King’s College, London, in 1839. The
hospital at the college was mostly founded by him. In 1843, he became the
bishop on the recommendation of the Archbishop, Bishop of London, and Robert
Peel. Much of the restoration of the cathedral under G. Gilbert Scott was
during his time. He also settled a dispute regarding the new Theological
College, 1857. All the various statutes were brought together under his
supervision for later revision, 1875 and 1905. Lonsdale continued the work of
Bishop Ryder by building 150 new churches in diocese. He died in Eccleshall
Castle. A High Church bishop who oversaw much repair and restoration of the
cathedral. At his death some said he was the best bishop the diocese ever had.
A model of justice, kindness, humility, and good sense with an undeviating
attention to diocesan duty.
George Selwyn, 1868–1878, born in Hampstead and educated at Eton and Cambridge. In 1829, he rowed for Cambridge in the first ‘boat race’. He taught at Eton and was a curate at Windsor. In 1841, he was made Bishop of New Zealand. Selwyn travelled widely, often sailing himself, around the country visiting small missionary stations. He was of the High Church (Tractarian) view, but often appointed missionaries with low church persuasions. He also sailed to the Melanesian islands and introduced Christianity. By 1858, with extra bishops now appointed, Selwyn became the primate. He was slow to train and appoint Māori priests and was associated with events that suppressed the Māoris; this left a damaged relationship which is still expressed today. In 1867, he reluctantly accepted the bishopric of Lichfield. He is remembered for an updating of the organisation of the cathedral. For example, he reinstated the general chapter as a regular supervisory body for the cathedral. By1875, he had upgraded the statutes of the cathedral; some dated as far back as the seventeenth century. A mining disaster at Pelsall Hall in 1872 killed 22 miners and Selwyn and local clergy gave comfort to the families. He modernised the Bishop’s Palace in the Close having sold the palace at Eccleshall. He died in the Cathedral Close Palace and was buried in the grounds of the Close. A monument was erected in the Lady Chapel sponsored from miners and their families. Selwyn College, Cambridge, was named after him followed by many colleges in New Zealand. A much-loved bishop in New Zealand whose legacy is both cherished and disputed. He led a life of hardship filled with difficulties of mission and yet gave comfort to those who suffered.
