Adam Houghton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Doctor Adam Houghton |
|
|---|---|
| Bishop of St David's | |
| Province | Canterbury |
| Diocese | St David's |
| Enthroned | 2 January 1362 |
| Reign ended | 13 February 1389 |
| Predecessor | Thomas Fastolf |
| Successor | John Gilbert |
| Other posts | Lord Chancellor, 1377–1378 |
| Orders | |
| Ordination | unknown |
| Consecration | 1361 |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Perhaps at Whitchurch, Pembrokeshire, date unknown. |
| Died | 13 February 1389 St David's |
| Nationality | English, probably born in Wales |
| Denomination | Roman Catholic |
| Alma mater | Oxford |
Adam Houghton (died 13 February 1389), also known as Adam de Houghton, was an important leader in England during the 1300s. He served as the Bishop of St David's from 1361 until his death. He also held a very powerful position as Lord Chancellor of England from 1377 to 1378.
Houghton had a special law degree called a Doctor of Laws. He was also a lawyer in the Court of Arches, which was a church court. He was even sent on important trips to France by King Edward III. Later, he helped arrange the marriage of King Richard II to Anne of Bohemia.
Early Life and Education
It is believed that Adam Houghton was born in or near St David's in Wales. Some people say he was born at a farm called Caerforiog in Whitchurch, Pembrokeshire. However, his name suggests his family might have been English or Anglo-Norman.
Adam Houghton went to the University of Oxford. By 1340, he had earned his high-level law degree, a Doctor of Laws.
Adam Houghton's Career
Adam Houghton became a senior church official called a precentor at St David's Cathedral in 1339. He left this role around 1350 and became a clerk for the king by 1352. In 1355, he became a lawyer in the Court of Arches.
In 1360 and 1361, he traveled to France for King Edward III to handle important royal business. In 1361, the Pope chose him to become the Bishop of St David's. He officially took over the church lands and money for St David's in December 1361.
As Bishop, Houghton did many good things for St David's. He gave money to support the choir singers and started the first cathedral school. In 1365, he worked with John of Gaunt to build the College of St Mary. This college helped increase the number of church officials and choir members. He also built a covered walkway, called a cloister, connecting the college to the cathedral.
Even though he was busy as Bishop, he also helped in the English Parliament. From 1363 to 1367, he helped review requests and complaints from people. He also served on a special committee that helped solve problems at the University of Oxford.
On January 11, 1377, Adam Houghton was chosen to be the Lord Chancellor of England. This was a very important job, like being the king's chief minister and head of the legal system. He was likely chosen by his friend, John of Gaunt, a powerful figure at the time.
At this time, England was not doing well in a part of the Hundred Years' War called the Caroline War. King Edward III sent Houghton to France to try and make a peace agreement with Charles the Wise. However, King Edward III died in June, and Houghton was called back to England.
Under the new king, Richard II, Houghton was again made Lord Chancellor in June 1377. But he was replaced by another person in October 1378.
In 1380, King Richard II sent Houghton to start talks for his marriage to Anne of Bohemia. These talks were successful, and the marriage happened.
Adam Houghton passed away on February 13, 1389, in St David's. He was first buried in the chapel of the new college he helped build. Later, in 1965, his remains were moved into the main cathedral.
See also
