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Adam Orleton
Bishop of Winchester
Appointed 1 December 1333
Reign ended 18 July 1345
Predecessor John de Stratford
Successor William Edington
Orders
Consecration 22 May 1317
Personal details
Died 18 July 1345
Denomination Catholic
Previous post Bishop of Hereford
Bishop of Worcester

Adam Orleton (died 1345) was an important English church leader and a helper to the king. He served as a Bishop in different parts of England during the 1300s.

Adam Orleton's Life

Adam Orleton was born in Herefordshire, England. His family was well-known in the city of Hereford. Many of his relatives had important jobs as Chief Bailiffs of the city. He was also loyal to Roger Mortimer, who was a powerful lord in the area. Adam Orleton's nephews, John Trilleck and Thomas Trilleck, also became bishops later on.

Early Career and Diplomat

When Edward II became king, Adam Orleton started working as a diplomat. A diplomat is someone who represents their country in talks with other countries or important organizations. Orleton worked at the Pope's court in Avignon from 1309. He was a favorite of Pope John XXII.

Becoming a Bishop

The Pope chose Orleton to be the Bishop of Hereford on May 15, 1317. He was officially made a bishop on May 22, 1317. The king, Edward II, was not happy about this choice at first.

Even though he was getting more involved in politics, Orleton was a good bishop in Hereford. He helped improve some religious houses, like Wigmore Abbey and the priories at Abergavenny and St. Guthlac's in Hereford. During his time as bishop, a large central tower was built at Hereford Cathedral.

Moving to Other Bishoprics

Later, Orleton was moved to become the Bishop of Worcester on September 25, 1327. Finally, he became the Bishop of Winchester on December 1, 1333.

Royal Administrator

In 1327, Adam Orleton also held an important government job. He was the Lord High Treasurer for a short time, from January to March. This role meant he was in charge of the king's money.

Adam Orleton passed away on July 18, 1345.

Adam Orleton in Stories

Adam Orleton appears as a character in some famous stories.

In Plays and Books

  • In Christopher Marlowe's play Edward II, Orleton is shown as having a part in King Edward's death. However, historians today do not believe this story is true.
  • Orleton is also a character in Les Rois maudits (The Accursed Kings). This is a series of French historical novels by Maurice Druon.
  • He was played by Jean Lanier in the 1972 French TV series based on the books. Serge Maillat played him in the 2005 TV series.
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