Henry Holbeach facts for kids
Quick facts for kids The Right Reverend Henry Holbeach |
|
|---|---|
| Bishop of Lincoln | |
| Church | Church of England |
| Diocese | Lincoln |
| Elected | c. 1547 |
| Enthroned | c. 1547 |
| Reign ended | 1551 (death) |
| Predecessor | John Longland |
| Successor | John Taylor |
| Other posts | Prior of Worcester (1536–1540) Bishop suffragan of Bristol (1538–1544) Dean of Worcester (1542–1544) Bishop of Rochester (1544–1547) |
| Orders | |
| Consecration | 24 March 1537 by John Hilsey |
| Personal details | |
| Birth name | Henry Rands |
| Born | c. 1477 Holbeach, Lincolnshire, England |
| Died | 2 August 1551 Nettleham, Lincolnshire, England |
| Buried | 7 August 1551, Nettleham |
| Nationality | English |
| Denomination | Anglican |
Henry Holbeach (born around 1477, died 1551) was an important English church leader. He held many roles in the Church of England, including being a bishop in two different areas. He was also the last leader of Worcester Cathedral when it was a monastery and the first leader after it became a cathedral.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Henry Holbeach was born as Henry Rands in a place called Holbeach in Lincolnshire, England. When he became a monk at Crowland Abbey, he took the name of his hometown, Holbeach.
He went to the University of Cambridge to study. There, he earned a Bachelor of Theology degree in 1527. Later, in 1534, he completed his Doctor of Theology degree. He also became the leader, or prior, of Buckingham College, Cambridge.
Church Leadership Roles
Henry Holbeach held many important positions in the church. In 1536, he was chosen as the Prior of Worcester Cathedral. This meant he was the head of the monastery there.
Two years later, in 1538, he became the Bishop of Bristol. This was a special role called a suffragan bishop within the Anglican Diocese of Worcester.
Changes at Worcester Cathedral
Around 1540, big changes happened in England known as the Dissolution of the Monasteries. Many monasteries were closed down. Worcester Priory was then changed into a cathedral. Henry Holbeach became its first Dean in 1542. This meant he was still the main leader, but the church was no longer a monastery.
Becoming a Bishop
Henry Holbeach continued to rise in the church. In 1544, he became the Bishop of Rochester. This was another important leadership role. Finally, in 1547, he became the Bishop of Lincoln. This was his last major position.
Later Life and Death
Henry Holbeach is thought to be the first English bishop after the Reformation to have been married. His wife, Joan, was mentioned in his will after he died. He also had a son named Thomas Randes.
Holbeach became sick with a serious illness called the sweating sickness. He died on August 2, 1551, in a place called Nettleham. He was buried there on August 7, 1551.
