Henry Ware (bishop of Chichester) facts for kids

Henry Ware (who died in 1420) was an important church leader in medieval times. He worked for King Henry V of England as a diplomat and also as the Lord Privy Seal from 1416 to 1418. This was a very important job, like being a top advisor to the king. Later, he became the Bishop of Chichester.

Henry Ware was originally from Wales. He started his career in the church in the 1390s. He also studied law at Oxford University, where he became an expert. He then worked in the church court at Canterbury. He even went on special trips to France to help make peace agreements. In 1418, he was chosen to be the Bishop of Chichester and officially became bishop in July of that year. He passed away in July 1420.

Early Life and Education

Henry Ware was most likely from Glamorgan in Wales. It seems he came from a humble family. In his will, he mentioned a brother and "poor relatives," as well as his sister, Margaret.

Even though he didn't have many advantages early in life, Ware went to Oxford University. There, he studied law and earned a Master of Arts degree by 1399.

His Career Journey

Ware's first job in the church was in Glamorgan. By May 1394, he was a canon in the Diocese of Llandaff. He also became a rector in Marcross by 1398.

His career had two main parts. He became a notary public by 1398, which meant he could legally witness documents. He continued this work until at least 1402. In June 1402, Archbishop Thomas Arundel hired him as a scribe. Soon, Henry was helping the archbishop settle legal problems in the church. By July 1408, he was a high-ranking official in the church court at Canterbury. He held this important position until at least 1416.

Working for the King

On September 11, 1416, King Henry V appointed Ware as the Lord Privy Seal. This job meant he was in charge of the king's private seal, which was used to approve important documents. It was a very trusted role.

In March 1417, Ware was part of a group sent to France. Their mission was to try and make a peace treaty with France and Burgundy. When he came back to England, he helped sort out various problems that had come up while he was away.

In May 1414, the king gave Ware the Parish of Tring in Hertfordshire. This was a way for the king to reward him for his service.

Becoming a Bishop

On February 28, 1418, Henry Ware was chosen to be the Bishop of Chichester. This choice was confirmed by Pope Martin V. After this, he had to promise the king that he would not do anything that would go against the king's power. He officially became bishop in a special ceremony in Normandy, France, on July 17, 1418.

Later in 1418, Ware joined another royal trip to Normandy. Again, he was part of a diplomatic team. They were trying to make a treaty with the Dauphin, who was the heir to the French throne. He had already left his job as Lord Privy Seal in September 1418, probably because of this important trip to France. Ware continued to be involved in more peace talks in early 1419.

Ware returned to England shortly after March 1419. He was listed as attending a church meeting in October 1419. We also know he was in Chichester in December 1419.

His Final Years

It seems Henry Ware became ill after returning to England. He didn't do much official work. He wrote his will on July 7, 1420. He passed away shortly after, sometime between July 7 and July 26, 1420.

In his will, Ware asked for an "old bible" to be returned to Margam Abbey. He also left church clothes to St Buruoc's in Barry. He even left money to help fix the Bishop's Palace in Chichester.

Henry Ware was buried in Chichester Cathedral, just as he had wished.