Hugh Whitehead facts for kids

Hugh Whitehead was an important religious leader in England during the 1500s. He was the last leader, called a prior, of the Benedictine monastery at Durham. A monastery is a place where monks live and work. King Henry VIII closed down many monasteries, including Durham's, in 1540. This event was known as the Dissolution of the Monasteries. After the monastery closed, Hugh Whitehead became the first dean of Durham Cathedral. A dean is the main leader of a cathedral.

Early Life and Education

Hugh Whitehead came from a family in County Durham, England. He became a priest in 1501. After that, he spent seven years studying at Durham College, Oxford, which was a part of Oxford University.

Leading Durham College

From about 1512 to 1519, Hugh Whitehead was the warden of Durham College. A warden is like a manager or leader of a college.

From Prior to Dean

Hugh Whitehead served as the prior of Durham's monastery from 1519 until 1540. This was a very important role, as he was in charge of all the monks and the monastery's activities.

When King Henry VIII closed the monasteries in 1540, it was a big change for England. The next year, in 1541, Hugh Whitehead took on a new role. He became the very first dean of Durham Cathedral. This meant he was still a key leader in the church, but in a new way, as the cathedral became a central place of worship.

Later Years and Death

Hugh Whitehead faced some difficult times later in his life. He died in November 1551.