John Chaumpeneys, Abbot of Vale Royal facts for kids
John Chaumpeneys was an important leader of a monastery, called an Abbot. He was the very last Abbot of Darnhall Abbey. He then became the first Abbot of Vale Royal Abbey in Cheshire, England. This happened around the years 1275 to 1289.
Becoming the Abbot of Vale Royal
Chaumpeneys became the first Abbot of Vale Royal after the monastery moved from Darnhall. He was chosen for this important role around September 1274 or 1275. A writer from the Abbey said that Chaumpeneys was a strong defender of his monastery. He would stand up against anyone who tried to cause trouble for the Abbey.
"He was not unworthy of this name of John, or of the grace of God, and of this surname of Chaumpenays, who by the grace of God bore himself, and he justly deserves the title of Champion of Christ...
How the Abbey Made Money
Like the earlier Darnhall Abbey, Vale Royal Abbey made most of its money from selling wool. In 1283, Chaumpeneys received some money as an early payment. This payment was for twelve sacks of collecta, which was a type of wool. He was told to use this money for the "common profit of his house," meaning for the good of the Abbey. Chaumpeneys had been trading wool with this merchant, John Wermond, since at least 1275.
Building the New Abbey
In 1277, an important ceremony took place. The first stone for the altar of the new Vale Royal Abbey was laid. King Edward, the Queen, their son Alphonso, and other important people then laid more stones. After this, Abbot Chaumpeneys led a special Mass, which is a religious service, to celebrate.
Chaumpeneys and the King
Chaumpeneys was known to attend important meetings. He went to the Parliament, which is like a big meeting of leaders, in Westminster in 1278. He also spent a lot of time with the King at the royal court, for example, between 1285 and 1286.
In April 1283, he was in Conwy, helping to move another Abbey to Aberconwy. Because he was there, he likely joined the King's important journey from York the next year. He joined the King's group in Tarporley. Chaumpeneys saw big events that changed English history. These included the creation of the Statute of Rhuddlan in March, and the birth of the future King Edward II in Caernarfon in April.
