John Gunthorpe facts for kids

John Gunthorpe (died 1498) was an important English official who lived a long time ago. He held many big jobs, like helping with laws in Parliament, looking after the King's special seal, and being a church leader.

Early Life and Learning

John Gunthorpe went to Cambridge University and became a churchman. He even worked as a secretary for Queen Elizabeth. By 1452, he had earned a Master of Arts degree from Cambridge.

He later traveled to Italy to continue his studies. In the city of Ferrara, he learned about public speaking, called rhetoric, from a famous teacher named Guarino da Verona. After his teacher died, John Gunthorpe started working for the Pope in 1462. Pope Pius II himself approved John for his new roles as a papal chaplain and a minor penitentiary. During his five years in Italy, John became very good at Latin and also learned Greek. This time helped him gain valuable experience in international affairs.

Working for the King

In 1465, John Gunthorpe returned to England. He quickly became an important part of King Edward IV's court and government. He helped the king with religious matters, talking to other countries, managing money, and politics. For example, he was an ambassador sent to try and convince the King of Castile not to break a treaty with England. By 1466, he was serving as a chaplain to King Edward IV.

Key Roles Under Edward IV

In 1468, John Gunthorpe went back to Cambridge University and earned a degree in theology. On December 9, 1468, he became the King's Almoner. This person was in charge of the king's charities, giving out money and extra food from the king's table to those in need. John Gunthorpe was the first person known to be called the 'King's High Almoner'.

In 1471, he was appointed Clerk of the Parliament. This meant he was responsible for keeping records and managing the business of Parliament. He held this important job until 1483. In 1472, he also became a monk at St. Stephen's chapel, though he continued to live with the king. By 1476, he was made dean of the king's household chapel, overseeing everything about the chapel's activities.

Serving Under Richard III

On April 9, 1483, King Edward IV, who had been John Gunthorpe's supporter, passed away. Soon after, on May 10, John Gunthorpe was given a new important job: Keeper of the Privy Seal. This role involved looking after the king's special seal, which was used to approve official documents. He was appointed by Richard of Gloucester, who soon became King Richard III. John Gunthorpe was the only Keeper of the Privy Seal to serve King Richard III.

While serving as Keeper of the Privy Seal, John Gunthorpe helped King Richard III with important talks with other countries. He helped arrange peace agreements with Scotland and extended a truce with the Duke of Brittany. He also worked on a truce with the Tudor family in Brittany.

King Richard III gave John Gunthorpe a special gift in 1485: the swans in the waters of Somerset. Swans were often linked to royalty and chivalry.

Under New Leadership

King Richard III died on August 22, 1485. After this, John Gunthorpe began working for the new king, Henry VII. Soon after, he also became the resident Dean of Wells, a major church leader in the area. As Dean of Wells, he was involved in legal matters within the church's authority, even presiding over court cases.

Final Years and Death

In his last year, John Gunthorpe even hosted the king. He was known as a very smart person: a rhetorician (someone good at public speaking), a linguist (someone who knows many languages), a priest and theologian, and an experienced diplomat and secretary. However, he did not leave behind many of his own writings.

John Gunthorpe died on June 25, 1498. He was buried in St Katherine's Chapel, which is part of Wells Cathedral.