John Kemp facts for kids
Quick facts for kids His Eminence John Kemp |
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| Cardinal, Archbishop of Canterbury Primate of All England |
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| Appointed | 21 July 1452 |
| Reign ended | 22 March 1454 |
| Predecessor | John Stafford |
| Successor | Thomas Bourchier |
| Orders | |
| Consecration | 3 December 1419 by Louis d'Harcourt |
| Created Cardinal |
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| Personal details | |
| Born | c. 1380 Olantigh, Kent |
| Died | 22 March 1454 Canterbury, Kent |
| Buried | Canterbury Cathedral |
| Nationality | English |
| Denomination | Roman Catholic |
| Alma mater | Merton College, Oxford |
John Kemp (born around 1380 – died 22 March 1454) was a very important English leader in the Middle Ages. He was a high-ranking church official called a Cardinal and an Archbishop of Canterbury. He also held a powerful government job as Lord Chancellor of England.
Contents
John Kemp's Amazing Life
Early Years and Education
John Kemp was born around 1380 in Ollantigh, a place in Kent, England. His father was Thomas Kempe and his mother was Beatrix Lewkenor. John went to Merton College, Oxford to study. This was a famous university at the time.
Starting a Career in Law and Government
After his studies, John Kemp became a lawyer for the church. He then started working for the King. He helped manage Normandy, a part of France that England controlled back then. He even became the chancellor (a top official) of Normandy.
In 1418, John Kemp was given an important job called Keeper of the Privy Seal. This meant he was in charge of the King's special seal used for important documents. He held this job until 1421.
Becoming a Bishop
John Kemp also rose quickly in the church. In 1419, he became the Bishop of Rochester. A bishop is a high-ranking church leader who oversees a specific area. He was made a bishop in Rouen, France.
Soon after, he became the Bishop of Chichester in 1421. Later that same year, he moved to become the Bishop of London. These were all important steps in his church career.
A Powerful Government Leader
When King Henry VI was a child, John Kemp played a big role in the English government. He supported Henry Beaufort, another powerful leader. In 1426, John Kemp took over from Beaufort as the Lord Chancellor. This was one of the most powerful jobs in England.
As Lord Chancellor, he was like the King's chief minister. He held this job for six years. During this time, he always supported Henry Beaufort against another important figure, Humphrey of Gloucester.
Becoming a Cardinal
In 1439, John Kemp received an even higher honor: he was made a Cardinal priest. A Cardinal is a very senior church official, chosen by the Pope. Cardinals often advise the Pope and can even elect a new Pope.
After becoming a Cardinal, John Kemp was less involved in everyday politics. However, he still played a part in big decisions. He helped support the King's marriage to Margaret of Anjou.
Facing Challenges and His Final Years
In 1450, John Kemp became Lord Chancellor again. Even though he was old and not very strong, he worked hard to help the King. He dealt with a big uprising called Jack Cade's rebellion. He used his experience to keep the King's power strong for four more years.
In 1452, he was given another great honor. He became the Archbishop of Canterbury, the most important church leader in England. At the same time, Pope Nicholas V gave him the special title of cardinal-bishop of Santa Rufina.
As Richard of York gained more power, John Kemp became less popular. People even called him "the cursed cardinal." His time in power seemed to be ending, but he died suddenly on 22 March 1454. He was buried at Canterbury Cathedral.
John Kemp's Legacy
John Kemp was known more as a skilled politician than just a church leader. He was a very capable official and a loyal helper to King Henry VI. The King even called him "one of the wisest lords of the land."
He also founded Wye College near where he was born. This college later became part of the University of London before it closed in 2009.
