John Salmon (bishop) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids John Salmon |
|
|---|---|
| Bishop of Norwich | |
| Province | Canterbury |
| Appointed | June 1298 |
| Reign ended | 6 July 1325 |
| Predecessor | Ralph Walpole |
| Successor | Robert Baldock |
| Other posts | Lord Chancellor |
| Orders | |
| Consecration | 15 November 1299 |
| Personal details | |
| Died | 6 July 1325 Folkestone |
| Buried | Norwich Cathedral |
| Nationality | English |
| Denomination | Roman Catholic Church |
| Parents | Salomon & Alice |
| Previous post | Bishop-elect of Ely |
John Salmon (died 1325) was an important English church leader in the Middle Ages. He served as the Bishop of Norwich, a high-ranking position in the church. He also held a powerful government job as Lord Chancellor for the King of England.
Contents
Who Was John Salmon?
John Salmon came from a family of goldsmiths in Ely, England. His parents were Salomon and Alice. John was the oldest of three brothers.
Early Life and Church Career
John Salmon decided to join the church at a young age. He became a monk in the Benedictine priory (a type of monastery) in Ely before 1291.
He quickly rose through the ranks. He became a "subprior," which is like an assistant leader, at Ely Cathedral. Later, in 1292, he was elected to be the "Prior of Ely," the main leader of the monastery.
Becoming a Bishop
In 1298, the monks of Ely chose John Salmon to be their new bishop. This position is called the "see of Ely." However, King Edward I of England disagreed with their choice. He wanted his own chancellor, John Langton, to be the bishop instead.
Both sides asked the Pope in Rome to decide. Pope Boniface VIII cancelled both elections in 1299. But the Pope still wanted to give John Salmon an important role. So, he appointed him to be the Bishop of Norwich. John Salmon officially became the Bishop of Norwich on November 15, 1299.
Serving the King
John Salmon was not just a church leader; he also served the King of England. In 1307, he helped arrange the marriage of the new king, Edward II.
He often went on "diplomatic missions" for the king. This means he traveled to other countries to discuss important matters. For example, in 1309, King Edward II sent him to Rome. His mission was to help bring back Piers Gaveston, a friend of the king, who had been sent away from England.
In 1311, John Salmon was chosen as one of the "Lords Ordainers." This was a group of powerful nobles and church leaders. Their job was to help King Edward II govern the country. Over the next few years, Salmon continued to work closely with the king. He helped negotiate with important people like the Earl of Lancaster.
Lord Chancellor of England
From 1320 to 1323, John Salmon held a very important government job. He was the Lord Chancellor of England. The Lord Chancellor was the king's chief minister and legal advisor.
In this role, Salmon traveled with the king and helped with important discussions. He worked on agreements with countries like France and Scotland. In 1323, he resigned from this job because he was not well. However, he still continued to help the king when he could.
Death and Burial
John Salmon died on July 6, 1325. He passed away in Folkestone while returning from a diplomatic mission in France. He was buried in Norwich Cathedral, a beautiful and historic church.
