John de Ufford facts for kids
Quick facts for kids John de Ufford |
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|---|---|
| Archbishop-designate of Canterbury | |
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| Reign ended | 20 May 1349 |
| Predecessor | John de Stratford (archbishop) |
| Successor | Thomas Bradwardine (archbishop) |
| Orders | |
| Consecration | (died unconsecrated) |
| Personal details | |
| Died | 20 May 1349 |
| Denomination | Roman Catholic |
| Previous post | Lord Privy Seal, Dean of Lincoln |
John de Ufford was an important person in England during the 1300s. He worked for King Edward III as a top official, like a chief advisor. He was also chosen to become the leader of the church in England, the Archbishop of Canterbury. Sadly, he passed away before he could officially start this big role.
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Who Was John de Ufford?
John de Ufford came from a family that owned land in a place called Offord Dameys in Huntingdonshire, England. He also had a brother named Andrew Offord.
Working for the King
John de Ufford held several very important jobs for King Edward III. These roles were part of the royal administration, meaning he helped run the country.
A Royal Messenger
In the summer of 1344, John de Ufford was sent to Avignon, a city in France. He went with two other people, Nicholas de Luna and Hugh Neville. Their mission was to meet with Pope Clement VI. The Pope was trying to help make peace during a break in the Hundred Years War. This war was a long conflict between England and France. However, the peace talks did not work out.
Keeper of the King's Seals
John de Ufford was the Chancellor to King Edward III. This was a very powerful job, like being the king's main secretary and legal advisor. He was in charge of two important seals:
- The Privy Seal: He became the Lord Privy Seal in 1342. This seal was used for less formal royal documents. He stopped holding this job after September 1344.
- The Great Seal: He took charge of the Great Seal on October 26, 1345. This was the main seal of the kingdom, used for very important official papers. He kept the job of Chancellor until he died.
Church Leadership Role
Besides his work for the king, John de Ufford also had an important position in the church. He was the Dean of Lincoln from 1344 to 1348. A dean is a senior leader in a cathedral.
Becoming Archbishop of Canterbury
After the previous Archbishop of Canterbury, John de Stratford, passed away, King Edward III chose John de Ufford for the job. This was a very high honor, as the Archbishop of Canterbury is the leader of the Church of England.
However, the church leaders (called canons) at Canterbury Cathedral had actually chosen someone else. They elected Thomas Bradwardine, who was known as a smart scholar and a trusted advisor to the king. Despite their choice, the Pope officially appointed John de Ufford to the position on September 24, 1348. He was given control of the church's lands and money on December 14, 1348.
His Untimely Death
Any possible disagreement between the church and the king about who should be archbishop never happened. John de Ufford was already old and not in good health. He became sick with the Black Death and died on May 20, 1349. He passed away before he could be officially consecrated (a special ceremony to become an archbishop).
