John of Hoo, Abbot of Vale Royal facts for kids
John of Hoo was an important leader, called an Abbot, at Vale Royal Abbey in Cheshire, England. He was in charge of the Abbey from about 1308 or 1309 until 1314 or 1315.
"His surname was Hoo, which being interpreted means Rousing-up, for if one wants to rouse a man up, one calls out Hoo! that is to say : "Arise and make ready." And he was fittingly called Hoo, because he had been roused by the voice of God...
People at the Abbey said that John of Hoo was a "good, gentle, and simple" man. However, he was also known for being very strict. He sometimes sent monks away from the Abbey if they broke the rules.
Challenges as Abbot
John of Hoo faced many challenges during his time as Abbot. The Abbey had money problems even before he arrived, and these money troubles continued to grow under his leadership. For example, in 1311, the Abbey still owed £200 from building work that had happened way back in 1284!
Disagreements with Robert Holland
Abbot John of Hoo also continued a big disagreement that his predecessor (the Abbot before him) had with Robert Holland. Robert Holland was a powerful official known as the Justice of Chester.
John of Hoo complained that Robert Holland often stopped the Abbey and its tenants (people who lived on Abbey land) from using their forestry rights. This meant they couldn't use the forests in Cheshire that belonged to them.
Abbot Hoo also said that Robert Holland stopped him from using his power over people caught on the Abbey's own land. In those days, the Abbot had certain legal powers over his own lands and the people living there.
Why John of Hoo Left
John of Hoo was one of the first Abbots of Vale Royal who chose to step down from his position. We know why he left, which is rare for Abbots from that time.
He resigned because he was getting old and sick. But he also left because "the ill will of the common people." This means he had become very unpopular with the local people.
