Miles Salley facts for kids

Miles Salley was an important church leader who lived a long time ago, from the late 1400s to the early 1500s. He was an Abbot (a leader of a monastery) at Eynsham Abbey and Abingdon Abbey. Later, he became a Bishop (a high-ranking church official) in Llandaff.

Bishop Salley is well-known for his building projects. He helped construct parts of the Bishop's Palace in Mathern, Monmouthshire. He also rebuilt parts of The Gaunt's Chapel in Bristol. This included the chancel (the area around the altar) and the south aisle (a side section of the church). He even gave the church a beautiful reredos (a decorated screen behind the altar).

Effigy of Bishop Salley in The Gaunt's Chapel, Bristol

Tomb of Bishop Salley in The Gaunt's Chapel, Bristol

The Life of Miles Salley

Miles Salley started his life in the church as a monk at Abingdon Abbey in the 1480s. He likely joined the monastery when he was quite young.

In 1486, he became involved in a political uprising. He was briefly imprisoned for this. However, he received a pardon in 1492. By 1496, he was a senior monk at Abingdon. He worked as the almoner, which meant he was in charge of giving charity to the poor. He also managed the monastery's kitchen.

Becoming a Bishop

In 1498, Miles Salley was chosen to be the abbot of Eynsham Abbey. Around the same time, the king made him the Bishop of Llandaff. This was a very important position.

As a bishop, he could attend meetings in Parliament. He was also given houses in important cities. These included a home in The Strand in London and another in Bristol. He attended major national events, like the funeral of King Henry VII. He was also present when Thomas Wolsey became a cardinal, a very high rank in the church.

Miles Salley's Legacy

Miles Salley passed away in December 1516. His body was buried in The Gaunt's Chapel in Bristol. You can still see his chest tomb there. It has an effigy (a sculpted image) of him on top.

In his will, he left money and items to several important places. These included Llandaff Cathedral, Mathern church, Eynsham Abbey, and St Mark's hospital. His contributions helped these organizations continue their work.