Richard Sampson facts for kids

Richard Sampson was an important English church leader and a composer of religious music. He lived a long time ago, dying on September 25, 1554. He became a bishop, first in Chichester and then in Coventry and Lichfield.

Early Life and Education

Richard Sampson studied at several famous universities. He went to Trinity Hall, Cambridge in England. He also studied in France, at the Sorbonne in Paris and in Sens. He earned a special degree called Doctor of Canon Law. This meant he was an expert in church law.

Early Career in the Church

After his studies, Richard Sampson started working for the church. Cardinal Wolsey, a powerful church leader, appointed him to important roles. Sampson became a "diocesan chancellor" and "vicar-general" in the area of Tournai. These jobs meant he helped manage the church's affairs in that region. He lived there until 1517.

While in Tournai, he also gained other positions in England. He became a "Dean" at St. Stephen's, Westminster and the Chapel Royal in 1516. A Dean is a senior priest in a cathedral or church. He also became an "Archdeacon" in Cornwall in 1517. An Archdeacon helps a bishop manage a part of their diocese.

More Church Roles

Richard Sampson continued to gain more church positions. In 1519, he became a "prebendary" of Newbald. This meant he received income from a church property. From 1522 to 1525, he served as an English ambassador. He represented England to Emperor Charles V, a very powerful ruler in Europe.

After this, he became the Dean of Windsor in 1523. He was also a "Vicar" of Stepney in 1526. A Vicar is a priest in charge of a parish. He held other prebends at St. Paul's Cathedral and at Lichfield. In 1529, he became the Archdeacon of Suffolk.

Working for King Henry VIII

Richard Sampson became a key helper for King Henry VIII. He assisted the King during his royal divorce proceedings. This work helped Sampson advance his own career in the church.

Becoming a Bishop

Because of his service to the King, Sampson received more important church roles. He was given the "deanery" of Lichfield in 1533. A deanery is the office or position of a dean. He also became the "rectory" of Hackney in 1534. A rectory is the office of a rector, who is a priest in charge of a parish. In 1535, he became the treasurer of Salisbury.

On June 11, 1536, Richard Sampson was chosen as the Bishop of Chichester. As bishop, he supported King Henry VIII's new church policies. These policies were different from the traditional Catholic church views. However, he was not always as strict as Archbishop Thomas Cranmer wanted him to be.

Bishop of Coventry and Lichfield

On February 19, 1543, Richard Sampson was moved to a new position. He became the Bishop of Coventry and Lichfield. This appointment was made by the King alone, without the Pope's approval. This was a big change from how bishops were usually chosen.

He remained bishop through the reign of King Edward VI. Some people said he lost his position because he changed his mind about supporting the Pope. However, other writers from that time do not mention him losing his job.

Writings

Richard Sampson was also a writer. In 1533, he wrote a speech called "Oratio." This speech defended the King's power. He also wrote explanations of the Psalms between 1539 and 1548. In 1546, he wrote about the Pauline Epistle to the Romans, a book from the Bible.

Death

Richard Sampson died on September 25, 1554. He passed away in Eccleshall, which is in Staffordshire, England.