Robert Passelewe facts for kids

Robert Passelewe (who also went by Robert Papelew) was an important person in medieval England. He worked for the king as a royal clerk, which was like being a high-level government assistant. He was also chosen to be the Bishop of Chichester, a top church leader, and served as the Archdeacon of Lewes. He lived until 1252.

Early Life and Work

Robert Passelewe started his career working for important people. He was a clerk for Fawkes de Breauté, who was a powerful military leader. Later, in 1218, he joined the household of Peter des Roches. Peter des Roches was the bishop of Winchester.

Before that, Robert also worked for Cardinal Guala Bicchieri. A cardinal is a very high-ranking official in the Catholic Church. After the cardinal left England, Robert often traveled to Rome. He went there to deliver payments to the cardinal.

Helping the King

During one of his trips to Rome, Robert helped King Henry III. In 1222, he got Pope Honorius III to declare that King Henry III was old enough to rule on his own. This was a big deal because the king was still young.

However, this action put Robert on the side of Bishop des Roches. Bishop des Roches was against Hubert de Burgh. Hubert de Burgh was a powerful leader in the king's government. He did not want the king to be declared an adult yet.

Challenges and Comebacks

Because Robert helped Bishop des Roches, he faced some trouble. In 1224, Robert was sent away from England. His property was taken away from him.

He worked hard to get his property back. With help from the Pope, he returned to England in 1226. But he was still not favored by the king's court. This lasted as long as Hubert de Burgh was in power.

Working for the Treasury

By 1233, Robert was back in government. He worked as an assistant to Peter de Rivaux at the treasury. The treasury was in charge of the king's money. During this time, some bishops threatened to remove him from the church. This was because he continued to serve Bishop des Roches.

In 1234, Bishop des Roches lost his power. Robert Passelewe again lost most of his property. His jobs and lands were taken away.

Regaining Favor

Robert wanted to get back into the king's good graces. In 1235, he offered the king 500 marks. A mark was a type of money. This helped him regain the king's favor.

However, he did not hold a public job again until 1242. That year, the king made him the High Sheriff of Hampshire. A sheriff was like a chief law enforcement officer. Robert was also put in charge of building at Westminster Abbey. This was a very important church.

He also played a role in the forest eyre of 1244 and 1245. This was a special court that dealt with forest laws. Many people thought it was unfair.

Church and Royal Service

In 1244, Robert Passelewe was made Archdeacon of Lewes. An archdeacon is a senior church official. Around April 18, 1244, he was chosen to be the Bishop of Chichester.

However, he was never officially made a bishop. His election was canceled on June 3, 1244. Boniface of Savoy, a powerful archbishop, stopped it. He said Robert did not know enough about theology. Theology is the study of religious faith.

Why He Was Not a Bishop

Another reason he was not made bishop was his job as a royal justice of the forest. Many bishops, like Robert Grosseteste, felt this job was not suitable for church leaders. Robert was more of a royal servant than a church leader for a long time. He was not even ordained as a priest until December 1249.

He left the king's service in 1250. This happened after an argument over a church position. The king wanted the position to go to his half-brother, Aymer de Lusignan. But Robert had already chosen someone else. The king forgave Robert by December 1250.

Later Life and Family

Robert Passelewe passed away at Waltham on June 6, 1252.

He had two brothers, Hamo and Simon. He also had a sister. Hamo worked as a sheriff in Norfolk and Suffolk. Simon was also a royal clerk, like Robert. Their sister married William of Holwell, who was a sheriff in Hertfordshire.