Robert Stillington facts for kids

Robert Stillington (born around 1405 – died May 1491) was an important English church leader and government official. He served as the Bishop of Bath and Wells starting in 1465. He was also the Lord Chancellor twice for King Edward IV. In 1483, he played a key role in helping Richard III become king. This led to problems for him later under King Henry VII.

Robert Stillington's Early Career

Robert Stillington held several important church positions early in his career. He was an Archdeacon in Taunton from 1450 to 1465. An archdeacon is a senior church official who helps the bishop manage a part of the diocese. He was also an Archdeacon in Berkshire from 1464 to 1465.

Becoming a Bishop and Lord Chancellor

In 1460, Stillington became the Keeper of the Privy Seal. This was a high-ranking government job. The Keeper of the Privy Seal was in charge of the king's personal seal, used for important documents. He held this role until 1467.

Stillington was chosen to be the Bishop of Bath and Wells on October 30, 1465. He officially became a bishop on March 16, 1466.

On June 20, 1467, he was appointed Lord Chancellor. This was one of the most powerful positions in the government. The Lord Chancellor was the king's chief advisor and head of the justice system. He served in this role until September 29, 1470. At that time, Henry VI briefly became king again.

When King Edward IV returned to power, Stillington was reappointed as Lord Chancellor. He held this position until June 18, 1473, when King Edward decided to replace him.

Stillington's Role in Royal Succession

After King Edward IV passed away in April 1483, his young son, Edward V, was set to become king. Robert Stillington was part of the council that advised the young king.

The Claim of Invalid Marriage

In June 1483, a church leader told Richard, Duke of Gloucester, who was the Lord Protector (meaning he ruled for the young king), that King Edward IV's marriage to Elizabeth Woodville was not valid. This was because Edward IV had supposedly been married before to another woman, Lady Eleanor Talbot. The church leader claimed he had performed this earlier marriage.

This information led to a major change in who would be king. Because Edward IV's marriage to Elizabeth Woodville was declared invalid, their children, including Edward V, were said to be illegitimate. This meant they could not inherit the throne. As a result, Richard, Duke of Gloucester, became King Richard III.

Challenges Under Henry VII

After Richard III was defeated by Henry VII at the Battle of Bosworth Field in 1485, Stillington faced difficulties. Henry VII had the claim about Edward IV's invalid marriage reversed. He then married Edward IV's daughter, Elizabeth of York, to strengthen his own claim to the throne.

Stillington was imprisoned by Henry VII. After his release, he became involved in a plan to put a young man named Lambert Simnel on the throne in 1487. Simnel was pretending to be a prince who had a stronger claim to the crown. Stillington sought safety at Oxford University. However, he was eventually handed over to the king and imprisoned again.

Robert Stillington passed away in May 1491. He was buried in a chapel he had founded at Wells Cathedral.