Roger Walden facts for kids

Roger Walden was an important English leader who lived a long time ago. He was a treasurer, which means he managed money for the country. He also held high positions in the church, like being a Bishop of London. He even became the Archbishop of Canterbury for a short time!

Roger Walden's Early Life and Career

Not much is known about when Roger Walden was born or what his childhood was like. We do know he had a connection to the Channel Islands, which are islands between England and France.

Time in Jersey

Roger Walden lived on the island of Jersey for several years. From 1371 to 1378, he was the rector of the Parish Church of St Helier. A rector is like a main priest in a church.

Moving Up in the Church

After Jersey, he worked in churches in Yorkshire and Leicestershire in England. In 1387, he became the Archdeacon of Winchester. An archdeacon is a senior church official who helps the bishop.

Beyond Church Duties

Roger Walden didn't just focus on church work. In 1387, he also became the Treasurer of Calais. Calais was an important port city in France that England controlled at the time. As treasurer, he managed the money for that area.

Becoming a Powerful Leader

Roger Walden continued to gain important roles in England. He worked closely with the king, King Richard II.

Serving the King

By 1395, Roger Walden was King Richard II's secretary. Soon after, he became the Lord Treasurer of England. This was a very powerful job, as he was in charge of all the country's money. He also became the Dean of York, another high church position.

Archbishop of Canterbury

On November 8, 1397, Roger Walden was chosen to be the Archbishop of Canterbury. This is the most important position in the Church of England. He took over from Thomas Arundel, who had been sent away from the country by the king.

Losing the Position

However, Roger Walden's time as Archbishop didn't last long. In 1399, a new king, King Henry IV, took the throne. King Henry IV brought Thomas Arundel back and made him Archbishop again. Roger Walden lost his high position and was even put in prison for a short time. He later said he felt "in the dust and under feet of men," meaning he felt very low.

Later Years and Death

Even after losing his top job, Roger Walden still had friends in high places.

Bishop of London

On December 10, 1405, thanks to the help of Thomas Arundel, Roger Walden was elected Bishop of London. This was still a very important church role.

His Final Days

Roger Walden died a short time later, on January 6, 1406, in a place called Much Hadham in Hertfordshire. He was buried in St. Paul's Cathedral in London, a very famous church. Some people thought he wrote a book called Historia Mundi, but it was actually written by someone else earlier.