Thomas Langley facts for kids

Thomas Langley (born around 1363 – died 20 November 1437) was an important English church leader and politician. He held many high positions in the early 1400s. He was the Dean of York, a Bishop of Durham, and served twice as the Lord Chancellor of England for three different kings. He was also known as a "Pseudocardinal," an honor he chose not to accept.

Before these big roles, he was the King's "Keeper of the Signet" and "Keeper of the Privy Seal." He was like England's first Foreign Secretary, dealing with other countries. He was the second longest-serving Chancellor during the Middle Ages.

Early Life and Education

Thomas Langley was born around 1363 in a place called Middleton, in Lancashire, England. He was the third son of Alice and William Langley.

When he was about 12 years old, in 1375, he went to a place called St Mary's Abbey in Thetford. This abbey helped students get ready for Corpus Christi College in Cambridge. Thomas studied there until 1381. On June 15, 1381, the college was attacked and damaged by people protesting taxes.

Starting His Career

After the college incident, Thomas Langley went back to Middleton. In 1385, he became the rector (a type of priest) of Radcliffe. In 1399, he was made the Archdeacon of Norfolk.

In 1401, he was chosen to be the Dean of York. However, the Pope at the time, Pope Boniface IX, did not approve. This was because Thomas had played a part in the removal of King Richard II from the throne.

Later in 1401, he was given charge of the "privy seal." This was an important job in the king's government. He held this position until 1405.

Challenges and High Office

In October 1404, Thomas Langley was chosen to be the Bishop of London. But the new Pope, Pope Innocent VII, again refused to let him take the job.

On March 2, 1405, he became the Lord Chancellor for the first time. The Lord Chancellor was a very powerful position, like the chief minister for the king. From this time until he partly retired in 1430, Thomas spent a huge amount of time working for the king.

Soon after becoming Chancellor, a church leader named Richard Scrope, who was the Archbishop of York, started a rebellion. He was caught and executed. Thomas Langley was then chosen to be the Archbishop of York in August 1405. But the Pope again disagreed and was very unhappy with both Thomas and King Henry IV. The Pope even temporarily removed them from the church. This election was canceled in May 1406.

The next year, the Pope's anger passed. Thomas Langley was then made the Bishop of Durham in 1406. This was a very important role. In 1407, he stepped down as Lord Chancellor.

Founding Schools and Church Work

In 1411, Thomas Langley was offered the title of "pseudocardinal" by a church leader named Antipope John XXIII. However, Thomas refused this honor.

In 1412, he visited his hometown of Middleton for the first time since 1385. He helped rebuild the local church, adding a new wooden tower. He also created a special chapel there to be used as a school for local children. He officially reopened the church and dedicated it to St. Leonard. In the same year, he also started a school connected to the church, which later became Middleton Grammar School. He also helped start Durham School.

Langley's changes to the Galilee Chapel at Durham Cathedral

Serving the Kings

In 1413, King Henry IV died, and Thomas Langley was by his side. During the reign of the next king, Henry V, Thomas spent most of his time working for the government. He was more of a politician than a church leader during this period.

In 1422, when King Henry V died, Thomas Langley was still the Lord Chancellor. He handed over the official gold seal of England to the new king, Henry VI, who was just a baby at the time. Thomas returned to Middleton for the last time in 1424.

Later Years and Legacy

From 1430 until his death, Thomas Langley focused on his work as Bishop of Durham. He admitted that he had not spent enough time on his church duties before. However, he continued to help with important diplomatic work for the government when needed.

He made big changes to the west end of Durham Cathedral. He blocked the main entrance with an altar and his own tomb. This meant new doors had to be built on the sides. He also added large supports to the outside walls to stop the building from sliding into the river.

Thomas Langley died on November 20, 1437, when he was about 74 years old. He was buried in Durham Cathedral.