Thomas de Melsonby facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Thomas of Melsonby |
|
|---|---|
| Bishop of Durham | |
| Elected | 1 June 1237 |
| Reign ended | resigned after 1237 |
| Predecessor | Richard le Poor |
| Successor | Nicholas Farnham |
| Other posts | Prior of Durham |
| Personal details | |
| Died | after 1244 |
| Denomination | Catholic |
Thomas of Melsonby was an important church leader in the Middle Ages. He lived a long time ago, in the 1200s. He was chosen to be the Bishop of Durham, but he never actually became the bishop. He also served as the Prior of Durham, which was a very important job at Durham Cathedral.
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Who Was Thomas of Melsonby?
Thomas of Melsonby was a church leader from medieval England. The medieval period was a time in history between the 5th and 15th centuries. He held important positions in the Catholic Church. He was known for being chosen as the Bishop of Durham. However, he later had to give up this role.
Early Life and Church Roles
Thomas of Melsonby was the son of a rector. A rector was a priest who was in charge of a local church. Thomas's father was the rector of a place called Melsonby.
Thomas himself started his church career in a smaller role. He was the prior of a small church group in Coldingham. A prior is a leader in a monastery or a religious community. Around the year 1233, he became the Prior of Durham Cathedral. This was a very big and important church. Being the Prior of Durham meant he was in charge of the monks there.
Becoming Bishop-Elect
On June 1, 1237, Thomas of Melsonby was chosen to be the Bishop of Durham. A bishop is a high-ranking church leader. They are in charge of a large area called a diocese. When someone is "bishop-elect," it means they have been chosen for the job. But they have not yet officially taken on the role.
The King's Objection
Even though Thomas was chosen, King Henry III of England did not agree with the choice. In those days, kings often had a say in who became important church leaders. The king's objection led to some disagreements. These disagreements were like legal battles.
Because of these problems, Thomas of Melsonby decided to give up the chance to be bishop. He resigned, meaning he stepped down from the position he was chosen for.
Later Life and Resignation
Even after giving up the bishopric, Thomas of Melsonby remained the Prior of Durham. He continued in this important role until 1244. In that year, he also resigned from being the Prior. This means he stepped down from that job too. Thomas of Melsonby passed away sometime after 1244.
