William Barlow (bishop of Chichester) facts for kids

William Barlow (born around 1498, died August 13, 1568) was an important English church leader during a time of big changes called the Protestant Reformation. He started as a prior (a leader in a monastery) and later became a bishop in four different areas.

Barlow was a strong supporter of Protestant ideas. He helped King Henry VIII close down monasteries and change church properties. He was also one of the main bishops who helped consecrate (officially appoint) Matthew Parker as the Archbishop of Canterbury in 1559.

Early Life and Beliefs

William Barlow was born in Essex, England around 1498. His father, Robert Barlow, was a merchant. We don't know much about William's early childhood or schooling.

He became a member of a religious order called the Augustinian canons. His first known role was as prior of Bromehill Priory in Norfolk in 1525. Before that, he likely joined St Osyth's Priory around 1516.

Bromehill Priory was closed down by Cardinal Wolsey in 1528. After this, Barlow traveled in Europe. He learned about the new ideas of Protestant reformers like Martin Luther. He also saw how these new ideas changed society. He wrote about his experiences in a book published in 1531.

Working with the King

There isn't much proof that William Barlow had a big role in King Henry VIII's court. Some people thought he helped the king with his desire to end his marriage to Queen Catherine. However, it seems his brother, John Barlow, was more involved in these matters.

In 1534, William Barlow became the prior of Haverfordwest Priory. This position was given to him by Anne Boleyn, who was then the Marchioness of Pembroke. He also wanted to become a suffragan bishop (a bishop who helps another bishop) in the diocese of St David's. But the bishop there, Richard Rawlins, did not want him.

Because of strong opposition to his reformist ideas, William Barlow moved from Haverfordwest. With the help of Thomas Cromwell, he became prior of Bisham Priory in Berkshire. He gave this priory to the king in 1536.

Trips to Scotland

William Barlow traveled to Scotland in October 1534. He went again in February 1536 with William Howard, 1st Baron Howard of Effingham. Barlow wrote to Thomas Cromwell about the problems faced by people living near the English border with Scotland. He compared their situation to a corrupt leader whose officers live well while others suffer.

In Edinburgh, Barlow faced suspicion from the Scottish King's Catholic advisors. They worried he had come to preach or take away King Henry VIII's sister, Margaret Tudor. Howard later referred to Barlow as "My Lord of Saint David," showing he was already seen as an important church figure.

Howard and Barlow were in Edinburgh in May 1536. They heard that King James V might marry his mistress, Margaret Erskine. Barlow stayed in Scotland for a few days longer at Margaret Tudor's request. He joked that leaving Edinburgh would be like Lot leaving Sodom, meaning it would be a relief.

Becoming a Bishop in Wales

In 1536, William Barlow became the Bishop of St Asaph and then the Bishop of St David's in Wales. His appointment to St Asaph happened while he was away on a trip to Scotland.

Some historians have debated whether he was properly consecrated (officially made a bishop). However, records show he was elected and confirmed as bishop. His consecration as a bishop is important for the Church of England's claim to have a continuous line of bishops from the early church. Barlow was one of the four bishops who consecrated Matthew Parker as Archbishop of Canterbury. As a bishop, Barlow also had a seat in the House of Lords. Records suggest his consecration took place in February 1535.

As bishop, he had disagreements with his church leaders. They accused him of being a heretic. Despite this, he campaigned against Catholic practices like relics, pilgrimages, and saint-worship. He tried to stop the special worship of St David at St David's Cathedral. He also targeted the statue of Our Lady of Cardigan at St Dogmaels Abbey, which was later closed in 1536.

Barlow wanted to move his bishop's seat from St David's to Carmarthen, which was more central. He started the tradition of bishops living at Abergwili, near Carmarthen. He also worked to create a free grammar school in Carmarthen. He helped establish Christ College, Brecon, and another grammar school there in 1542.

Barlow was also involved in wider church politics. He signed important church articles in 1536 and helped write the Institution of the Christian Man. He supported translating the Bible into English. He tried to make the strict Six Articles of 1539 less harsh. He believed that the king's appointment alone was enough to make someone a bishop, without needing a special church ceremony. He also thought there were only three sacraments and that ordinary people could excommunicate heretics. These were very strong views for the end of King Henry VIII's reign.

Barlow was a close ally of Thomas Cranmer, another leading reformer. They both supported humanist education and advanced new ideas about church teachings. In 1547, Barlow supported Cranmer's campaign to promote new church teachings, preaching at St Paul's Cross.

Bishop of Bath and Wells

When Edward VI became king, Barlow gained favor by preaching against religious images. In 1548, he became Bishop of Bath and Wells. He sold several church properties, including the Bishop's Palace, Wells, to Edward Seymour, 1st Duke of Somerset. He also sold lead from the palace.

Barlow was married to Agatha Wellesbourne. This marriage happened before it was officially allowed for priests to marry.

Later Life and Exile

When Mary I of England became queen, Barlow resigned as bishop. This was likely because he was married and held strong Protestant views. After being held in the Tower of London, he fled England and became a Marian exile (someone who left England during Queen Mary's reign because of their Protestant faith).

He probably landed in Emden, Germany. By late 1555, Barlow joined a group of English refugees in Wessl, where he became the pastor of a small English church. Later, he traveled to Weinheim and then to Poland with other exiles. His wife and children likely joined him in exile. A memorial for Agatha Barlow states she was "A Companione with him in Banishmente."

When Elizabeth I became queen, Barlow returned to England and became bishop of Chichester. Almost immediately, the queen used a new law to make him give up church properties, including Selsey.

Family Life

William Barlow had a large family. His five daughters all married clergymen who later became bishops:

• Anne married Herbert Westfaling, who became Bishop of Hereford.
• Elizabeth married William Day, who became Bishop of Winchester.
• Margaret married William Overton, who became Bishop of Lichfield.
• Frances, after her first husband died, married Tobias Matthew, who became Archbishop of York.
• Antonia married William Wickham, who became Bishop of Winchester.

He also had two sons who lived to adulthood:

• William Barlow (1544–1625) was a scientist who wrote about magnetism.
• John Barlow (1549–1634) was a gentleman from Petersfield, Hampshire.

His wife, Agatha, died in 1595. There is a memorial to her in Easton, Hampshire.