William Bodrugan (priest) facts for kids

William de Bodrugan (born around 1250 – died 1307) was an important Cornish priest and landowner. He held significant positions, first as the leader (Provost) of Glasney College, and later as the Archdeacon of Cornwall.

Family and Early Life

William de Bodrugan was the second son of Philip de Bodrugan and his wife, Rosea. His older brother, Roger, passed away in 1277. This meant Roger's young son, Henry Bodrugan, became the heir to the family's lands.

Because Henry was too young to manage the family property, William bought the right to be Henry's guardian in 1277. This allowed William to take control of the family's estates and look after them until Henry was old enough.

William also had children:

• Elizabeth, who married Adam de Markwell.
• Felicia, who married Andrew de Trevelyan in 1309.
• Philip, who is mentioned in records from 1311.

Church Career

William de Bodrugan had a long and important career in the church.

In 1274, he became the rector (the main priest) of St Martin by Looe, a church connected to his family. Since he was the guardian of his nephew, William also had power over other church positions the family controlled. This allowed him to choose the new rector for Poundstock in 1277.

In 1278, he joined Glasney College as a canon, which is like being a senior member of the church staff. He later became the rector of Ruan Lanihorne in 1282.

William gave up his position at St Martin by Looe in 1283, but he returned in 1285 to help the sick rector there. On April 17, 1283, William became the first official Provost of Glasney College, a very important leadership role. He held this position until 1288.

From 1295 until his death in 1307, William served as the Archdeacon of Cornwall. This was a high-ranking church official who oversaw many churches and priests in the region.

Land and Property

Throughout his life, especially in his later years, William de Bodrugan worked to expand the family's land holdings. He bought several important estates, including the manors of Tremodret near Roche, Trethew near Liskeard, and Markwell near St Erney.

Most of these lands eventually went to his nephew, Henry. However, William gave the manor of Markwell to Adam de Markwell for his lifetime. This was part of Elizabeth's dowry, which was property or money given to a husband when a woman married. After Adam's death, the Markwell manor returned to Henry's son, Otto.