William Greenfield facts for kids
Quick facts for kids William Greenfield |
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|---|---|
| Archbishop of York | |
Archbishop Greenfield's monument at York Minster
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| Elected | 4 December 1304 |
| Enthroned | unknown |
| Reign ended | 6 December 1315 |
| Predecessor | Thomas of Corbridge |
| Successor | William Melton |
| Orders | |
| Consecration | 30 January 1306 |
| Personal details | |
| Died | 6 December 1315 Cawood |
| Buried | York Minster |
William Greenfield (died 6 December 1315) was an important person in England. He served as both the Lord Chancellor and the Archbishop of York. The Lord Chancellor was a top government official, like a chief advisor to the King. The Archbishop of York was a main leader of the church in northern England. He was also known as William of Greenfield.
William Greenfield's Early Life and Education
William Greenfield was born in a small village called Greenfield in Lincolnshire, England. We don't know exactly when he was born.
When he was young, his relative, Archbishop Walter Giffard, helped him. Walter Giffard paid for William to study at Oxford University in 1269. He even sent money through a trusted person to make sure William had what he needed.
After Oxford, William went to study in Paris, France. There, he became a "doctor" in two types of law: civil law (laws for everyday life) and canon law (church laws). This showed he was very smart and well-educated.
William Greenfield was one of the first Archbishops of York who also played a big role in the government. He was a key statesman during the 1300s.
Before becoming an Archbishop, he held many important jobs:
- He was a Dean in Chichester, a church leader.
- He was a Rector in Stratford-upon-Avon, another church position.
- He was a Prebend of Ripon. This meant he had a special role in Ripon Cathedral.
- Sometimes, his church income was held back because he was busy working for the King.
- He worked for King Edward I from 1290 onwards, helping with state matters.
- He was also the Chancellor of Durham, a powerful region.
- From 1302 to 1305, he served as the Chancellor of England. This was a very high position, like a modern-day prime minister or chief justice. He was in charge of the Great Seal, which was used to make official documents.
Becoming Archbishop of York
The church leaders in York chose William Greenfield to be their Archbishop on December 4, 1304. However, there was a delay in his official appointment. This was because Pope Benedict XI died.
Finally, Pope Clement V officially made him Archbishop in Lyons, France, on January 30, 1306. King Edward I spoke highly of William to the Pope. The King said William was wise, hardworking, knowledgeable, and very helpful to the country.
Before his appointment, William lived in Rome for some time. Living there and getting the Pope's approval was very expensive. William had to borrow a lot of money. He even borrowed from a group of Italian money lenders called the Bellardi of Lucca. To pay off his debts, he had to ask for money from other church leaders in northern England.
During this time, England was often at war with Scotland. Because of this, York became a very important city. It was almost like the capital of England. The English Parliament met in York several times. Even the main courts of justice moved to York and stayed there for seven years.
In 1308, there was an attack on the Knights Templar in England. The Knights Templar were a powerful religious and military group. William Greenfield was supportive of them. He refused to take part in any actions against them in the area of Canterbury. However, he was present at a big meeting in Vienne in 1312. At this meeting, Pope Clement V issued an order to officially close down the Knights Templar group.
William Greenfield passed away at his home in Cawood on December 6, 1315. He was buried in York Minster, a famous cathedral. His monument is still there today. In 1735, his tomb was opened. A gold ring with a ruby was found on his finger. These special items are now kept by the Cathedral.
