William Smyth facts for kids

Quick facts for kids William Smyth
Bishop of Lincoln
Church	Roman Catholic
Appointed	6 November 1496
Reign ended	2 January 1514
Predecessor	John Russell
Successor	Thomas Wolsey
Orders
Consecration	3 February 1493 by John Morton
Personal details
Born	c. 1460 Farnworth, Widnes, Lancashire
Died	2 January 1514 Buckden Palace
Previous post	Bishop of Coventry and Lichfield

William Smyth (also spelled Smith) was an important leader in England around 500 years ago. He was born around 1460 and passed away on January 2, 1514. William Smyth served as a Bishop in two different areas: first for Lichfield (from 1493 to 1496) and then for Lincoln until he died.

Besides his church roles, he also held powerful jobs in the government. His most important political job was being the Lord President of the Council of Wales and the Marches. This council helped the King rule Wales and the areas near it. William Smyth became very rich and used his money to help many schools and hospitals. He was one of the people who helped start Brasenose College, Oxford, a famous university college. He also set up a grammar school in his home village in Lancashire.

William Smyth's Early Life and Education

William Smyth was born in a village called Farnworth in Lancashire, England. This village is now part of the town of Widnes. He was the fourth son in his family. When he was young, he reportedly grew up at Knowsley Hall. This was the home of Thomas Stanley, 1st Earl of Derby.

At that time, Thomas Stanley was married to Lady Margaret Beaufort. Lady Margaret was a very important person. She was the mother of the future King Henry VII. Lady Margaret had a big influence on William Smyth's life and career.

Studying at Oxford University

William Smyth went to the University of Oxford. It's not completely clear which college he attended, but it was either Oriel or Lincoln, or maybe both. In 1476, he earned a degree in canon law. This is a type of law used by the church. By 1492, he also had a degree in civil law, which is the law of the country.

William Smyth's Church Career

After Henry VII became king in 1485, William Smyth quickly started getting important church jobs. In September 1485, he became the dean of Wimborne Minster in Dorset. Lady Margaret Beaufort's parents were buried there.

Soon after, in October 1485, he became a canon (a type of priest) at St Stephen's Chapel in the Palace of Westminster. He later became the dean there in 1490. He also held other church positions in different towns. It's hard to know all of them because "William Smyth" was a common name.

Becoming a Bishop

On October 1, 1492, William Smyth became the Bishop of Coventry and Lichfield. He was officially made a bishop on February 3, 1493. This ceremony was led by Archbishop Morton. Then, on November 6, 1496, he moved to become the Bishop of the diocese of Lincoln. He stayed in this important role until he passed away.

William Smyth's Political Roles

William Smyth also had a busy career in politics and government. In September 1485, he got a job in the Court of Chancery. This was a high court in England. He became the keeper of the hanaper, which gave him a salary for life.

In 1486, he was given the job of looking after the daughters of King Edward IV. In 1493, he joined the Council of Wales and the Marches. This council helped govern Wales for Prince Arthur, who was the King's son. In 1500, William Smyth was also made the Chancellor of the University of Oxford. This was a very important position at the university.

Leading the Council of Wales

Prince Arthur sadly died in April 1502. In August of that year, William Smyth became the Lord President of the council. This meant he was in charge of the King's power in Wales. He kept this important job until at least 1512, and possibly until his death. By August 1502, he was no longer the Chancellor of Oxford University.

William Smyth's Generosity and Foundations

William Smyth used his wealth to help many people and institutions. He was known for his acts of kindness and for setting up new organizations.

Helping Hospitals and Schools

In November 1495, he helped restart the hospital of St John the Baptist in Lichfield. He also added a school there for children who were poor. In 1500, he built the Cuerdley Chapel. This chapel was added to St Luke's Church, Farnworth. It was for his tenants (people who rented land from him) from the nearby village of Cuerdley. He even bought a special path from the village to the church. This allowed his tenants to enter by a separate door during times of plague, to avoid contact with other villagers.

In 1507, he gave £350 to start a grammar school in Farnworth, the village where he was born. This helped many children get an education.

Founding Brasenose College

Also in 1507, William Smyth started a special scholarship (called a fellowship) at Oriel College, Oxford. He also gave land to Lincoln College. Around the same time, he and Sir Richard Sutton decided to create a brand new college in Oxford.

They rebuilt an old building called Brasenose Hall and added other existing halls to it. In 1512, they received official permission to open the college. They named it "The King's haule and college of Brasennose," which is now known as Brasenose College. William Smyth wanted this college to help church leaders from the north of England. He wanted the students to be from areas like Coventry, Lichfield, or Lancashire, especially near his birthplace. He gave the college land and, in his will, left a lot of money, valuable items, and books.

William Smyth's Legacy

William Smyth had a very busy life with his church, law, and government jobs. He was very wealthy. He helped his relatives get important jobs, which was common at the time. For example, Matthew Smyth became the first head of Brasenose College. Other relatives also got important church positions.

William Smyth passed away on January 2, 1514, at Buckden Palace. This was one of the homes of the bishops of Lincoln. Besides leaving gifts to Brasenose College and Lincoln Cathedral, he also made plans for a hospital in Banbury. He is buried in Lincoln Cathedral.