William de Lode facts for kids
William de Lode (who died on May 12, 1403), also known as William Gilbert, was a special leader called a Prior at Spinney Abbey in Cambridgeshire. He was in charge of the abbey from 1390 until 1403. Sadly, records show he was killed at his place of worship.
Who Was Prior William de Lode?
William de Lode was a Prior, which is like a head or leader of a monastery. Monasteries were places where monks lived and prayed. William led the monks at Spinney Abbey for about 13 years.
His Life Before Spinney Abbey
We don't know much about where William de Lode came from. His original name was William Gilbert. Before he became the Prior at Spinney Abbey, he was a type of monk called a canon at a nearby place called Anglesey Abbey. Anglesey Abbey is close to a village named Lode. It seems very likely that William was born in this village, which is why he later used "de Lode" in his name.
The Unsolved Mystery of His Passing
William de Lode's death happened on a Sunday. He was attacked and killed by three of his own canons – William Hall, John Lode, and Thomas Smyth – inside the church at Spinney Priory.
The reason why they attacked him is not known today; that part of the story has been lost over time. The three canons were found guilty of the crime at Cambridge Castle on July 20, 1403. However, what happened to them after that is also not recorded.
