Biography
Biography
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Wykeham, William (of)
| Born | 1324 | Born At | |
| Died | September 1404 | Buried At |
| Born | 1324 / |
| Died | September 1404 / |
From an architect and surveyor for King Edward III, to the Bishop of Winchester, and the founder of New College, Oxford, William of Wykeham had a varied and distinguished life. Although not taught in religious ways, Wykeham gained his positions in the church as reward for his service to the King. His architectural achievements included the conversion of Winchester Cathedral from Norman to Perpendicular, and the reconstruction of Windsor Castle. Other buildings he worked on include Abingdon Abbey in 1375 and Corfe Castle a couple of years after.
Family Tree Details
Wykeham, William (of) (b.1324 - d.1404)
Wykeham, William (of) (b.1324 - d.1404)
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Timeline
1347 (Age: 23yrs)
Kipchak Mongols besieging a Genoese trading centre on the Crimean coast catapulted their own dead into the city. The cause of death was a mysterious disease. The Genoese escaped by sea taking the 'Black Death' with them. They landed at Messina in Sicily. Black Death or Bubonic plague was spread by the rat flea. The name Black Death came from the colour of the swelling in the groin, armpit or neck. The person suffering went into a coma and dies soon after. In Europe an estimated 25 million people died. The plague reached Britain in 1348 and again in 1360 and the population may have been reduced by a half. ¹
1366 (Age: 42yrs)
William of Wykeham became the Bishop of Winchester. Although not approved of by Pope Urban V, Wykeham was consecrated in October 1367.
1367 (Age: 43yrs)
William of Wykeham became Chancellor of England.
1371 (Age: 47yrs)
William of Wykeham, Bishop of Winchester and chancellor, asked for supplies for war. Parliament petitioned the king to stop the practice of ecclesiastics having positions of power and not being liable to account for their actions, and that non-clerical laymen should replaced them. An important supporter of this action was John of Gaunt.
1379 (Age: 55yrs)
William of Wykeham founded his college, New College, Oxford. The foundations being laid in 1380.
1382 (Age: 58yrs)
William of Wykeham founded Winchester College so that prayers could be said for his soul for all time. It also provided training for boys that were to enter his other college, New College Oxford. ¹
1394 (Age: 70yrs)
Work began on converting the Norman front and nave of Winchester Cathedral to the Perpendicular style by the Bishop of Winchester, William of Wykeham.
William of Wykeham founded Winchester College in 1382 and building work had been progressing since then. The college opened in this year for its first students. ¹
1404 (Age: 80yrs)
William of Wykeham the Bishop of Winchester died in this year. He was replaced by Henry Beaufort. ¹
On this day in history:
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