Lawrence M. Clopper

The Registers of Bishop Henry Burghersh, 1320–1342. Vol. III: Memoranda Register Dispensations for Study Cum ex eo, Licences for Non-Residence, Testamentary Business, Letters Dimissory, Appointment of Penitentiaries ed. by Nicholas Bennett (review)

Henry Burghersh (b. 1290?) probably had a university career before he was named bishop of Lincoln by papal provision in a disputed election in which two local candidates were rejected (he was a secular cleric; the cathedral was monastic). Contemporary chroniclers reported unfavorably on the election because of the papal intervention and because he was thought to be too young and inexperienced. Later the appointment was condemned, because Burghersh had sided with Isabella and Mortimer against the king, Edward II. They appointed him treasurer (1327) and chancellor (1328). He was relieved of his office by Edward III, but the king exacted no other penalty for his association with the rebels and subsequently reappointed him treasurer (1334–37) and then ambassador to the Low Countries to work on a union of European powers against France. Except for two short visits home, he remained abroad until his death.