His Eminence Cardinal John Kemp, Archbishop of Canterbury

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Kemp

John Kemp (c. 1380 – 22 March 1454) was a medieval English cardinal, Archbishop of Canterbury, and Lord Chancellor of England.

Biography

Kemp was son of Thomas Kempe, a gentleman of Ollantigh, in the parish of Wye near Ashford, Kent. He was born about 1380 and educated at Merton College, Oxford.

Kemp practised as an ecclesiastical lawyer, was an assessor at the trial of Oldcastle, and in 1415 was made dean of the Court of Arches but did not do a good job as dean. He then passed into the royal service, and being employed in the administration of Normandy was eventually made chancellor of the duchy. He was briefly archdeacon of Durham. In 1418 he was made Keeper of the Privy Seal which he retained until 1421. Early in 1419 he was elected Bishop of Rochester, and was consecrated at Rouen on 3 December. In February 1421 he was translated to Chichester, and in November following to London.

During the minority of Henry VI, Kemp had a prominent position in the English council as a supporter of Henry Beaufort, whom he succeeded as chancellor in March 1426. In this same year on 20 July he was promoted to the Archbishop of York. Kempe held office as chancellor for six years; his main task in government was to keep Humphrey of Gloucester in check. His resignation on 28 February 1432 was a concession to Gloucester. He still enjoyed Beaufort's favour, and retaining his place in the council was employed on important missions, especially at the congress of Arras in 1435, and the conference at Calais in 1438.

In December 1439 Kemp was created a cardinal priest, and during the next few years took less share in politics. He supported William de la Pole, Earl of Suffolk over the king's marriage with Margaret of Anjou; but afterwards there arose some difference between them, due in part to a dispute about the nomination of the cardinal's nephew, Thomas Kempe, to the bishopric of London.

At the time of Suffolk’s fall in January 1450, Kemp once more became chancellor. His appointment may have been due to the fact that he was not committed entirely to either party. In spite of his age and infirmity he showed some vigour in dealing with Jack Cade's rebellion, and by his official experience and skill did what he could for four years to sustain the king's authority.

Kemp was rewarded by his translation to Canterbury in July 1452, when Pope Nicholas V added as a special honour the title of cardinal-bishop of Santa Rufina. As Richard of York gained influence, Kempe became unpopular; men called him "the cursed cardinal," and his fall seemed imminent when he died suddenly on 22 March 1454. He was buried at Canterbury, in the choir.

Kemp was a politician first, and hardly at all a bishop; and he was accused with some justice of neglecting his dioceses, especially at York. Still he was a capable official, and a faithful servant to Henry VI, who called him "one of the wisest lords of the land" (Paston Letters, l. 315). He founded Wye College at his native place at Wye, that is now part of the University of London.

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John was Cardinal, Archbishop of Canterbury and Lord Chancellor of England. He was educated at Merton College, Oxford, and became dean of the Court of Arches, Keeper of the Privy Seal and in 1419 he was elected bishop of Rochester, and was consecrated at Rouen. In 1421 he was translated to Chichester, and in November the same year, to London. He was Archbishop of Canterbury from 1452 to 1454. He founded a college at Wye, Kent, that is now part of the University of London.

Kemp was son of Thomas Kempe, a gentleman of Ollantigh, in the parish of Wye near Ashford, Kent. He was born about 1380 and educated at Merton College, Oxford.

Kemp practiced as an ecclesiastical lawyer, was an assessor at the trial of Oldcastle, and in 1415 was made dean of the Court of Arches but did not do a good job as dean. He then passed into the royal service, and being employed in the administration of Normandy was eventually made chancellor of the duchy. He was briefly archdeacon of Durham. In 1418 he was made Keeper of the Privy Seal which he retained until 1421. Early in 1419 he was elected Bishop of Rochester, and was consecrated at Rouen on 3 December. In February 1421 he was translated to Chichester, and in November following to London.

During the minority of Henry VI, Kemp had a prominent position in the English council as a supporter of Henry Beaufort, whom he succeeded as chancellor in March 1426. In this same year on 20 July he was promoted to the Archbishop of York. Kempe held office as chancellor for six years; his main task in government was to keep Humphrey of Gloucester in check. His resignation on 28 February 1432 was a concession to Gloucester. He still enjoyed Beaufort's favor, and retaining his place in the council was employed on important missions, especially at the congress of Arras in 1435, and the conference at Calais in 1438. In December 1439 Kemp was created a cardinal priest, and during the next few years took less share in politics. He supported William de la Pole, Earl of Suffolk over the king's marriage with Margaret of Anjou; but afterwards there arose some difference between them, due in part to a dispute about the nomination of the cardinal's nephew, Thomas Kempe, to the bishopric of London. At the time of Suffolk’s fall in January 1450, Kemp once more became chancellor. His appointment may have been due to the fact that he was not committed entirely to either party. In spite of his age and infirmity he showed some vigor in dealing with Jack Cade's rebellion, and by his official experience and skill did what he could for four years to sustain the king's authority. Kemp was rewarded by his translation to Canterbury in July 1452, when Pope Nicholas V added as a special honor the title of cardinal-bishop of Santa Rufina. As Richard of York gained influence, Kempe became unpopular; men called him "the cursed cardinal," and his fall seemed imminent when he died suddenly on 22 March 1454. He was buried at Canterbury, in the choir. Kemp was a politician first, and hardly at all a bishop; and he was accused with some justice of neglecting his dioceses, especially at York. Still he was a capable official, and a faithful servant to Henry VI, who called him "one of the wisest lords of the land" (Paston Letters, l. 315). He founded Wye College at his native place at Wye, that is now part of the University of London.

Brother of Thomas Kempe; Roger Kempe and Richard Kempe

Parents: Thomas Kempe unknown–1428 Beatrice Lewknor Kempe

Half Siblings

Edmund Roper unknown–1433

John Roper unknown–1402

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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Kemp

John Kemp (c. 1380 – 22 March 1454) was a medieval English cardinal, Archbishop of Canterbury, and Lord Chancellor of England.

Biography

Kemp was son of Thomas Kempe, a gentleman of Ollantigh, in the parish of Wye near Ashford, Kent. He was born about 1380 and educated at Merton College, Oxford.

Kemp practised as an ecclesiastical lawyer, was an assessor at the trial of Oldcastle, and in 1415 was made dean of the Court of Arches but did not do a good job as dean. He then passed into the royal service, and being employed in the administration of Normandy was eventually made chancellor of the duchy. He was briefly archdeacon of Durham. In 1418 he was made Keeper of the Privy Seal which he retained until 1421. Early in 1419 he was elected Bishop of Rochester, and was consecrated at Rouen on 3 December. In February 1421 he was translated to Chichester, and in November following to London.

During the minority of Henry VI, Kemp had a prominent position in the English council as a supporter of Henry Beaufort, whom he succeeded as chancellor in March 1426. In this same year on 20 July he was promoted to the Archbishop of York. Kempe held office as chancellor for six years; his main task in government was to keep Humphrey of Gloucester in check. His resignation on 28 February 1432 was a concession to Gloucester. He still enjoyed Beaufort's favour, and retaining his place in the council was employed on important missions, especially at the congress of Arras in 1435, and the conference at Calais in 1438.

In December 1439 Kemp was created a cardinal priest, and during the next few years took less share in politics. He supported William de la Pole, Earl of Suffolk over the king's marriage with Margaret of Anjou; but afterwards there arose some difference between them, due in part to a dispute about the nomination of the cardinal's nephew, Thomas Kempe, to the bishopric of London.

At the time of Suffolk’s fall in January 1450, Kemp once more became chancellor. His appointment may have been due to the fact that he was not committed entirely to either party. In spite of his age and infirmity he showed some vigour in dealing with Jack Cade's rebellion, and by his official experience and skill did what he could for four years to sustain the king's authority.

Kemp was rewarded by his translation to Canterbury in July 1452, when Pope Nicholas V added as a special honour the title of cardinal-bishop of Santa Rufina. As Richard of York gained influence, Kempe became unpopular; men called him "the cursed cardinal," and his fall seemed imminent when he died suddenly on 22 March 1454. He was buried at Canterbury, in the choir.

Kemp was a politician first, and hardly at all a bishop; and he was accused with some justice of neglecting his dioceses, especially at York. Still he was a capable official, and a faithful servant to Henry VI, who called him "one of the wisest lords of the land" (Paston Letters, l. 315). He founded Wye College at his native place at Wye, that is now part of the University of London.

John was Cardinal, Archbishop of Canterbury and Lord Chancellor of England. He was educated at Merton College, Oxford, and became dean of the Court of Arches, Keeper of the Privy Seal and in 1419 he was elected bishop of Rochester, and was consecrated at Rouen. In 1421 he was translated to Chichester, and in November the same year, to London. He was Archbishop of Canterbury from 1452 to 1454. He founded a college at Wye, Kent, that is now part of the University of London. Kemp was son of Thomas Kempe, a gentleman of Ollantigh, in the parish of Wye near Ashford, Kent. He was born about 1380 and educated at Merton College, Oxford.

Kemp practiced as an ecclesiastical lawyer, was an assessor at the trial of Oldcastle, and in 1415 was made dean of the Court of Arches but did not do a good job as dean. He then passed into the royal service, and being employed in the administration of Normandy was eventually made chancellor of the duchy. He was briefly archdeacon of Durham. In 1418 he was made Keeper of the Privy Seal which he retained until 1421. Early in 1419 he was elected Bishop of Rochester, and was consecrated at Rouen on 3 December. In February 1421 he was translated to Chichester, and in November following to London.

During the minority of Henry VI, Kemp had a prominent position in the English council as a supporter of Henry Beaufort, whom he succeeded as chancellor in March 1426. In this same year on 20 July he was promoted to the Archbishop of York. Kempe held office as chancellor for six years; his main task in government was to keep Humphrey of Gloucester in check. His resignation on 28 February 1432 was a concession to Gloucester. He still enjoyed Beaufort's favor, and retaining his place in the council was employed on important missions, especially at the congress of Arras in 1435, and the conference at Calais in 1438. In December 1439 Kemp was created a cardinal priest, and during the next few years took less share in politics. He supported William de la Pole, Earl of Suffolk over the king's marriage with Margaret of Anjou; but afterwards there arose some difference between them, due in part to a dispute about the nomination of the cardinal's nephew, Thomas Kempe, to the bishopric of London. At the time of Suffolk’s fall in January 1450, Kemp once more became chancellor. His appointment may have been due to the fact that he was not committed entirely to either party. In spite of his age and infirmity he showed some vigor in dealing with Jack Cade's rebellion, and by his official experience and skill did what he could for four years to sustain the king's authority. Kemp was rewarded by his translation to Canterbury in July 1452, when Pope Nicholas V added as a special honor the title of cardinal-bishop of Santa Rufina. As Richard of York gained influence, Kempe became unpopular; men called him "the cursed cardinal," and his fall seemed imminent when he died suddenly on 22 March 1454. He was buried at Canterbury, in the choir. Kemp was a politician first, and hardly at all a bishop; and he was accused with some justice of neglecting his dioceses, especially at York. Still he was a capable official, and a faithful servant to Henry VI, who called him "one of the wisest lords of the land" (Paston Letters, l. 315). He founded Wye College at his native place at Wye, that is now part of the University of London.

Brother of Thomas Kempe; Roger Kempe and Richard Kempe

Parents: Thomas Kempe unknown–1428 Beatrice Lewknor Kempe

Half Siblings

Edmund Roper unknown–1433

John Roper unknown–1402
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Wikipedia;

His Eminence John Kemp Cardinal, Archbishop of Canterbury Primate of All England Cardinal John Kemp.jpg Appointed 21 July 1452 Term ended 22 March 1454 Predecessor John Stafford Successor Thomas Bourchier Orders Consecration 3 December 1419 by Louis d'Harcourt Created cardinal 18 December 1439 (Cardinal priest), and 21 July 1452 (Cardinal bishop) Personal details Born c. 1380 Kent Died 22 March 1454 Canterbury Buried Canterbury Cathedral Nationality English Denomination Roman Catholic Alma mater Merton College, Oxford

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Education and Early Career
John started his education at Canterbury and later went to Oxford, probably at about age sixteen.[2] He was a fellow of Merton College, Oxford, from 1395-1407. He served as senior bursar in 1403-1404, was ordained subdeacon on 14 April 1430, and was likely ordained as a priest on 21 May 1407,[1] as he is found as rector of St. Michaels. London and of Slapton, Bucks, before 1407.[2] He received law degrees B.C.L. by 1407 and D.C.L. by 1413[1] and also became a Doctor of Divinity (unknown date).[2]
His early career included work in the courts of the archbishop of Canterbury. He was appointed examiner-general on 30 January 1413, dean of the court of arches before 21 February 1414, and appointed to the archdeaconry of Durham on 13 October 1417.[1]
On 20 July 1417, John was appointed to oversee the archbishop of Canterbury's jurisdiction overseas, mainly in the parts of France that the king acquired by conquest. He was granted letters of protection, was in the delegation to make treaties with the French king, and served as the king's chancellor in Normandy from 1417 until 1422.[1]
John returned to England to become the keeper of the privy seal on 3 October 1418 and served until 25 October 1421, becoming further involved in diplomacy with the French.[1] In 1419 he was consecrated as bishop of Rochester and in 1421 he became bishop of London.[1][2][3]
Career
John was made archbishop of York on 20 July 1425 but was frequently absent from the diocese. He continued making diplomatic trips to France and was instrumental in several peace conferences. John was appointed Chancellor of the realm on 18 March 1426, serving until 1432,[1] resigning on the pretext of ill health, but really leaving his position because of his political differences with the Duke of Gloucester.[2][4] John remained on the council and was an adherent to the new peace party.
In 1435, John represented England at the European Congress and declared the king's desire for peace.[2] John was created cardinal-priest of St. Balbina on 18 December 1439.[1][3] His promotion was protested by many, but John had the support of the king and the pope and he become the first cardinal-archbishop in England. John was responsible for the construction of a school and college project at Wye, Kent, which was completed in 1447 (see below). On 31 January 1450, on the fall of the Earl of Suffolk, John became Chancellor once again, serving until his death.[1]
On 28 June 1452, John was elected cardinal-bishop of St. Rufina, becoming the first cardinal-archbishop of Canterbury. He received the pallium (cloak) from his nephew, Thomas Kempe in a ceremony on 24 September 1452.[1][2][3] By the summer of 1453, the king's mental health was in question and the group of Lords around the king were exercising authority in the king's name. John was godparent to Henry VI's child, Edward, who was born on 13 October 1453. The times were very tense while the king was incapacitated, and John called for public prayers for his health on 2 March 1454.[1]
Wye College
John rebuilt the church in Wye, Kent, where he founded The College of St. Gregory and St. Martin at Wye, also known as Wye College, in 1447 as a facility to train secular priests. He erected a tomb there for his parents, Thomas and Beatrice, which was destroyed when the church tower fell in 1686.[5]
Death and Burial
Cardinal Kemp died suddenly at Lambeth Palace on 22 March 1454 and no will was found. He was buried in the south side of the presbytery in Canterbury Cathedral.[1][2] His monument is inscribed as follows (translated from Latin):
Here lies the reverend father in Christ and dominus Joannes Kemp Title of Ruffine bishop of the Holy Roman Church, Cardinal Archbishop of Canterbury, who died the twenty-second day of March AD 1453 who intends to be the Deus. Amen.[3]
The inventory of John Kempe's estate totaled £4059 18s. 8p.[3][6]
Sources
1. ↑ 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 1.12 1.13 Davies, R. G. "Kemp [Kempe], John (1380/81–1454), administrator, cardinal, and archbishop of York and of Canterbury" in Oxford Dictionary of National Biography. May 19, 2011. Oxford University Press. Accessed online 13 Mar 2020 at ODNB with a subscription.
2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 2.8 Kemp, Frederick Hitchin. A General History of the Kemp and Kempe Families of Great Britain. (London: The Leadenhall Press, 1902). Online at Archive.org, page 17 and pages 40-57.
3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 Hasted, Edward. "The archbishops: Simon de Sudbury to Henry Dene" in The History and Topographical Survey of the County of Kent, Volume 12. (Canterbury: W Bristow, 1801). British History Online, accessed 14 Mar 2020, pages 400-438: #65 John Kempe.
4. ↑ Luminaruim online encyclopedia: Archbishop John Kemp c.1380-1454.
5. ↑ The Gentleman's Magazine. (London, England), Volume 178, Nov 1845. Online at Google Books, pages 481-485.
6. ↑ Somner, William. The Antiquities of Canterbury. (R. Knaplock, London, 1703). Online at Google Books, page 77: #64 John Kemp.
See also:
Wikipedia: John Kempe (c.1380 – 22 March 1454).
John Kempe (#6) entry in The Cardinals of the Holy Roman Church archived web page by Salvador Miranda.
Fryde, E. B.; Greenway, D. E.; Porter, S.; Roy, I. Handbook of British Chronology. (3rd revised ed.). (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1996).
Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of London. (J.B. Nichols and Son, for The Society of Antiquaries, Somerset House, London, 1849-). Online at Archive.org, vol. 1, page 52: John Kempe's portrait.
Catholic Encyclopedia.