 |
Thomas BourchierEnglish statesman and cardinal.
Country:
 Great Britain |
Content:
- Early Life and Education
- Ecclesiastical Career
- Bishop and Archbishop
- War of the Roses and Political Involvement
- Cardinal and Death
Early Life and Education
Thomas Bourchier was born as the second son of William Bourchier, Earl of Eu, and Anne of Gloucester, a descendant of King Edward III. He had a close bond with his half-brother, Humphrey Stafford, 1st Duke of Buckingham.
Bourchier pursued his education at Oxford University, where he excelled in canon and civil law and obtained a Doctorate in utroque iure (both laws). He also earned a Master of Arts degree in 1433.
Ecclesiastical Career
Bourchier's academic success paved the way for his rapid ascent within the Church. He held numerous ecclesiastical appointments, including Prebendary of Lichfield, Dean of Salisbury, and Dean of St. Martin-le-Grand in London.
In 1429, he received the minor orders and subdiaconate. He was ordained as a priest in 1433 and became Prebendary of Lincoln in the same year. He served as Chancellor of Oxford University from 1433 to 1437.
Bishop and Archbishop
In 1434, Bourchier was consecrated as Bishop of Worcester. He held this post until 1443, when he was appointed Bishop of Ely. In 1454, he was elevated to the position of Archbishop of Canterbury and became Lord Chancellor of England the following year.
War of the Roses and Political Involvement
Bourchier's tenure as Lord Chancellor coincided with the outbreak of the War of the Roses. Initially, he maintained a neutral stance, but he later became a staunch supporter of the Yorkist cause. He crowned Edward IV in 1461 and Queen Elizabeth Woodville in 1465.
In 1457, Bourchier presided over the trial of Reginald Pecock, Bishop of Chichester, who was accused of heresy. He also played a pivotal role in the negotiation of the Treaty of Picquigny between England and France in 1475.
Cardinal and Death
In 1467, Bourchier was appointed Cardinal-Priest with the title of S. Ciriaco alle Terme. He was formally recognized as a Cardinal in 1473 after King Edward IV's intervention.
After Edward IV's death in 1483, Bourchier supported the young King Edward V but ultimately crowned Richard III in 1483. He later joined a conspiracy against Richard.
Bourchier crowned Henry VII in 1486, who married Elizabeth of York in the same year. The Archbishop passed away on March 30, 1486, and was laid to rest in Canterbury Cathedral.
