John Gunthorpe: Keeper of Richard III’s Privy Seal, Dean of Wells Cathedral

Abstract

John Gunthorpe became a master of arts at Cambridge University; he then spent time in Italy engaged in humanistic study with Guarino da Verona in Ferrara, and subsequently spent time in papal service. Returning to England in 1465, he entered the service of King Edward IV, for whom he functioned in a variety of roles, including chaplain, almoner, ambassador, councilor, clerk of parliament, and dean of the chapel royal. Edward IV also made him warden of King’s Hall, Cambridge. Cambridge granted Gunthorpe a bachelor’s degree in theology. Gunthorpe was supported financially through multiple ecclesiastical benefices, the most eminent being the position of dean of Wells Cathedral, to which he was elected in 1472. King Richard III made Gunthorpe keeper of the privy seal; and after 1485 Gunthorpe took up residence in Wells, giving occasional service to King Henry VII. Gunthorpe died in 1498, and his tomb remains in Wells Cathedral.