The Bishops of Worcester in the Fourteenth and Fifteenth Centuries: Easy Come, Easy Go

Abstract

In a church in which episcopal translation was common, Worcester was first in line. Over the period from the installation of Bishop Reynolds in 1307 through the translation of Bishop Alcock in 1486, the diocese had more bishops than any other (twenty-three, plus two quashed elections) which also meant the shortest average tenure. This article analyses the reasons for this rapid turnover through a study of the bishops themselves. As a mid-level diocese (in terms of resources and centrality) Worcester was treated as a proving ground for some men who would move to richer and more coveted sees, a sinecure for men with creditable records of service (mostly for the king) but no longer wanted or needed, and a terminal position for some who might rate a bishopric but who would die in office there. One bishop had been prior of the monastic cathedral, a few were from the aristocracy, most were well educated, and most were reasonably diligent regarding relations with the monks and their visitation record. Many were active players in the negotiations that accompanied the numerous instances of translation. In these regards Worcester is perhaps typical, but with more coming and going than in any other English see in these years.