Edmund Gonville

Background

Edmund Gonville is thought to have been the son of William de Gonvile, and the brother of Sir Nicholas Gonvile.

Career

In 1320 he was rector of Thelnetham, Suffolk, and steward there for William, earl Warren and the earl of Lancaster. Six years later he was rector of Rushworth, and in 1342 rector of Terrington St John and commissioner for the marshlands of Norfolk. In this year he founded and endowed a collegiate church at Rushworth, suppressed in 1541. The foundation of Gonville Hall at Cambridge was effected by a charter granted by Edward III in 1348. It was called, officially, the Hall of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin, but was usually known as Gunnell or Gonville Hall. Its original site was in Free-school Lane, where Corpus Christi College now stands.

Achievements

• Edmund Gonville founded Gonville Hall and Caius College at the University of Cambridge.

Connections

Father:

William de Gonvile

Brother:

Sir Nicholas Gonvile