John Kirkby

ecclesiastic statesman

Kirkby first appears in the historical record in the chancery during the reign of King Henry III of England. Under Edward I he acted as keeper of the great seal during the frequent absences of the chancellor, Robert Burnell, being referred to as vice-chancellor. In 1282 he was employed by the king to make a tour through the counties and boroughs for the purpose of collecting money; this and his other services to Edward were well rewarded, and although not yet ordained priest he held several valuable benefices in the church. In 1283 he was chosen bishop of Rochester, but owing to the opposition of the archbishop of Canterbury, John Peckham, he did not press his claim to this see. In 1286, however, two years after he had become treasurer, he was elected bishop of Ely, and he was ordained priest and then consecrated by Peckham. Kirkby was a benefactor to his see, to which he left some property in London, including the locality now known as Ely Place, where for many years stood the London residence of the bishop of Ely. Kirkby's Quest is the name given to a survey of various English counties which was made under the bishop's direction probably in 1284 and 1285.

John Kirkby

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ecclesiastic statesman

Background

There is no information about his fate and place of birth.

Career

Kirkby first appears in the historical record in the chancery during the reign of King Henry III of England. Under Edward I he acted as keeper of the great seal during the frequent absences of the chancellor, Robert Burnell, being referred to as vice-chancellor.

In 1282 he was employed by the king to make a tour through the counties and boroughs for the purpose of collecting money; this and his other services to Edward were well rewarded, and although not yet ordained priest he held several valuable benefices in the church. In 1283 he was chosen bishop of Rochester, but owing to the opposition of the archbishop of Canterbury, John Peckham, he did not press his claim to this see. In 1286, however, two years after he had become treasurer, he was elected bishop of Ely, and he was ordained priest and then consecrated by Peckham.

Kirkby was a benefactor to his see, to which he left some property in London, including the locality now known as Ely Place, where for many years stood the London residence of the bishop of Ely. Kirkby's Quest is the name given to a survey of various English counties which was made under the bishop's direction probably in 1284 and 1285.

Achievements

Kirkby had custody of the Great Seal when the Chancellor was absent from England during the reign of Henry III. He was a collector of moneys for the king's Welsh campaigns.

Connections

Sister:: Alice
Sister:: Margarite
Sister:: Maud
Sister:: Mabell

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John Kirkby

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