John Whethamstede

Education

In 1423, Whethamstede attended the Council of Siena.

Career

After early schooling at the Abbey School (now Street Albans School) he entered Street Albans Abbey when only sixteen. He was chosen abbot of this Benedictine monastery in 1420. In 1440, he resigned his post but, in 1451, on the death of his successor John Stoke, he became abbot for the second time.

He died on 20 January 1465, and his tomb may still be seen in the abbey church.

Whethamstede was an energetic and successful abbot. He greatly improved the buildings at Street Albans, which suffered somewhat during his later years owing to the Wars of the Roses, the first open conflict of which was the First Battle of Street Albans in 1455.

He also did some building at Gloucester. He was also closely, if clumsily, associated with the humanistic activities of Henry V"s youngest brother, Humphrey, Duke of Gloucester, who died in 1447 and was buried in Street Albans Abbey, where he was honoured as a benefactor.

Achievements

• Whethamstede was an energetic and successful abbot. He greatly improved the buildings at St Albans, which suffered somewhat during his later years owing to the Wars of the Roses, the first open conflict of which was the First Battle of St Albans in 1455. He also did some building at Gloucester.

Views

In the Kingdom of England, his time was mainly occupied with lawsuits, several of which he carried on to defend the property and enforce the rights of the abbey.

Connections

Father:

Hugh Bostock

Friend:

Duke Humphrey of Gloucester