Background
Ralph was born into the wealthy Stratford Family of Stratford-on-Avon at the beginning of the fourteenth century.
Ralph was born into the wealthy Stratford Family of Stratford-on-Avon at the beginning of the fourteenth century.
He is also related, through them, to Henry de Stratford, Sir Andrew de Stratford and the Archdeacon Thomas de Stratford. He attended Oxford University and was regent Master of Arts in 1329. He was elected 26 January 1340 and consecrated on 12 March 1340.
In 1350 the king nominated him for the cardinalate.
He was buried in Street Paul"s Cathedral.