Background
Stratford was born into the landed Stratford Family of Stratford-on-Avon around 1292. His father was another Robert and his mother was called Isabel.
Stratford was born into the landed Stratford Family of Stratford-on-Avon around 1292. His father was another Robert and his mother was called Isabel.
University of Oxford.
The family was related to the Hattons, important men in the town, Ralph Hatton ‘of Stratford’, the future bishop of London, being John"s nephew. He was also a relative of Sir Andrew De Stratford. From 1329 he served as Prebend of Aylesbury and then from 1331 to 1334 he served as Chancellor of the Exchequer and from March to July 1338 as Lord Chancellor.
He was dismissed as chancellor in 1338 but regained the office for six months in 1340.
From 1335 to 1338, Stratford was Chancellor of the University of Oxford. From 1334-1337, Stratford was Archdeacon of Canterbury.
He was elected Bishop of Chichester between 23 July and 18 August 1337, and was consecrated 30 November 1337. Stratford made his will and died at his manor of Aldingbourne in Sussex on 9 April 1362.
Probate was granted on the 26th.
His recumbent effigy lies in the south choir aisle of Chichester Cathedral.