Career
Thomas Godwin was both born and died in Wokingham in Berkshire. From 1567 to 1584 he was Dean of Canterbury. He was appointed Bishop of Bath and Wells on 10 August 1584.
He was much in favour with Queen Elizabeth I as a preacher.
Godwin was married twice and had eight children:
Thomas Godwin (Wells, Somerset politician)
Francis Godwin, Bishop of Llandaff and of Hereford
Robert Godwin (Parson)
Matthew Godwin (Master of Music at Exeter Cathedral)
Paul Godwin (Canon of Wells Cathedral)
Blandia Purfey (nee Godwin), wife of Thomas Purfrey, Member of Parliament for Wells
Jocye Godwin
Anne Godwin
While at Wells Godwin lived a semiinvalid life which his family and extended family took full advantage of, many of them receiving several benefices and amercing themselves in local politics. Thomas Godwin returned home to Berkshire in 1590 and on 19 November 1590 he died.
He was buried under the chancel of the parish church of All Saints" Church, Wokingham. The See of Bath and Wells was also left in a bad situation with mistrust and corruption among its canons.
