Thomas Arundel, Archbishop of Canterbury

Also known as: Archbishop of Canterbury / Thomas Arudnell / Thomas Arundell, Archbishop of Canterbury / archbishop of Canturburie then Thomas Arundell · Family: Church · Role: bishop of Ely · First appears: Richard II 33

Around 1386, Thomas Arundel, then bishop of Ely, was appointed lord chancellor by the consent of Parliament and appointed to receive a parliamentary subsidy for Richard II. By about 1392, serving as archbishop of York and lord chancellor, he joined Richard II in making a complaint against the citizens of London.

In 1399, Richard II banished him from the realm and Roger Walden became archbishop of Canterbury. At Cullen, Thomas Arundel was joined by his nephew Thomas FitzAlan, Earl of Arundel, and he later sailed with Henry IV and Thomas Arundel, son of Richard FitzAlan. He helped lead Henry IV to the king’s seat at his enthronement, and procured William Woodford, described as a champion against John Wycliffe.

Afterward, Thomas Arundel defended the church’s contributions, prayers, and possessions when John Cheney challenged them, while Henry IV assured him that he intended to leave the church “in as good state, or better, than he found it.” He later ordered the apprehension and imprisonment of William Thorpe at Saltwood Castle, and compelled John Purvey to recant seven articles at Paul’s Cross.