Hubert Walter, Archbishop of Canterbury

Also known as: Hubert Walter / Hubert archbishop / Hubert archbishop of Canturburie / Hubert the archbishop / Hubert the archbishop of Canturburie / Hubert the archbishop of Canturburies / archbishop Hubert · Family: England · Role: archbishop · First appears: King John 1

In c. 1199, Hubert Walter was sent with William Marshal, Earl of Pembroke into England to proclaim King John king and keep the peace. At Westminster, he crowned King John “after the maner then vsed with great solemnitie,” and was made lord chancellor of England; Hugh Bardolf also spoke to him, loudly enough for others to overhear. In the following years, Hubert held a council at Westminster against Geoffrey FitzPeter, Earl of Essex, and at Canterbury appeared to rival King John in the sumptuous dress of their men.

In 1202, Hubert crowned King John again at Canterbury. In 1205, he and William Marshal, Earl of Pembroke persuaded King John to abandon his expedition as the king was preparing to sail. Hubert died at Tenham on 13 July 1205. The c. 1213 material records him, while holding the pope’s authority, absolving King John after the king swore to defend the church, restore ancient laws, and recompense those he had injured; it also says Hubert followed King John to Nottingham and, threatening excommunication against those who aided him, persuaded him to abandon his campaign against the disobedient lords.