Stephen Langton

Also known as: Stephan / Stephan Langton / Stephan archbishop of Canturburie / Stephan the archbishop of Canturburie · Family: Church · Role: archbishop of Canterbury · First appears: King John 12

In c. 1207, Pope Innocent III procured the monks of Canterbury to elect Stephen Langton, and confirmed him as archbishop. King John refused to recognize him, objecting that he had been associated with the French, while Elias de Brantfield was the only monk named as refusing to consent to the election. During the dispute, Stephen obtained permission from Pope Innocent III for certain priests in England to celebrate divine service on appointed days.

In c. 1207, William, Bishop of London, Eustace, Bishop of Ely, Mauger, Bishop of Worcester, Joceline, Bishop of Bath, and Giles, Bishop of Hereford fled England and joined Stephen. In c. 1209, he consecrated Hugh of Wells as bishop of Lincoln. In c. 1213, King John promised to restore Stephen to favour, make amends for injuries, and pardon him and the other bishops and banished men.

In 1215, Stephen delivered to the assembled nobles in London an ancient charter made by Henry I.