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11 Facts About Simon Islip

1.

Simon Islip served as Archbishop of Canterbury between 1349 and 1366.

2.

Simon Islip was a cousin of Walter de Islip, Chief Baron of the Irish Exchequer: both took their surname from their native village of Islip, Oxfordshire.

3.

Simon Islip was regarded as one off the outstanding ecclesiastical lawyers of his time.

4.

Simon Islip was rector of Easton, near Stamford, and of St Mary's Church, Horncastle; he became Archdeacon of Stow in 1332.

5.

Simon Islip held several prebendaries of which the most important was Prebendal of Aylesbury at Lincoln Cathedral and was Vicar-General of the Diocese of Lincoln.

6.

Simon Islip became Archdeacon of Canterbury in 1343 and subsequently Dean of Arches.

7.

Simon Islip enjoyed the trust and confidence of Edward III, who relied on him in political and diplomatic as well as Church affairs, and gave him extensive powers during his absence in France.

8.

Simon Islip believed that the times required strict economy, and this combined with a naturally frugal character, gained him a reputation for meanness.

9.

Simon Islip succeeded in settling a long dispute with the Archbishop of York as to the latter's right to carry his episcopal cross in the province of Canterbury.

10.

Simon Islip left generous endowments to the monks of Canterbury.

11.

Simon Islip left money for the establishment of a new college at Oxford, but it did not flourish and was finally absorbed by Cardinal Wolsey into Christ Church, Oxford.