William Wykeham: A Life

(Hardback)

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William Wykeham was an extraordinary figure whose rapid ascent from peasant to chancellor bucked contemporary trends. Wykeham's administrative talents ensured that he became bishop of Winchester, holder of one of the richest sees in Christendom and Chancellor of England under Edward III and Richard II. "Everything was done by him and nothing was done without him" wrote the contemporary chronicler, Jean Froissart.

His lasting contributions to society arose from two passions, architecture and education. He made effective use of the rich revenues of his see to indulge both. He rose in the service of King Edward III having masterminded the royal building works at Windsor Castle. His own building projects included episcopal palaces, colleges, churches and Winchester Cathedral. His interest in education resulted in the foundation of two iconic educational institutions - the public school Winchester College and New College Oxford Much of this has been recognised.

Virginia Davis highlights Wykeham's extraordinarily commitment to good governance and his extensive involvement in English politics between c1360 - 1402. Wykeham has been recognised as a key government figure in Edward III's reign from c. 1360 but his contribution to politics and government throughout the turbulent reign of Richard II and beyond, has not hitherto been fully appreciated. This book offers a fascinating biography of oneof the key-figures of late fourteenth-century England, an acquaintance of Chaucer and a man who wielded immense political power. It covers in detail his fall from political power in 1376-77 and his rehabilitation. Wykeham - even when not holding political office - was a figure to whom the decision-makers of late fourteenth century England listened.

Reviews

"With...a good eye for vivid detail, Virginia Davis has managed both to retell and, in a number of important respects, to revise Wykeham's well-worn story." Reviewed by Mark Ormrod in BBC History Magazine
"There is every reason...to welcome Virginia Davis's new study. Davis has brought to the task expertise on the church and the fruits of wide-ranging archival research. She has presented a wide-ranging and instructive study of a pivotal figure in the political, ecclesiastical and educational history of late medieval England... Davis has produced a book that will provide much food for thought." Reviewed by Michael Bennett, Institute of Historical Research, June 2008
'The author enjoys special expertise in ecclesiastical history ... Readers of this journal will find a historically balanced view here of one of the greatest southeners.' - Southern History

Author Bio

Virginia Davis is currently head of the Department of History at Queen Mary, University of London