John Stokesley

John Stokesley (c. 1475 - September 8, 1539), English prelate, was born at Colly Weston in Northamptonshire, and became a fellow of Magdalen College, serving also as a lecturer.

Related Topics:
1475 - September 8 - 1539 - English - Prelate - Colly Weston - Northamptonshire - Magdalen College

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In 1498 he was made principal of Magdalen Hall, and in 1505 vice-president of Magdalen. College. Soon after 1509 he was appointed a member of the royal council and chaplain to Henry VIII. In 1520 he was at the Field of the Cloth of Gold; in 1529 and 1530 he went to France and Italy as ambassador to Francis I and to gain opinions from foreign universities in favor of the king's divorce from Catherine of Aragon.

Related Topics:
1498 - Henry VIII - 1520 - Field of the Cloth of Gold - Francis I - Catherine of Aragon

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In 1530 he became bishop of London. In 1533 he christened the princess Elizabeth, and his later years were troubled by disputes with Archbishop Cranmer.

Related Topics:
1530 - Bishop of London - 1533 - Princess Elizabeth - Archbishop Cranmer

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Stokesley opposed all changes in the doctrines of the Church and was very active in persecuting heretics. He was a man of learning, writing in favor of Henry's divorce, and with Cuthbert Tunstall, bishop of Durham, a treatise against Cardinal Pole.

Related Topics:
Heretics - Cuthbert Tunstall - Cardinal Pole

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