Bainbridge or Bambridge, Christopher

Bainbridge Or Bambridge, Christopher archbishop of York, and cardinal-priest of the Roman Church, was born at Hilton, in Westmoreland, and educated at Queen's College, Oxford, of which he became provost in 1495. He was afterward a liberal benefactor to his college. In 1503 he became dean of York; in 1505 dean of Windsor. In 1507 he was advanced to the see of Durham, and was translated the next year to the archbishopric of York. Bainbridge distinguished himself chiefly by his embassy from King Henry VIII to Pope Julius II, who created him cardinal of St. Praxede in March, 1511. His letter to King Henry VIII

concerning the pope's bull, giving him the title of Most Christian King, is extant in Rymer's Faedera (edit. 1704-1735, 13:376). Cardinal Bainbridge died at Rome, July 14, 1514. His death was caused by poison administered by Rinaldo de Modena, a priest whom he had employed in menial offices, and who, after confessing that he was suborned to this act by Sylvester de Giglis, bishop of Worcester, who was at that time envoy from King Henry VIII to Rome, committed suicide. See Engl. Cyclop. s.v.; Biog. Britan. ed. 1778, 1:515; Wood, Athenae Oxon. ed. Bliss, 2:702.