Reynolds, Walter

Reynolds, Walter archbishop of Canterbury, was the son of a baker, born in Windsor. Of all the primates who have occupied the see of Canterbury, few seem to have been less qualified to discharge the duties devolving upon a metropolitan than he. He was not equal to the situation as regards his talents learning, piety, or his virtues. He was elected to the see of Worcester, and was duly consecrated at Canterbury, by archbishop Winchelsey, October 13, 1308. Here he was a failure, but he had some friends, and it is due to them that, January 4, 1314, he was translated to the see of Canterbury, and was also made chancellor. He died a despised old man, November 16, 1327. See Hook, Lives of the Archbishops of Canterbury, 3:455 sq.