Stafford, John (1)

archbishop of Canterbury, was born at Hook, near Beaminster, England, and educated at Oxford. On September 9, 1419, he became archdeacon of Salisbury, of which diocese he was chancellor in 1421. In 1422 he became dean of St. Martin's, in London, and September 9. 1423, was installed dean of Wells. As a lawyer Stafford soon attracted the attention of archbishop Chicheley, who appointed him his vicargeneral, and advanced him to the deanship of the Court of Arches. In May 1421, he was keeper of the privy seal, and was subsequently appointed lord high-treasurer of England. He was consecrated bishop of Bath and Wells at Blackfriars, London, May 27, 1425. As keeper of the privy seal he accompanied Henry VI to Paris in 1430, to receive the crown of France. On his return he was appointed lord chancellor, an office which he held eighteen years. On May 13, 1443, Stafford was translated to the see of Canterbury. He continued to hold the great seal, and to take an active part in the politics of his party. He was zealous in promoting the marriage of Henry VI with Margaret of Anjou, and officiated at the ceremony, April 22, 1445. John Stafford died at his manor of Maidstone, May 25, 1452. See Hook, Lives of the Archbishops of Canterbury, 5:130 sq.