Thomas Arundel

Thomas Arundel was an English clergyman who held the positions of Lord Chancellor and Archbishop of York during Richard II’s reign, and served as Archbishop of Canterbury in 1397 and from 1399 until his death. He was a vocal opponent of the Lollards and played a key role in the overthrow of Richard II by Henry Bolingbroke, who became Henry IV. Arundel’s political activities often overshadowed his religious duties, but he is credited with a revival of religious piety and had a knack for identifying administrative talent.

After being exiled by Richard II, Arundel spent time in Florence and was later translated to become Bishop of St. Andrews, a position he could not effectively assume. Upon his return to England with Henry Bolingbroke, he resumed his role as Archbishop of Canterbury and influenced religious and political policies, including the persecution of the Lollards. His influence waned with the accession of Henry V, and after suffering a stroke, he was replaced by Henry Chichele. Arundel died in 1414 and was buried in Canterbury Cathedral.