Thomas Rotherham

Thomas Rotherham was born in 1423. He received his early education from a local grammar teacher before going to Eton, King's College, Cambridge and into the church. He won the patronage of Edward IV's queen, Elizabeth Woodville, and rose through the hierarchy, becoming in turn Bishop of Rochester, Bishop of Lincoln and, in 1480, Archbishop of York.

Thomas held his home town in high regard. In 1480 he founded the Chapel of Jesus within the Parish Church and in 1482 he created the red brick college of Jesus. It is also possible that he provided most of the funding for the Chapel on the Bridge, built in 1483.

Archbishop Rotherham was twice Lord Chancellor of England, from 1474 to 1483 and then briefly in 1485. He died in 1500 and was buried in York Minster.

 Points of Interest