Stratford, John de

Stratford, John de,

d. 1348, English ecclesiastic, archbishop of Canterbury, 1333–48. A doctor of civil and canon law, he was a legal adviser to the court of Edward IIEdward II,
1284–1327, king of England (1307–27), son of Edward I and Eleanor of Castile, called Edward of Carnarvon for his birthplace in Wales. The Influence of Gaveston
..... Click the link for more information.
 and several times an emissary to France and the Vatican. He played a passive role in the overthrow (1327) of Edward, and although nominally a member of the council that ruled on behalf of the young Edward IIIEdward III,
1312–77, king of England (1327–77), son of Edward II and Isabella. Early Life

He was made earl of Chester in 1320 and duke of Aquitaine in 1325 and accompanied his mother to France in 1325.
..... Click the link for more information.
, he did not support the dominant faction under Roger de MortimerMortimer, Roger de, 1st earl of March,
1287?–1330, English nobleman. He inherited (c.1304) the vast estates and the title of his father, Edmund, 7th baron of Wigmore.
..... Click the link for more information.
. When Edward seized power for himself (1330), however, Stratford became the king's chief adviser. He was chancellor for most of the following decade and was made archbishop of Canterbury (1333). He went on embassies to France both with and for Edward and headed the council in his absence. He resigned as chancellor in 1340 under charges of mismanagement of supplies for the French wars. Although he and the king were formally reconciled, Stratford exerted no further political influence.