Cumin, John

Cumin, John (d. 1212), archbishop of Dublin 1181–1212. Originally from Somerset, Cumin served Henry II as administrator, judge, and diplomat. He supported the king in his feud with Archbishop Becket of Canterbury, and was ex‐communicated for a time by the pope. Following the death of Laurence O'Toole (Lorcán Ua Tuathail) in 1181, Henry II secured Cumin's election as archbishop of Dublin. He was the first Englishman to be appointed to an Irish see.

In 1186 he held a council for the reform of the church in his archdiocese. He founded the house of nuns at Grace Dieu and acquired the Arroasian house of All Saints from the bishop of Clogher ( Louth). He established the collegiate church of St Patrick's, which was consecrated in 1192, and promoted the canonization of Lorcán Ua Tuathail.

In 1197 he excommunicated the justiciar, Hamo de Valognes, and placed his archdiocese under an interdict. He was exiled by King John from 1202 to 1205. He died in 1212 and was buried in Christ Church cathedral.

Brendan Smith