Richard Le Scrope

Richard Le Scrope , 1350?-1405, English archbishop. He probably studied law at both Oxford and Cambridge. Having taken priest's orders in 1377, he rose steadily in church rank. In 1386 he became bishop of Coventry and Lichfield, and in 1398 at the request of Richard II the pope made Scrope archbishop of York. Scrope at first supported Henry IV, but in 1405 he issued an indictment of Henry's government and raised an armed body of supporters. By the guile of the leader of the king's forces, the earl of Westmorland , Scrope was arrested and imprisoned. He was convicted, and his execution, held at York as an example to the people, tended to elevate him as a martyr.

Scrope, Richard le (c.1346–1405), Abp. of York from 1398. Though he assisted in forcing the abdication of Richard II in 1399 and took part in the enthronement of Henry IV, he grew discontented with the latter's government and favoured the Earl of Northumberland's revolt, to which his reputation for holiness gave weight. He led an army against the royal troops, but was tricked into surrender and irregularly sentenced to death. Miracles were believed to have taken place at his tomb.

Scrope, Richard (c.1350–1405). Archbishop of York. The third son of Henry, Lord Scrope of Masham, Scrope was chancellor of Cambridge University in 1378 and a doctor of laws. He was appointed bishop of Coventry and Lichfield in 1386. After some diplomatic service to Richard II, he was promoted to York in 1398. He made no opposition to Henry IV's usurpation, but in 1405 Northumberland apparently prompted Scrope to revolt. Supported by Norfolk, the earl marshal, he published in York a manifesto denouncing Henry's misgovernment, attracting a dangerously large following which assembled on Shipton Moor. Archbishop and earl were enticed to a rendezvous with Ralph Neville, earl of Westmorland, who arrested them. After the king's arrival, they were summarily executed.