Richard of Chichester

views updated

Richard of Chichester (c.1197–1253). Bishop of Chichester. Born of an ordinary family at Wych (Droitwich), he studied in poverty at all three famous European studia, Oxford, where he became chancellor (1235), Paris, and Bologna. One of an outstanding group of dedicated 13th-cent. men led by Grosseteste, he belonged to Edmund Rich's household, went into exile with him, and was present at his death. In spite of Henry III's opposition, he became bishop of Chichester in 1245 by the active support of Archbishop Boniface and Pope Innocent IV, by whom he was consecrated at Lyons. A saintly man, he showed ‘immense pastoral concern’ for his diocese and raised clerical standards. He was canonized in 1262.

Revd Dr William M. Marshall