John Kemp, bishop and statesman, died on 22 March 1454. Kemp had risen through the ecclesiastical and administrative ranks during the reign of Henry V. A highly capable man, he was involved in the execution of the war in France and heard the confessions of English soldiers on campaign. Under Henry VI he played an influential role in Government until his death.
John Kemp under King Henry V
Henry V had so much faith in Kemp’s abilities that he promoted him to senior positions and he returned to London to play a significant role in the country’s governance whilst the King was in France. This role soon became combined with diplomatic tasks, Kemp being one of the key dignitaries in the negotiations with France that secured the Treaty of Troyes.
Kemp during the Minority of King Henry VI
When Henry V died, Kemp was one of the men sitting on the Council in London. As such he played a role in formulating how the country would be governed during the Minority of King Henry VI.
Promoted within the Church to Archbishop of York, he was also given high office within Government. Firstly, as Keeper of the Privy Seal and then as Chancellor. He resigned the bishopric to concentrate on his work in Government, before, in old age, being appointed to the See of Canterbury.
When Henry VI became unwell, it was John Kemp who many in Government turned to. He was viewed as an impartial figure and to some extent he can be seen as having held Government together.
R.G Davies wrote of Kemp:
Had he survived until the King recovered his health, the civil wars might not have happened; with his death, they were certain.
Links
Davies, R. G. “Kemp [Kempe], John (1380/81–1454), administrator, cardinal, and archbishop of York and of Canterbury.” Oxford Dictionary of National Biography. May 19, 2011. Oxford University Press.
Image Credit
Kemp, Cardinal John, Archbishop of Canterbury 1452-1454. Via the Heraldry Society