Church/Politcs:Adam Orleton

In recent years Edward II's reign has attracted the attention of a number of scholars whose work has considerably modified the traditional picture. As a result there has been a move away from the emphasis on constitutional and administrative theory and practice to a consideration of the personalities involved notably Edward himself and the earls of Pembroke and Lancaster. Although medieval biography is difficult such an approach has been highly successful - the actions of individuals are seen to be crucial in any analysis of events. However since Kathleen Edwards's pioneer article in the mid-1940s the Church's contribution has been largely neglected. In her view after Archbishop Winchelsey's death the bishops cut sorry figures indeed. The time has come for a more sympathetic appraisal in particular of the role played by Adam Orleton promoted successively bishop of Hereford Worcester and Winchester by a pope who paid no attention to the expostulations of the government at home. Language: English