John Stafford (bishop)

John Stafford (died 25 May 1452) was a medieval English prelate and statesman who served as Lord Chancellor (1432–1450) and as Archbishop of Canterbury (1443–1452).

Stafford was the illegitimate son of Sir Humphrey Stafford of Southwick, a Wiltshire squire, and required papal permission before he became the rector of Farmborough, vicar of Bathampton and prebendary of Wells.

[5] On 18 December 1424 Pope Martin V made him Bishop of Bath and Wells, and he was consecrated on 27 May 1425.

[6] Pope Eugene IV made him Archbishop of Canterbury in May 1443, a position he held until his death on 25 May 1452.

His grand nephew Humphrey Stafford of Hooke rose in prominence in the King's party thereafter.

Effigy of Emma, mother of Archbishop John Stafford (d. 1452), North Bradley Church, Wiltshire. Inscription in ledger-line: hic jacet d(omin)a Emma mater Venerabilissimi patris et domini D(omi)ni Joh(ann)is Stafford dei gra(tia) Cantuariensis Archiepi(scopi) qu(a)e obiit quinto die mensis Septembris anno d(omi)ni Mille(n)simo ccc.mo quadra(gen)s(i)mo vi.o cui(us) anime p(ro)piciet(ur) de(us) am(en) ("Here lies Lady Emma mother of the most venerable father and lord, Lord John Stafford by the grace of God Archbishop of Canterbury, who died on the 5th day of the month of September in the one thousandth four hundredth and sixth year of our Lord, on whose soul may God look with favour amen"