© P.E. Blanche 1998

ARCHBISHOP JOHN STRATFORD [1333 - 1348]

The Stratford Tomb, to put it kindly, shows considerable signs of wear. It is unfortunate but given the number of years it has stood in this spot and the different political situations including the damage done by the Puritans [to the Cathedral although I cannot say specifically to this tomb], it is perhaps remarkable that it has lasted so well. The face around the mouth and nose is damage and the hands, which were once clasped in prayer, are now missing. In fact, this may have been the first, or one of the first effigy tombs in England to show the deceased with his hands in this position although tombs had previously been carved this way on the Continent. There are also a large number of pieces of the canopy missing.

Although, Archbishop Stratford, who came originally from the West Country, was known as a great statesman and administrator, it is unlikely that he spent very much time at the great Cathedral at Canterbury. I have seen one reference to the Cathedral being quite dilapidated during his tenure.

Although there had been some statesman taking the position of the Archbishop of Canterbury before, such as Becket as a notable example, the combination of roles prior to Stratford was not common and aspiring senior clergy were normally elected from within their own ranks, such as other bishops or priors of the larger monasteries. It seems that Stratford was the first of a line of Archbishops who had reached this post after working his way up in Government and eventually achieving a series of very senior political positions. It may have been a move on their part to safeguard their own situations but obviously, it also raised their profile at Court. At the same time, it meant that they often had to walk a very fine line with the King, or Queen, at a time when the Sovereign had more power than Parliament and certainly the power of life or death. Originally educated at Oxford, Stratford was a Judge, Ambassador and eventually Chancellor to Edward III prior to becoming the Archbishop of Canterbury. He did resume the post of Chancellor again for a short time in 1340 but eventually settled to directing his administrative capabilities towards matters involving the Church.

The Stratford Tomb - detail © P.E.Blanche

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