Simon of Sudbury

d.1381. Archbishop of Canterbury from 1375. Born at Sudbury, he studied at Paris, afterward becoming chaplain to Innocent IV who in 1361 appointed him bishop of London. He was soon active in politics, and it was of advantage to the Lancastrian party when Gregory XIII appointed him archbishop of Canterbury in 1375. He was lenient toward the Wycliffites, and when he had to try John Wycliffe* (1378) he dismissed him with an injunction to silence. He was, however, stern in denouncing clerical abuses, particularly that of nonresidence. In 1380 he became chancellor, and his poll tax made him unpopular. In the revolt of 1381 his lands were spoiled and with Richard II he took refuge in the Tower of London. Though he resigned the chancellorship, the mob beheaded him.