History

John of Waltham, bishop of Salisbury from 1388 was buried in St Edward the Confessor's chapel in Westminster Abbey by order of Richard II, who held him in great esteem. This caused outrage that a commoner should be buried among the kings. His grave is near that of Edward I and consists of a brass which has many parts now missing. Most of his figure, dressed in Mass vestments with a pastoral staff, still remains but much of the surrounding decoration had disappeared by 1825 and more has been lost since an engraving was made in that year. The king gave the Abbey two splendid copes and a large sum of money in order to appease the authorities.

John was born at Waltham near Grimsby in Lincolnshire, a son of John and Margaret. His great uncle was John Thoresby, archbishop of York. He served in the royal chancery where two of his uncles were employed. By 1375 he was a clerk and was custodian of Welhowe Abbey and was an administrator who dealt with high ranking matters. He became Master of the Rolls, Keeper of the Great Seal and Lord Treasurer and was a great favourite of Richard II. He was to have been buried at Salisbury cathedral but the king intervened and ordered his burial in the Abbey. Richard was later buried near him in the chapel.

A photo of the brass and the engraving can be purchased from Westminster Abbey Library.

Further reading:

Oxford Dictionary of National Biography 2004.