Portal:Catholic Church/Biography Archive/December 2007

William Edington (d. October 6, 1366) was an English bishop and administrator. He served as bishop of Winchester from 1346 until his death, keeper of the wardrobe from 1341 to 1344, treasurer from 1344 to 1356, and finally as chancellor from 1356 until he retired from royal administration in 1363. Edington’s reforms of the administration — in particular of royal finances — had wide-ranging consequences, and contributed to the English military efficiency in the early stages of the Hundred Years' War. As bishop of Winchester he was responsible for starting an extensive rebuilding of Winchester Cathedral, and for founding Edington Priory, the church of which still stands today.

In 1341, King Edward III named him keeper of the wardrobe. The king also made him treasurer of the realm. In 1356 he was named chancellor, a post he held until his retirement from the national scene in 1363, possibly for health reasons.

While serving in these positions, Edington also held ecclesiastical benefices. In 1335 Orleton collated him to the rectory of Cheriton, Hampshire, and from 1335 to 1346 he was master of St Cross Hospital in Winchester. He was given the prebend of Leighton Manor (Lincoln), of Netheravon (Salisbury) and of Putston (Hereford). His greatest preferment, however, came with his papal appointment to the see of Winchester in 1345.

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