9TH jANUARY 1450
Death of Bishop Moleyns
Adam Moleyns, Bishop of Chichester, had been made Keeper of the Privy Seal in 1444 and was politically allied to the Duke of Suffolk, William De La Pole. As keeper of the Privy Seal, he was heavily involved in the running of the state.
In 1446, when Suffolk’s political power, Adam attacked Richard Plantagenet, the Duke of York over financial maladministration and failing to provide an effective defence against the French. This was a serious thing to do which York vehemently rebutted. Adam, I suspect, was either put up, or encouraged, to do this by Suffolk. York eventually managed to refute the claims, but as the modern saying, “mud sticks”, his reputation had been besmirched. Suffolk’s high position in the Kings court and that of Adam too was not challenged for some time. (The fact that York had not yet been paid for his time in France may also have had some bearing on this attack).
However, Suffolk was instructed by the king to hand over Maine, as part of the wedding gift and peace negotiations with France. Suffolk could see that this would be perceived as unpopular by most, got a dispensation against any blame for completing the task. This unfortunately did not extend to Adam. Adam found himself highly criticised for ceding Le Mans and Maine 1448/9.
In late 1449, Suffolk found himself unable to defend Adam, as he himself was being attacked. Adam’s position in court was becoming uncertain. Marmaduke Lumley, Bishop of Carlisle, retired from the office of the treasurer in September 1449, Suffolk was still strong enough to promote on of his faction, James Fiennes, Lord Saye and Sele into the role of treasurer.
When Bishop Lumley resigned there was under £500 in the treasury, the French were pushing into Normandy and an army of 4,500 had been raised under the command of Thomas Kyriell and was waiting in Portsmouth to depart.
October came and went and the much needed army was still waiting in Portsmouth. November also came and went whilst the £9,000 needed was being raised.
On December 9th Adam Moleyns, probably weighing up the political situation, asked to resign and go on a pilgrimage. Whether he was refused, or asked to stay on a bit longer is uncertain but whatever the reason, it was disastrous for Adam. After Christmas, Adam was persuaded to go to Portsmouth and finally take the back pay to the soldiers and the Navy (although this is uncertain).
On January 9th, Adam arrived at Domus Dei, Portsmouth (part of the Royal Garrison Church) and was giving a service when he was interrupted by group who burst into the building and pulled him outside.
Once outside he was accused of misappropriating funds and failing to pay the soldiers and sailors who had waited months for their money. Infront of 300 soldiers and sailors, led by Cuthbert Colville a confession of misappropriation was drawn and that he and Suffolk had been a traitor. Chroniclers of the day would argue against the confession but they agree that he died, “for hys covetysee” (he liked the money and fine living). He was executed outside the chapel.
I should imagine that he was probably took a haughty attitude to the men when the burst into the building and it probably angered them further. However, no mention of money is ever made, in the chroniclers, surely he could have quelled their anger by giving over the money straight away. Hence the question remains that was he there to pay the soldiers and sailors or not.
It is also is said that he was on pilgrimage, but that too must be in doubt, as he still was Lord of the Privy Seal as he hadn’t been replaced. He was replaced 10 days after the event, whilst Thomas Kent held the role temporarily due to Adams death.
Also, it was rumoured that the execution had been orchestrated by the Duke of York, in revenge.
Whatever the reason for the murder, the town of Portsmouth and all its inhabitants were excommunicated for this deed, which is a tad unfair!