William Bateman
| William Bateman | |
|---|---|
| Bishop of Norwich | |
| Elected | 23 January 1344 |
| Term ended | 6 January 1355 (death) |
| Predecessor | Antony Bek |
| Successor | Thomas Percy |
| Orders | |
| Consecration | 23 May 1344 |
| Personal details | |
| Died | 6 January 1355 |
| Denomination | Roman Catholic |
William Bateman (c. 1298 – 6 January 1355) was a medieval Bishop of Norwich.
Bateman was the son of William Bateman, a Norwich citizen and bailiff who was an M.P.. He was born about 1298. He had two elder brothers, both of whom attained eminence. The first-born, Sir Bartholomew Bateman, of Flixton, Norfolk, was knighted by Edward III for his martial prowess in the French wars. The second became an abbot. William, the third son, received his education in his native city, probably in the school attached to the priory of Norwich. He graduated at Cambridge University in Civil and Canon Law.
In his thirtieth year, he was collated by Bishop William de Ayreminne to the archdeaconry of Norwich, 8 December 1328. He was introduced by Ayreminne to the court of Pope John XXII at Avignon. The young civilian's ability soon manifested itself, and the pope endeavoured to bind to himself one who seemed likely to fill an influential place in English politics.
By his desire, Bateman took up his residence at the Papal Court at Avignon, where he rose through various lucrative and dignified offices until finally, in that or the succeeding pontificate, he was appointed auditor of the palace. He is said to have fulfilled the duties of this office with such inflexible justice and solidity of judgment that he was regarded both by the pope and his court as ‘the flower of civilians and canonists’. He retained the same high reputation with John's successor, Benedict XII (1334), by whose provision he was made dean of Lincoln, which dignity we find him holding in 1340.
Edward III's wars with France had now begun, and Bateman speedily entered on the long series of diplomatic negotiations which characterised the last decade of his life. Bateman's vigorous mind, business-like habits, and intimate knowledge of law in both its provinces, specially fitted him for diplomatic employment. He was on two occasions despatched from Avignon by the pope to endeavour to effect a reconciliation between the French and English monarchs, and on 20 May 1343 he was empowered, with Hugh Despenser and others, by Edward III to negotiate for a peace with the French ambassadors before Clement VI, the king declaring that he was unable to send a solemn embassage until he had received satisfaction from Philip of Valois for his breaches of the truce. The same year, 19 December, the see of Norwich became vacant by the death of Bishop Antony Beke, and Clement gave Bateman the bishopric by ‘provision.’
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