Alexander de Balscot
Encyclopedia
Alexander de Balscot , also known as Alexander Petit ( died 1400 ) was one of the leading Irish clerics of the late fourteenth century, holding the offices of Bishop of Ossory
, Bishop of Meath
, Treasurer of Ireland and Lord Chancellor of Ireland
.
He was born at Balscote
in Oxfordshire. He is first heard of in Ireland in 1358; he became vicar of Dungarvan
in 1359, Bishop of Ossory in 1371 and Bishop of Meath in 1386. He was criticised for spending large sums of money to influence his election to Ossory but received a pardon.
He was appointed Treasurer of Ireland in 1372 and again in 1376 and acted as justiciar in 1379. He became Lord Chancellor in 1385 but was dismissed in 1388, apparently in connection with the downfall of Robert de Vere, Duke of Ireland
. However he later regained influence and acted as Chancellor and justiciar at intervals until his death in 1400. He died at his official residence at Ardbraccan
and was buried in Trim
at St. Mary's Abbey.
Elrington Ball describes him as a man of great wisdom and learning; although he was in disfavour for parts of his career he was always restored to influence as his advice was indispensable. O'Flanagan similarly refers to his extraordinary reputation for wisdom and learning.
Bishop of Ossory
The Bishop of Ossory is an episcopal title which takes its name after the ancient of Kingdom of Ossory in the Province of Leinster, Ireland. In the Roman Catholic Church it remains a separate title, but in the Church of Ireland it has been united with other bishoprics.-History:The diocese of Ossory...
, Bishop of Meath
Bishop of Meath
The Bishop of Meath is an episcopal title which takes its name after the ancient Kingdom of Meath. In the Roman Catholic Church it remains as a separate title, but in the Church of Ireland it has been united with another bishopric.-History:...
, Treasurer of Ireland and Lord Chancellor of Ireland
Lord Chancellor of Ireland
The office of Lord Chancellor of Ireland was the highest judicial office in Ireland until the establishment of the Irish Free State in 1922. From 1721 to 1801 it was also the highest political office of the Irish Parliament.-13th century:...
.
He was born at Balscote
Balscote
Balscote is a village in the civil parish of Wroxton, Oxfordshire, about west of Banbury. Its toponym is sometimes spelt Balscott.The earliest features of the Church of England parish church of St. Mary Magdalene include a Norman font and an Early English style window. Most of the present church...
in Oxfordshire. He is first heard of in Ireland in 1358; he became vicar of Dungarvan
Dungarvan
Dungarvan is a town and harbour on the south coast of Ireland in the province of Munster. Dungarvan is the county town and administrative centre of County Waterford. The town's Irish name means "Garbhan's fort", referring to Saint Garbhan who founded a church there in the seventh century...
in 1359, Bishop of Ossory in 1371 and Bishop of Meath in 1386. He was criticised for spending large sums of money to influence his election to Ossory but received a pardon.
He was appointed Treasurer of Ireland in 1372 and again in 1376 and acted as justiciar in 1379. He became Lord Chancellor in 1385 but was dismissed in 1388, apparently in connection with the downfall of Robert de Vere, Duke of Ireland
Robert de Vere, Duke of Ireland
Robert de Vere, Duke of Ireland, Marquess of Dublin, and 9th Earl of Oxford KG was a favourite and court companion of King Richard II of England.-Royal favour:...
. However he later regained influence and acted as Chancellor and justiciar at intervals until his death in 1400. He died at his official residence at Ardbraccan
Ardbraccan
Ardbraccan is an ancient place of Christian worship in County Meath, Ireland. It is the location of the former residence of the Roman Catholic, then, after the Reformation, the Church of Ireland Bishop of Meath. It is located approximately 30 miles from Dublin.-Origins:Ardbraccan originated as a...
and was buried in Trim
Trim
Trim may refer to:* Cutting small pieces off something** Book trimming, a stage of the publishing process** Editing*** Editing a posting style in online discourse** Pruning, trimming as a form of pruning often used on trees-Places:...
at St. Mary's Abbey.
Elrington Ball describes him as a man of great wisdom and learning; although he was in disfavour for parts of his career he was always restored to influence as his advice was indispensable. O'Flanagan similarly refers to his extraordinary reputation for wisdom and learning.