Archbishops of York since 627
Notable Archbishops
Learn more about some of the previous Archbishops of York:
Lancelot Blackburne (1724-1743)
During the 1680s and following his ordination, Lancelot went to the West Indies and obtained a position as a ship's chaplain. He received a £20 payment for diligently discharging his duties. The payment, a considerable sum at the time, was due to his being aboard a privateer (a pirate ship!).
Cardinal Thomas Wolsey (1514-1530)
One of the most unusual Archbishops of York, as he never came to the city! After failing to negotiate a divorce for Henry VIII with the Pope, he travelled to Cawood Castle and spent the night there prior to his enthronement. Thomas Wolsey had been the Archbishop of York for 16 years without ever so much as visiting York, but when he finally travelled to York, he was arrested on the morning of his enthronement by Henry VIII’s men. He died on his return to London in the custody of the King's men.
Richard le Scrope (1398-1405)
Beheaded on the Knavesmire following his trial for treason in the Great Hall during Henry IV’s reign. He asked the executioner to strike him five times with the sword, to represent the five wounds on Christ's body on the cross. Richard Le Scrope was interred at York Minster.
Edward Venables Vernon Harcourt (1807-1847) and Walter de Grey (1215-1255) were also notable, as each served for 40 years.
20th and 21st century Archbishops
William Maclagan (1891-1908)
Responsible for the renovation of the Chapel. Buried alongside his wife at St Andrews Church, Bishopthorpe.
Cosmo Gordon Lang (1909-1928)
The first Archbishop to have a motor car, he went on to become Archbishop of Canterbury and confirmed a young Princess Elizabeth.
William Temple (1929-1942)
A great social reformer passionate about working-class people having basic rights. Moved to Canterbury in 1942 but died only three years later.
Cyril Garbett (1942-1955)
Known as a strong, often ruthless, character who was respected rather than loved. Worked hard for the Diocese of York, transforming its ministry and mission. Preached at the Royal Wedding in 1947. Died whilst in office.
Michael Ramsey (1956-1961)
Went on to become the 100th Archbishop of Canterbury, but enjoyed his six years at Bishopthorpe and was much loved in the village. He was a great teacher, particularly on key spiritual issues. He and Lady Ramsey returned to live at Bishopthorpe for some months, not long before he died.
Donald Coggan (1961-1974)
Another Archbishop of York who later became Archbishop of Canterbury. An evangelical by tradition, he was a great teacher and will always be remembered for his great Call to the North Mission in the seventies. He was a poignant preacher and pastorally very sensitive to the issues people faced in the realities of their lives.
Stuart Blanch (1975-1983)
During the Second World War, Blanch served as a Navigator in the Royal Air Force and was undoubtedly a man of the people. He brought a softer touch to the post than Coggan - not in his theology but in his warm, friendly smile and personality.
John Habgood (1983-1995)
A well-respected scientist, John Habgood was an intellectual heavyweight who guided the Church of England through some difficult times with the help of his colleagues Robert Runcie and George Carey at Lambeth Palace. Shy and retiring, he was a superb speaker and lecturer.
David Hope (1995-2005)
David Hope was in York in 2000 when heavy floods caused extensive damage to the city and Bishopthorpe Palace. He loved serving the people of Yorkshire and the North, and when he retired as Archbishop in 2005, he moved to St Margaret’s, Ilkley, to serve as Priest-in-Charge.
John Sentamu (2005-2020)
Archbishop Sentamu’s priorities included the renewal of discipleship in the church, advocacy for the poor and the need for a living wage, investment in young people and equipping the church to rediscover its confidence in talking about Jesus. From December 2015 for six months, he walked the length and breadth of York Diocese on a ‘pilgrimage of prayer, witness, and blessing’, sharing the Gospel with all those he met.