John Whitgift,
Archbishop of Canterbury

I received my bachelor of divinity from Pembroke Hall in 1562.  I later became Master of Pembroke Hall and was also the Divinity Reader of Lady Margaret’s Lecture.  While speaking as the Divinity Reader, Our Majesty, Elizabeth Regina, attended and remarked that I had  “Gallina filius alba”, which meant I had a “white gift for preaching.”  On July 4th, 1567, Queen Elizabeth appointed me Master of Trinity College.  I enjoyed my time at Trinity College with the exception of my struggle over ecclesiastical matters with Cartwright, with whose Presbyterian ideas I did not agree.  After ten years at Trinity, Her Grace appointed me to serve as Bishop of Worcester. I have made many good friends with those of the nobility and am most honored to include the Earl of Leicester,  Earl of Worcester, Sir Francis Walsingham, Sir Christopher Hatton, and both of the Bacon brothers among these. 

I have a generous nature and often attempt to mediate conflicts among the nobility.  I like to invite both parties to my home under the pretense of needing to discuss something with them.  I then forbid them to leave until we have resolved the differences and they have become friends again.  I exceeded at this mediation during my time as Vice-President of the Marches of Wales during Sir Henry Sidney’s absence.  I detest corruption by those in my service and will not tolerate it by others with whom England has placed its trust. 

I have recently been appointed to fill the vacancy of the Archbishop of Canterbury and look forward to carrying on my life’s work in that capacity.  I hold a similar view to Her Grace with regards to matters of the Church.  I do not seek to make martyrs of men but only seek to enlighten them.  The Church will return to the solemnity it enjoyed during Our Sovereign’s father, Henry’s reign.  I pledge to resist the reformist ways of those with a more Puritan agenda.

This time on progress will allow me to discuss many Ecclesiastical matters and advise Her Grace.  In addition, I will be able to observe the common people in their own shires and villages along the way.  I look forward to continuing my habit of dining with the commoners and giving alms where I can to those of God’s sheep that are in need.

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