In 1420 Bishop Robert Stillington was born to John Stillington.

In 1450 Bishop Robert Stillington (age 30) was appointed Archdeacon of Taunton.

Patent Rolls Edward IV 1461. On 10 Jul 1461. Westminster Palace [Map]. Ratification for life of the estate of Master Robert Stillyngton (age 41), king's clerk as deacon of the king's free chapel of St Martin le Grand, London, archdeacon of Colchester in the cathedral of London and of Taunton in the cathedral of Wells, prebendary of Wetewang in the cathedral of York, Marther (possibly typo since 'Martha' unknown) in the cathedral of St Davids and the prebend which John Luca lately had in the king's free chapel of St Stephen within his palace of Wesminster, and person of the church of Aysshebury, in the diocese of Salisbury.

On 01 Nov 1461 Bishop Robert Stillington (age 41) was appointed Keeper of the Privy Seal.

Patent Rolls Edward IV 1461. 19 Nov 1461. Grant, during office, to Robert Stillyngton (age 41), king's clerk, keeper of the privy seal, an office for which he ought to have 20s. a day, of £365 yearly from 1 November, viz. £40 from the issues of the counties of Somerset and Dorset, £40 from the issues of the counties of Norfolk and Suffolk, £33 from the issues of the counties of Oxford and Berks, £100 from the customs and subsidies of wools, hides and wool-fells in the port of London, £100 from the like in the port of Southampton, £32 from the issues of the county of Wilts, and £20 from the issues of the counties of Cambridge and Huntingdon. If the said assignments are or shall be insufficient to pay the said 20s. a day, the chancellor shall have power to make other assignments without warrant or suit to the king or council.

Patent Rolls Edward IV 1462. 08 Feb 1462. Appointment of Laurence, Bishop of Durham (age 42), the king's kinsman John, Earl of Worcester (age 34), Robert Botell, prior of St. John of Jerusalem in England, John Wenlok of Wenlok, knight, and Master Robert Stillington (age 42), doctor of laws, keeper of the privy seal, as ambassadors to treat with the king's kinsman John de He, Earl of Rosse and lord of the Isles.

Patent Rolls Edward IV 1462. 12 Jul 1462. Grant in fee simple to the king's servant John Wenlok (age 62), knight, lord of Wenlok, of all lordships, manors, lands, rents and services with knight's fees and advowsons late of John Fortescue (age 68), knight, in the counties of Middlesex and Hertford and elsewhere within the realm and the reversion of the manor of Eburton, co. Gloucester, on the death of Jocosa Grevill alias Beauchampe, widow, belonging to the king by reason of the forfeiture of the said John Fortescue. By K.

Vacated by surrender and cancelled, because on 3 February, 8 Edward IV. the king by writ of privy seal ordered Robert, Bishop of Bath and Wells (age 42), chancellor, and Robert Kirkeham, keeper of the rolls of Chancery, to receive the same from the said John, by John Holme.

Patent Rolls Edward IV 1463. 24 May 1463. John Richard alias Richardson late of Bysshepcrophill, co. Nottingham, 'husbondman,' for not appearing before the justices of the Bench to answer Robert Stillyngton (age 43), clerk, touching a debt of 4 marks.

Patent Rolls Edward IV 1463. 23 Jun 1463. Inspeximus and confirmation to the mayor, bailiffs and burgesses of Clyfton, Dertmuth and Hardenesse of (1) letters patent dated 14 December, 2 Richard II. inspecting and confirming a charter dated at the Tower of London, 14 April, 15 Edward III. [Charter Roll, 15 Edward III. No. 18,] and (2) a charter dated at Westminster, 5 November, 17 Richard II. [Charter Noll, 15-17 Richard II. No. 10]; and grant that the adjoining township of Southtouudertemouth shall henceforth be annexed to the said borough of Cliftondertemouth Hardenasse, in consideration of the fact that the burgesses keep watches against invaders on the confines of the township and beyond at a place called 'Galions Boure' but the inhabitants of the township contribute nothing because they do not enjoy the liberties of the borough. Th« mayor and bailiffs shall have return of writs and execution thereof within the said township and the liberty of the borough, saving always the right of the lord of the fee of the township, and all pleas real and personal and attachments and fines and amercements, and also view of frauk-pledge and all that peitains to it. And they may acquire, in mortmain, after inquisition, lands, tenements, rents and other possessions, not held in chief, to the value of 201. yearly. Witnesses: Th. archbishop of Canterbury (age 45), W. archbishop of York (age 75), G. Bishop of Exeter (age 31), the chancellor, J. Bishop of Carlisle, the king's brothers George, duke of Clarence (age 13), and Richard, duke of Gloucester (age 10), the king's kinsmen Richard, Earl of Warwick (age 34), and John, Earl of Worcester (age 36), treasurer of England, Robert Styllyngton (age 43), king's clerk, keeper of the privy seal, and William Hastynges of Hastynges (age 32), the king's chamberlain, and John Wenlok of Wenlok (age 63), knights.

Patent Rolls Edward IV 1463. 30 Jun 1463. Grant to the king's kinsman John, Earl of Worcester (age 36), and Robert Styllyngton (age 43), king's clerk, keeper of the privy seal, in repayment of £1938 12s. 3d. and £960 6s 8d. due to them respectively for certain causes concerning the custody of the sea, of two parts and the third part respectively of all the moneys arising from the subsidies culled 'tonnage' and 'poundage', viz. 3s. from the tun and 12d. from the pound, in the ports of London, Southampton and Sandwich until they be fully satisfied; and grant that during that time they may nominate as often as they please a suitable person to the treasurer of England for appointment as one of the collectors in each of the said ports.

In 1464 Bishop Robert Stillington (age 44) was appointed Archdeacon Berkshire.

Patent Rolls Edward IV 1464. 15 Mar 1464. Grant to John Walbrond, prebendary of Cerdestoke alias Cherdestoke in the cathedral of Salisbury, of a prebend within the free chapel of St. Stephen within the king's palace of Westminster, on an exchange of benefices with Robert Stillyngton (age 44). By K. Mandate in pursuance to the dean of the said free chapel.

Patent Rolls Edward IV 1464. 02 Jul 1464. Grant to John Scot (age 41), knight, controller of the king's household, or his executors after his death of all moneys arising from the subsidy called 'tonnage and poundage,'viz, the 3s. in the tun and the 12d. in the pound, in the port of the city of London at the hands of the collectors immediately after the full repayment of £1938 12s. 3d. to the king's kinsman John, Earl of Worcester (age 37), and £960 6s. iid. to Robert Styllington (age 44), king's clerk, keeper of the privy seal, from the said subsidy in the ports of London, Southampton and Sandwich, as granted to them by letters patent dated 30 June, 3 Edward IV., until he shall be fully satisfied of the sum of £256 3s. 6d. in which the king is indebted to him for having prepared divers ships in the port of Sandwich at the king's command and taken them to the north with victuals and soldiers on the defence of the realm. And until he be thus fully satisfied he shall ns often as he pleases nominate a suitable person to the treasurer of England to be appointed one of the collectors of the said subsidy. By K.

Chronicle of England by William of Worcester. [Jan 1465]. In the same month, Master Thomas Beckington (age 75), Keeper of the Privy Seal, died, and Master Robert Stillington (age 45), Doctor of Decrees, became his successor, and Dean of St. Martin's Church in London.

Eodem mense obiit magister Thomas Bekyngtone, cui successit magister Robertas Stilyngtone, decretorum doctor, custos Privati Sigilli ac decanus Sancti Martini Londoniæ.

Patent Rolls Edward IV 1465. 20 Jan 1465. Grant to Master Robert Stillyngton (age 45), king's clerk, keeper of the privy Westminster, seal, by mainprise of John Brewester of London, 'gentilman,' and Thomas Wode of Farnham, co. Essex, 'gentilman,' of the custody of all the temporalities of the Bishopric of Bath and Wells, in the king's hands by the death of Thomas, late bishop (deceased), so long as they remain in the king's hands, rendering as much as may be agreed upon between him and the treasurer before Midsummer and supporting all charges, and also all advowsons belonging to the king by reason of the said temporalities. By K.

On 30 Oct 1465 Bishop Robert Stillington (age 45) was appointed Bishop of Bath and Wells.

Patent Rolls Edward IV 1466. 29 Jan 1466. Mandate to the escheator in the county of Somerset for the restitution of the temporalities of the Bishopric of Bath and Wells to Master Robert Styllyngton (age 46), whom the pope has appointed bishop in the place of Thomas, late bishop, deceased, and who has renounced everything prejudicial to the king and his crown. [Foedera.] By p.s. The like to the escheators in the following counties:- Middlesex. Oxford and Berks. Gloucester. Southampton. Writ de intendendo in pursuance to the tenants.

Patent Rolls Edward IV 1466. 17 Mar 1466. General pardon to Robert Stillyngton (age 46), Bishop of Bath and Wells, dean of Westminster, the king's free chapel of St. Martin le Grand, London, and keeper of the privy seal, of all provisions of apostolic letters or bulls and all other offences committed by him before 13 January. By p.s.

Patent Rolls Edward IV 1466. 24 Sep 1466. Licence for the king's sister Anne, duchess of Exeter (age 27), to grant the manors of Rachfonl, Lye, Pakeleshnm and Folncsse, co. Essex, Ardyngton, co. Berks, Barford St. Martin, co. Wilts, and Thorpwatcrvyle, Aldwynkle, Achirch, Chelveston and Cnldeote, co. Northampton, with all other lands, rents, reversions and services of her tenants iu the towns and manors aforesaid, held in chief, to the king's kinsman Thomas, archbishop of Canterbury (age 48), Robert, Bishop of Bath and Wells (age 46), John, duke of Norfolk (age 41), John, duke of Suffolk (age 23), William, Earl of Arundel (age 48), Henry, Earl of Essex (age 62), Richard, earl Ryvers (age 61), Antony Widevill, lord of Scales and Newselles (age 26), John Say, knight, Thomas Colt, Thomas Decoue and Robert Isham, esquires, and their heirs and assigns. By K.

Grant to the said archbishop and others and their heirs and assigns of all the king's-estate and title in the manors of Wodham Ferreres and other lands in the same town, co. Essex, and the manors of Newebotell and Brynton and the advowson of the church there and other lands in the same town, co. Northampton, which the king holds in the title and possession of his consort Elizabeth, Queen of England, with advowsons, knights' fees, rents and services. By K.

On 20 Jun 1467 Bishop Robert Stillington (age 47) was appointed Lord Chancellor.

After 14 Apr 1471 Bishop Robert Stillington (age 51) was appointed Lord Chancellor.

On 18 Jun 1473 Bishop Robert Stillington (age 53) resigned as Lord Chancellor.

Patent Rolls Edward IV 1477. 18 Apr 1477. Grant to Robert, Bishop of Bath and Wells (age 57), John, Bishop of Rochester, Westminster, and Thomas Vaghan, knight, chamberlain of the king's firstborn son Edward, prince of Wales, and their assigns, of the disposition of the deanery of the king's free chapel of St. Stephen within the palace of Westminster at its next voidance.

Before 06 Mar 1478 Bishop Robert Stillington (age 58) was imprisoned as a result of an unknown association with George York 1st Duke of Clarence (deceased) but speculated to be about Edward IV King England 1442-1483's pre-contract with Eleanor Butler. See Stonor Letters 06 Mar 1478.

Stonor Letters 06 Mar 1478. 06 Mar 1478. Elizabeth Croke (age 38) to William Stonor (age 28).

Ryght reverent and worschypffull and interely best belovyde husbonde, I recomaunde me unto you in the most harteyste wyse hever more desyryng to here off your goode wellfare, the wyche I pray God longe to contune unto your hartys desyr. Syr, I resayved a tokyn ffrom you by Tawbose, my lorde Lovellys (age 22) sarvant. And Syr, I have sent my lorde Lovell a tokyn and my ladys, as ye comaunde me to do, schuche as schalle plese them. Syr, ye schalle understonde that þe beschope off Bathe (age 58) ys browthe in to the Towre [Map] syne you departyd. Allso Syr, ye schalle understonde that þe wolle hooys departe, as to morw is, ffor as I understonde: I pray Jhesu by thayr goode spede: and Goodard. [Goddard Oxbryge.] departys allso: and I pray you that ye wylle sende me som off your sarvantys and myne to wayte upone me, ffor now I ame ryght bare off sarvantys, and þat ye know well. Syr, I sent you halffe a honder welkys by Gardenar, and I wollde have sent you som hoder desys, but truly I cowde not get none: but and I cane get hony to morow, syr Wylliam salle bryng hyt with hym. Syr, I pray you that I may be recomaundehyde unto my masterys your moder, and unto all goode ffrendys. No more unto you at thys tym, but þe blesyde Trenyte have you in hys kepyng now and hever. Amen. At London þe vj day off Marche.

Cossen, I was crasyd þat the makyng off thys letter, but I thanke God I am ryght well amendyd, blesyd by Jhesu.

By your owen wyff Elysabeth Stonore.

To my ryght reverent and worschypffull Cosyn, syr Wyllm. Stonor, knyght.

Patent Rolls Edward IV 20 Feb 1478. 20 Jun 1478. Declaration that Robert, Bishop of Bath and Wells (age 58), has been faithful to Westminster, the king and done nothing contrary to his oath of fealty, as he has shown before the king and certain lords; and general pardon to him.

Patent Rolls Edward IV 1481. 15 Feb 1481. Whereas Thomas, Abbot of the monastery of St. Mary by the walls Westminster. of the city of York, lately held of Thomas, cardinal archbishop of Canterbury, Richard, Bishop of Salisbury, Robert, Bishop of Bath and Wells (age 61), Thomas, Bishop of Lincoln, William Dudley, Bishop of Durham, late dean of the king's chapel, John Russell, Bishop of Rochester, keeper of the privy seal, Henry, Earl of Essex, Anthony, earl Ryvers, William Hastynges, lord of Hastynges, John, lord Dynham, Thomas Burghe, knight, William Parre, knight, Thomas Mongomery, knight, Master John Gunthorpe, clerk, and William Huse at fee farm the manor of Whitgift and certain other lands in Rednesse, Huke and Swynflete, certain acres of moor in Inglesmore in Mersshelond and 20 of marsh land in Ayrmyn, co. York, at a rent of 200 marks yearly, which rent was parcel of the duchy of Lancaster, they being seised of the premises among other things to the king's use by virtue of an estate made to them and William, late Bishop of Ely, and Richard Fowler, deceased, in Parliament at Westminster and by an act in that Parliament on 23 February, 14 Edward IV, and the abbot and convent granted to the king and his heirs the advowson of the parish church of Boston, co. Lincoln, and at the king's instance granted to the prior of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem in England an annuity of 361. during the life of Roger Chesshire, now rector of the said church, and bound themselves to the said prior in 2101. that within a quarter of a year of the death of the said rector they would release to the prior and brethren of the said Hospital a yearly pension of 81. which they have from the said church and grant to them all lands which they have in the town of Boston, with the exception of the hospital of St. John and all lands parcel of it, and the said archbishop and others at the king's request by a writing here recited dated 21 January, 18 Edward IV, sealed with their own seal and the seal of the duchy, have in recompence released to them 80 marks yearly out of the said fee farm of 200 marks and confirmed their estate in the said manor and other premises, the king confirms the same. By p.s.

In May 1491 Bishop Robert Stillington (age 71) died. He was buried at Wells Cathedral [Map].

Memoirs of Philip de Commines Book 4 Chapter XX. This bishop [Bishop Robert Stillington] discovered to the Duke of Gloucester that his brother King Edward had been formerly in love with a beautiful young lady§, and had promised her marriage, upon condition lie might lie with her; the lady consented, and, as the bishop affirmed, he married them when nobody was present but they two and himself. His fortune depending upon the court, he did not discover it, and persuaded the lady likewise to conceal it, which she did, and the matter remained a secret. After this King Edward married the daughter of an English gentleman, called the Lord Rivers; this lady was a widow, and had two sons. The Bishop of Bath, as I said before, discovered this matter to the Duke of Gloucester, and gave his assistance in the execution of the barbarous designs of the duke, who murdered his two nephews, and made himself king, by the name of Richard III². He caused the two daughters to be declared illegitimate by parliament, took their coats of arms from them, and put all his brother's faithful servants to death, at least all he could get into his power. But his cruel reign did not last long; for, being at the height of his pride, in greater pomp and authority than any King of England for a hundred years before, when he had beheaded the Duke of Buckingham^, and assembled a numerous army under his own command, God Almighty raised him up an enemy that destroyed him, and that was the Earl of Richmond, a person of no power, and one who had been long prisoner in Bretagne; but he is now King of England, and is of the house of Lancaster, though, as I am informed, not the next heir to the crown.

Note 1. Harrington mentions two ladies whom public rumour indicated as having been seduced by the king, Lady Elizabeth Lucy and Lady Eleanor Butler. Lord Campbell indignantly denies the charge brought against Stillington by Commines, but has adduced no evidence in support of his denial.

Note 2. Richard III. was proclaimed king on the 22nd of June, 1483.

Note 3. The English parliament, at a meeting held at Westminster, on the 23rd of January, 1484, declared that the marriage of Edward IV. with Elizabeth Woodville had been effected in contravention of the customs of the Anglican Church, seeing that, by a previous contract, the King had plighted his troth to Lady Eleanor Butler, and that consequently, Edward and Elizabeth had lived in adultery, and their children were evidently bastards, and as such unable to inherit the crown.

Note 4. Henry, Duke of Buckingham, was son of Humphry, Earl of Stafford, and Margaret, daughter of Edmund, Duke of Somerset. He married Catharine, daughter of Richard Woodville, Earl of Rivers. Being detected in a conspiracy against Richard III., he was beheaded at Salisbury ou All Saints' Day, 1483.