Hugh of Wells was "the son of Edward of Wells, a small landowner in the city of Wells", and elder brother of Joscelin of Wells, later Bishop of Bath and Wells.[1]
Hugh's birthdate is unknown, but he first appears as a witness on documents in the late 1180s,[2] which suggests a birth date of about 1160 or slightly later.
He entered the church and was eventually elected as Bishop of Lincoln about 14 April 1209, but went into exile in France after the excommuncation of King John on 8 November 1209 and was actually consecrated as Bishop at Melun on 20 December 1209. He returned to England on 16 July 1213.[2]
Hugh died on 7 February 1235 at the episcopal residence at Stow Park and was buried on 10 February 1235 in the north aisle of Lincoln Cathedral.[2]
Soon after his election as Bishop, there had been an investigation into his suitability for the position, amidst rumours that he had two daughters, as well as other issues. Presumably he was found innocent of these charges, as he was consecrated, as mentioned above, and certainly his will dated 1233, only mentions his brother and a niece Agatha. As well as bequests to these two family members, he also made bequests to his household, Lincoln Cathedral, various monasteries and the remainder was to be divided amongst poor religious houses, Oxford University, Jewish converts and the poor on the episcopal manors.[2]
For further information on Hugh and his career see the article in Wikipedia, and the sources used.
Hugh of Wells, Bishop of LIncoln, is named, (with a question mark), as one of the illegitimate children of Henry II, King of England, in the book, Britain's Royal Families: The complete genealogy, by Alison Weir,[3] though no sources are cited.
There in fact appears to be no sources from the period that support such a relationship and it must be regarded as false.[4]
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