Educator. He received recognition as a 15th-century English educator, as well as a religious figure being a priest and politician. He is most recognized in the 21st century as the founder of Saint Mary Magdalen College of the University of Oxford in 1458. Born William Patyn, a Roman Catholic, Waynflete was also spelled as Wainfleet. He was ordained as a Roman Catholic priest on January 21, 1426. Little is known about his childhood, except becoming an Oxford scholar by the time he became the master of Winchester College in 1429 at age 31. By 1440 he was a fellow at Eton and was provost there in 1443. He started lower levels of education with his own funding. He was a great favorite of King Henry VI, who secured his appointment in 1447 as bishop of Winchester, a post that Waynflete retained until he died. After founding Saint Mary Magdalene Hall in 1448, he founded the college ten years later, with the new college taking a lead in Renaissance studies in England. Waynflete held the highest-ranking position of Lord Chancellor of England from October 11, 1456 to July 7, 1460, resigning upon the Yorkist coming into power. Although his career had political overtones, he ended his career in good standing with the Crown despite his Lancastrian connections. The Waynflete Building at Magdalen College was dedicated to his memory.
Educator. He received recognition as a 15th-century English educator, as well as a religious figure being a priest and politician. He is most recognized in the 21st century as the founder of Saint Mary Magdalen College of the University of Oxford in 1458. Born William Patyn, a Roman Catholic, Waynflete was also spelled as Wainfleet. He was ordained as a Roman Catholic priest on January 21, 1426. Little is known about his childhood, except becoming an Oxford scholar by the time he became the master of Winchester College in 1429 at age 31. By 1440 he was a fellow at Eton and was provost there in 1443. He started lower levels of education with his own funding. He was a great favorite of King Henry VI, who secured his appointment in 1447 as bishop of Winchester, a post that Waynflete retained until he died. After founding Saint Mary Magdalene Hall in 1448, he founded the college ten years later, with the new college taking a lead in Renaissance studies in England. Waynflete held the highest-ranking position of Lord Chancellor of England from October 11, 1456 to July 7, 1460, resigning upon the Yorkist coming into power. Although his career had political overtones, he ended his career in good standing with the Crown despite his Lancastrian connections. The Waynflete Building at Magdalen College was dedicated to his memory.
Bio by: Linda Davis
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