The Lancastrians and the Lollards
One of the most fascinating subjects of late 14th century is the development of the Lollard movement. The Lollards were a group of academic individuals who followed many of the ideas of the Oxford don and theologian, John Wyclif. Many of these Lollards wandered throughout England preaching against the many practices of the medieval Church; making them a target for religious authorities throughout England. Without the support of powerful men, the Lollards may have not existed as long as they have. Men like John of Gaunt, the Duke of Lancaster, supported Wyclif and other founding members of the Lollard movement. As a result, the movement was allowed to grow and fester into a powerful entity. By 1395, a Lollard bill was being considered as a way to reform the English Church. Was this bill a sign of things to come? How powerful was the Lollard movement? What roles did John of Gaunt really play in the development of the Lollards? More importantly, did the Lancastrian faction aid in the development and survival of the Lollard movement?
The Theory-John of Gaunt as developer and protector of the Lollard Movement
Many historians have agreed that the relationship between John of Gaunt and John Wyclif was merely political and that Gaunt did not have the ability to understand Wyclif's difficult doctrines. However, a new reinterpretation of the historical record may show that this relationship may not have been solely political as historians have made it out to be.
Norman Cantor, author of The Last Knight, hints at the possibility that Gaunt may have gotten caught up in Wyclif's religious ideology. In Cantor's view, Gaunt was one of many individuals who were affected by the rise of Christian mysticism during the time that Wyclif was beginning to make an impact in England. Cantor seems to go as far as to suggest that Gaunt not only understood Wyclif's ideas, but may have followed them to an extent. However, Cantor also mentions how Gaunt grew tired of Wyclif's ideas and followed his heart back to orthodoxy.
I am one to tend to agree slightly with Cantor. There is no doubt in my mind that he knew of Wyclif's ideas and how much of an impact they could have. Whether he used these ideas for his own personal use (or to call him a Lollard) is debatable. What I believe occurred, is that Gaunt supported...even backed the development of the Lollard movement. Here are a few examples on why I think this way:
1. Gaunt made sure Wyclif was well protected despite his condemnation at the Blackfriars Council of 1382. Wyclif was never convicted or molested. He lived out his days quietly at Lutterworth as the rector of the school. Lutterworth being in Gaunt's control also helps.
This was written by Henry Knighton, Chronicler of Leicester Abbey. This particular passage dates to 1382:
"For the Master John Wyclif was cited and summoned by mandate of the lord pope to appear before the Archbishop of Canterbury, and many other doctors of the church, in the church of friars preachers in London, to answer for the wickedness of heresy, where he had the notable support of the good duke of Lancaster, who was an invincible guardian to him and his followers in all their needs, for otherwise they would have fallen into the pit of destruction"
2. After Wyclif's death, Gaunt made several individuals known to be Lollards his patron. The most popular of these men was William Swinderby. A semi-educated man, Swinderby traveled quite a bit throughout many Gaunt controlled areas. He really made in impact in Leicester...one of the major strongholds of Gaunt. Gaunt was also known to have made appearances at the trials of those who were accused of being a Lollard. Here is Gaunt protecting William Swinderby, the most infamous Lollard preacher:
"In the mean time the lord bishop of Lincoln cited him to appear in the cathedral church of Lincoln…at last, however, he was publicly convicted of various heresies and errors, and adjudged fuel for the flames…as it happened, however, the good duke of Lancaster, who was always ready to help the Lollards, was in Lincoln the same day. He believed them (the Lollards) to be God’s saints, because of their bland words and expressions, though he was deceived by them, as were many others. He intervened with the bishop on William’s behalf, seeking to have his punishment commuted to some others.”
3. Gaunt supported the same sort of ideas that the early Lollard movement thrived on, such as literacy and self-piety.We kind have already discussed Gaunt's experiments with Christian mysticism. It's a matter of debate whether he actually followed the movement or not. However, literacy was extremely important to Gaunt. He made sure his grandson, the future Henry V, had a good sized library...including books written in Latin and English. To add to that, Gaunt also made Geoffrey Chaucer a patron at the time that he was in the process of writing the Canterbury Tales...the next time you take a look at the Canterbury Tales, take a look at the Parson's tale...one could debate that the parson is modeled after John Wyclif. For example:
"There was a good man of religion who was a poor parson of a town; but he was rich in holy thoughts and works. He was also a learned man, a clerk who would truly preach Christ’s gospel; he would teach his parishioners devoutly...He gave noble examples to his sheep: that he practiced first and preached afterwards. He took his motto from the Gospel"
Although, many scholars feel Chaucer was not a Lollard...there is significant evidence to support he was a sympathizer. Check out Terry Jones's book (yes, the same Terry Jones from the Monty Python series...he writes a great historical book with other literary scholars though :)) Who murdered Chaucer?
This is just a small portion of evidence to aid in my theory. I think Gaunt knew the impact the Lollards could have in society...particularly against the Church... the Lollard movement most certainly threw the Church's control of English society for a loop. I think Gaunt purposely aided the development of the Lollard movement and continued to support it behind closed doors. If you take into consideration the Great Schism, which occurs in 1377, that tore much of Christianity into backing the "right" Pope. Then you throw in the affects of the plague, the abuses in the Church, etc. you have a organization that seems to be on the ropes. Gaunt wanted the Church in just as much trouble as the English crown...which if you think about English history during the reign of Richard II (again we may have Gaunt as a possible instigator in the Peasant's revolt) we know how much the Lancastrian family steps forward to be one of the major thornes in Richard's side.