Gardiner, Stephen (1495-03-25 - 1555-11-12)

The exact birth date of Stephen Gardiner is unknown. Born in the late 1490s at Bury St Edmunds, he entered the University of Cambridge, graduating with the degree of B.Civ.L. in 1518. He was subsequently awarded the degrees of D.Civ.L. and D.Can.L. in 1521 and 1522, respectively. In the 1520s, he became chaplain to the king and secretary to Cardinal Wolsey, simultaneously holding a series of archdeaconries. He was fellow of Trinity Hall, Cambridge, and master from 1525 until 1549. He also served as Chancellor of the University of Cambridge. He was deprived of his offices and imprisoned under Edward VI. Gardiner was restored to his bishopric under Mary I. He was admitted to Gray's Inn in 1555. Bishop Gardiner died on 12 November 1555, and was buried in Winchester Cathedral.