John Kite

For the Widnes Vikings player, see John Kite (rugby league).

John Kite (died 1537) was successively Archbishop of Armagh, 1513–1521, and Bishop of Carlisle, 1521–1537.

Biography

John Kite was educated at Eton College and then at King's College, Cambridge,^[1] where he was graduated Bachelor of Canon Law. He was appointed a prebendary of Exeter Cathedral and Sub-Dean of the King's Chapel, Westminster in 1510. From 1510–1518 he was prebendary of Stratton in the diocese of Salisbury.

Kite added the gate to Rose Castle in the 16th century.^[2]

In 1518, as archbishop, he accompanied John Bourchier, 2nd Baron Berners on an embassy to Charles I of Spain and was present at the Field of the Cloth of Gold in 1520. In 1522 he was living at Rose Castle, Cumberland when he was visited by Dr William Burbank, Archdeacon of Carlisle Cathedral, of whom he wrote to Cardinal Wolsey. His alliance with Wolsey may explain his quick promotion. He took the Oath of Supremacy in 1534.

References

1. "Kite, John (KT480J)". A Cambridge Alumni Database. University of Cambridge.
2. Historic England. "Gate with flanking lodge and tower, to north of Rose Castle (1335662)". National Heritage List for England. Retrieved 18 October 2024.

Bibliography

• Joyce M. Horn, Fasti Ecclesiae Anglicanae 1300–1541: Volume 3 Salisbury Diocese, (London: Institute of Historical Research, 1962) citing Register of Edmund Audley, Bishop of Salisbury
• James Wilson, 'The Seal of William Burbank', Transactions of the Cumberland and Westmoreland Antiquarian Society; Vol. XV

Catholic Church titles
Preceded by Octavian De Spinellis	Archbishop of Armagh 1513–1521	Succeeded by George Cromer
Preceded by John Penny	Bishop of Carlisle 1521–1537	Succeeded by Robert Aldrich