John Stafford (archbishop)

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For other persons named John Stafford, see John Stafford (disambiguation).

John Stafford (died May 25, 1452), English statesman and archbishop of Canterbury.

He came to the front under Henry IV, becoming Lord Privy Seal in 1421 and treasurer (1422). Pope Martin V made him bishop of Bath and Wells (1425). He was Lord Chancellor from 1432 to 1450.

Pope Eugene IV made him archbishop from 1443, a position he held till his death. He steered an even course between parties as a moderate man and useful official.

During and after John Stafford's term as Archbishop, he broke his pact of celibacy, and had four children with a nun who had also taken a pact of celibacy. This was not known until thirty years after his death. ^{[citation needed]}

Political offices
Preceded by: John Kemp	Lord Privy Seal 1421–1422	Succeeded by: William Alnwick
Preceded by: William Kinwolmarsh	Lord High Treasurer 1422–1426	Succeeded by: The Lord Hungerford
Preceded by: Nicholas Bubwith	Bishop of Bath and Wells 1424–1433	Succeeded by: Thomas Beckington
Preceded by: John Kemp	Lord Chancellor 1432–1450	Succeeded by: John Kemp