Richard of Wallingford, 1327 – 1336

Richard was the son of a Wallingford blacksmith and was sent to study at Oxford by the Prior of Wallingford, a daughter house of St Albans. In 1314 he came to St Albans and became a monk, but then returned to Oxford for further study. He spent the next 9 years studying theology, although most of his time was focussed on astronomy and trigonometry. He wrote a number of treatises and designed several astronomical instruments, including the Albion which predicted eclipses. He was ordained a priest in 1317. He returned to St Albans and was elected abbot in 1327.

He had many problems to deal with. The monastery was in debt and discipline was lax. The collapsed south wall of the nave had not been completely rebuilt. The town had gained a charter which had reduced the abbot’s control.

After getting the Pope’s approval, he returned to St Albans and began to restore discipline amongst the monks. He then looked to the daughter houses, restoring discipline and to the manors and churches, where he made repairs and removed bad officials. He also paid off some of the Abbey’s debts.

He re-established the Abbey’s control over the town by persuading the leading townspeople to give up the charter and seal to the monastery. They also surrendered their hand mills which he used to pave the parlour floor.

He continued his scientific work and began building his astronomical clock. He was questioned by Edward III about spending time on this when the nave rebuilding was still not complete and replied that any abbot could deal with the rebuilding, but only he could build the clock. He did spend time ensuring the monastery buildings were in good repair and he rebuilt the almonry.

During most of this time he was suffering from leprosy, a feared disease where the sufferers were usually isolated.

He died in 1336 and was buried before the high altar. He is remembered as one of the great abbots.