Walter Branscombe

Walter Branscombe (c. 1220–1280) (alias Bronscombe, Branescombe, Bronescombe, Bronescomb, etc.) was Bishop of Exeter from 1258 to 1280.

Origins

Nothing is known for certain of Branscombe's origins and education, but he is thought to have been born in Exeter in about 1220. In the opinion of William George Hoskins he was a member of the family of de Branscombe seated at the manor of Edge in the parish of Branscombe in east Devon, situated about 16 miles east of Exeter.

Career

Branscombe held a prebend in of St Nicholas's College at Wallingford Castle, as well as a number of other benefices. He also was archdeacon of Surrey. In 1250, he acted as King Henry III of England's representative at the papal curia, and was appointed the king's proctor the next year. Besides being a royal clerk, he was often named as a papal chaplain also. Before 1254 he became a canon of Exeter Cathedral.

Branscombe was elected to the see of Exeter on 23 February 1258 and consecrated on 10 March 1258. He was ordained a priest on 10 March 1258, with both rites being performed by Boniface of Savoy, the Archbishop of Canterbury. He was enthroned at Exeter on 14 April 1258.