Walter Stapledon was an English cleric and administrator who was Bishop of Exeter from 1308 and twice served as Lord High Treasurer of England, in 1320 and from 1322 to 1325. He founded what became Exeter College, Oxford and contributed liberally to the rebuilding of Exeter Cathedral, where his tomb and monument survive. He was killed by a mob during the London uprising.
Walter Stapledon (died 1326), Bishop of Exeter. Detail from his effigy in Exeter Cathedral
Arms of Walter Stapledon (died 1326), Bishop of Exeter, from his restored monument in Exeter Cathedral: Argent, two bends undée sable (Stapledon) within a bordure of the last charged with six pairs of keys addorsed and interlaced the wards upwards or (bordure of Bishop Stapledon, being the arms of the See of Exeter)
Monument to Bishop Walter Stapledon, Exeter Cathedral, viewed from within the choir
Wall painting c. 1326 on ceiling of canopy of monument to Bishop Walter Stapledon, Exeter Cathedral
The Bishop of Exeter is the ordinary of the Church of England Diocese of Exeter in the Province of Canterbury. The See has been vacant since Robert Atwell's retirement on 30 September 2023.
‘South Tower of Exeter Cathedral’, attributed to W. Davey, about 1800-1830
Image: Bishop Walter Stapledon Arms Exeter Cathedral
Image: Richard Foxe Bishop Of Winchester NPG London
Image: Bishop Oldham Effigy Exeter Cathedral
