About John the Chanter
Lived 1150 – 1191 (aged 40–41). John the Chanter was a catholic priest and catholic bishop.
John the Chanter (died 1 June 1191) was a medieval Bishop of Exeter.
Life John's exact background is unclear, though biographer John Prince refers to him as "a native" of Devon. Liskeard lawyer Frederick Caunter states that he was born in Exeter, and was said to be a great-grandson of Condor, Earl of Cornwall. He may be the same person as the John Planeta, who was a clerk of Thomas Becket's during Becket's exile, but the connection is not proven.
According to antiquary Richard Izacke, John was installed Bishop of Exeter in 1184 and served for six years. He was buried in an altar tomb under the south tower of Exeter Cathedral, which survives to this day. The Caunter family traditionally claim a connection to John, though Frederick Caunter considered this unlikely.
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Important facts
People in John the Chanter's life
Named in this biography and alive at the same time
Related people
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Contemporaries
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Frequently asked questions
Who was John the Chanter?
Bishop of Exeter
When was John the Chanter born?
John the Chanter was born in 1150.
When did John the Chanter die?
John the Chanter died on 1 June 1191.
What was John the Chanter's occupation?
John the Chanter was a catholic priest and catholic bishop.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). John the Chanter. https://biography.guide/john-the-chanter/
MLA: "John the Chanter." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/john-the-chanter/.
Chicago: "John the Chanter." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/john-the-chanter/.
Data last updated: 2026-09-20 · Spot an error? Report a correction.
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