Simon of Wells

Simon of Wells (died 1207) was a medieval Bishop of Chichester, England.

Life

Simon was the son of Robert and was in the household of Hubert Walter, Archbishop of Canterbury in 1194. His father was usually known as Robert of Whatley and held land in Somerset. Some sources state that he was related to the brothers Hugh of Wells bishop of Lincoln and Jocelin of Wells bishop of Bath and Wells, but this is unlikely. By 1198 he was Archdeacon of Wells. He was in Normandy with King John of England in both 1199 and 1203, when the king was campaigning against King Philip Augustus of France. By 1201 he was serving the king as a clerk of the chamber, or camera, which led to one of his names. He was elected to the see of Chichester between 4 April and 9 April 1204, and consecrated on 11 July 1204.

After Simon's election, he concentrated on building in his cathedral city, walling Chichester, and recovering lost lands of the diocese. He did continue to work for the king up until the death of Hubert Walter, but after that event, he no longer appears in royal service.