John Leland (antiquary) - Final Years and Death

Final Years and Death

In 1542, Henry presented Leland with the valuable rectory of Great Haseley, Oxfordshire. The year following he preferred him to a canonry of King's College, now Christ Church, Oxford, and about the same time, collated him to a prebend in the church of Sarum. He was an absentee pluralist, with the income and leisure to pursue his interests. He retired with his collections to his house in the parish of St Michael le Querne, Cheapside, London, where he intended to work on his various projects. However, in February 1547 "he fell besides his wits". He was certified insane in March 1550 and died, still mentally deranged, on 18 April 1552.

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