Editing William of Wykeham (section)

==Early life==

William of Wykeham (born William Longe) was the son of John Longe, a freeman from [[Wickham, Hampshire|Wickham]] in Hampshire.  He was educated at a school in [[Winchester]], and probably enjoyed early patronage from two local men, Sir Ralph Sutton, constable of [[Winchester Castle]], and Sir [[John Scures]], lord of the manor of Wickham, and then from [[Thomas Foxley]], [[Constable of Windsor Castle]]. In 1349, Wykeham was described as a chaplain when he was appointed [[rector (ecclesiastical)|rector]] of [[Irstead]] in Norfolk, a position which was in the gift of the Crown.<ref>Mackenzie E. C. Walcott "William of Wykeham, His Colleges" p. 10</ref>