Subseries J-Pilkington - James Pilkington (1559)

James Pilkington, was the son of Richard Pilkington and his wife, Alice, of Rivington, Lancashire. He was one of seven boys, his younger brother Leonard (1527-1599) was also Master of St John's. James Pilkington entered Pembroke College at 16 but soon transferred to St John's, receiving his B.A. in 1539. He was elected to the Fellowship shortly after receiving his degree. He became a senior fellow and preacher, taking part in the a disputation on transubstantiation. He was ordained between 1547-1550 and was presented to the vicarage of Kirby in Kendal by Edward VI but he resigned to continue his studies at Cambridge, taking his BTh. in 1551.

Pilkington left for the continent upon Mary's accession to the throne, travelling to Switzerland and Germany. He was appointed Master of St John's shortly after his return to England in 1559. In February 1561 he was made Bishop of Durham and resigned the mastership of SJC in October of that year. He was succeeded by his brother Leonard.

For more information see the Oxford DNB