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Langton, Stephen c.1150-1228
English prelate

He was educated at the University of Paris. In 1206 his friend and fellow-student, Pope Innocent III, gave him a post in his household and made him a cardinal. On the disputed election to the see of Canterbury in 1205-07, Langton was recommended by the pope and, having been elected, was consecrated by Innocent at Viterbo in 1207. His appointment was resisted by King John, and Langton was kept out of the see until 1213. He sided with the barons against John and his name is the first of the subscribing witnesses of Magna Carta. Although the pope excommunicated the barons, Langton refused to publish the excommunication, and was suspended from his functions in 1215. He was reinstated in 1218.