William of York
William of York was an English priest and twice Archbishop of York during a period of significant ecclesiastical and political upheaval in the 12th century. He is remembered for his contested elections, deposition, and eventual restoration to his archiepiscopal see, as well as for miracles reported at his tomb and his subsequent canonization.
- Feast Day
- June 8
- Century
- 12th century
- Country Or Region
- England
Key Facts
- ›He served as Archbishop of York twice, with a rival, Henry Murdac, serving in between.
- ›His election was influenced by King Stephen and opposed by Cistercian monasteries.
- ›He was deposed in 1147 but restored to his office in December 1153.
- ›He died shortly after his restoration in June 1154, allegedly from poison.
- ›Miracles were reported at his tomb from 1177, and he was canonized in 1226.
- ›His feast day is celebrated on June 8.
William fitzherbert
Ouse Bridge
About William of York
William of York (late 11th century – 8 June 1154) was an English priest who twice held the office of Archbishop of York. His life and tenure were characterized by significant ecclesiastical and political struggles, particularly with the Cistercian order and rival claimants to the archbishopric.
Early Life and Career
Born William fitzHerbert, William was the son of Herbert of Winchester, chancellor and treasurer to King Henry I. His mother was likely Emma, an illegitimate daughter of Stephen II, Count of Blois, making her half-sister to King Stephen of England and Henry of Blois, Bishop of Winchester. William held several positions within the church hierarchy before his election as archbishop, including the prebendary of Weighton and archdeacon of the East Riding of Yorkshire. His early career was influenced by his powerful father and his service under Archbishop Thurstan of York, during which he was involved in disputes with King Henry I regarding the independence of the Archbishopric of York from Canterbury.
Election and Deposition
William was first elected Archbishop of York in January 1141, following the annulment of a previous election due to bribery. His election was contested by the Cistercian monasteries of Yorkshire and by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Theobald of Bec, due to allegations of simony and royal interference. Despite being consecrated in September 1143 after swearing an oath of innocence and being cleared by Henry of Blois, the Cistercians continued their opposition. The election of Pope Eugene III, a Cistercian, in 1145 proved a significant setback. Bernard of Clairvaux exerted influence, leading to William's suspension and subsequent deposition in early 1147. Henry Murdac, a Cistercian abbot, was then confirmed as archbishop.
Restoration and Death
King Stephen initially refused to accept Murdac's appointment, but William did not regain his see until after both Murdac and Pope Eugene III had died. He was restored to office on 20 December 1153 by Pope Anastasius IV. His return to York was marked by a dramatic event when the Ouse Bridge collapsed during his triumphal procession, though no one was killed. William's second archiepiscopate was brief, lasting less than a month. He died on 8 June 1154, with allegations of poisoning in the chalice he used at Mass. An accusation of murder was made against Osbert de Bayeux, but King Stephen died before a trial could take place.
Sainthood and Legacy
Following his death, miracles were reported at William's tomb in York Minster, beginning in 1177. His body was noted to be undecayed and even gave off a sweet smell after a fire damaged his tomb. These reports led to an investigation ordered by Pope Honorius III, and William was canonized in Rome in 1226. His feast day is observed on June 8. Traditional iconography sometimes depicts him crossing the Ouse. Shrines were erected in his honor in York Minster, with the earliest dating to the 1220s. Despite the demolition of shrines in 1541, his sarcophagus and remains were rediscovered, and his relics are now housed in the crypt of York Minster.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was William of York alive?
William of York lived in the late 11th century and died on June 8, 1154. He served as Archbishop of York twice, with his second term ending shortly before his death.
Why was William of York opposed by the Cistercians?
The Cistercians opposed William's election and tenure as Archbishop of York, particularly after the election of a Cistercian Pope Eugene III. They raised complaints of secular interference and irregular appointments.
What happened during William of York's deposition?
William was deposed in 1147 by Pope Eugene III, who declared his consecration invalid and suspended him. This led to the election of Henry Murdac, a Cistercian abbot, as archbishop.
How was William of York restored to his position?
After the deaths of Henry Murdac and Pope Eugene III, William worked to regain his office and traveled to Rome to plead his case with Pope Anastasius IV. His reappointment was confirmed in December 1153.
What is William of York remembered for after his death?
Miracles were reported at William's tomb starting in 1177, and his body was noted for remaining incorrupt after a fire. He was canonized in 1226, and his feast day is June 8.
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