Saint William (☩ 8 June 1154). Archbishop Of York (Twice). Confessor. Feast Day 8 June. White Vestments. A Tale Of Mayhem, Political Intrigue, Suspicion Of Murder, Plotting, Envy, Hate. Good Job We Don't Have That Now. (Part Three).

Mediæval carved plaque showing Saint William of York crossing the River Ouse. The Bridge collapses, but no-one dies.

Photo: 20 February 2010.

Source: 

Originally posted to Flickr as 

Saved from the Ouse.

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Author: Katy Stuart.

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Text from Wikipedia - the free encyclopædia,
unless stated otherwise.

William accompanied Thurstan into exile in Europe and on embassies to the Papal Court.[10] 

Reconciliation with Henry I allowed a return to York in 1121. 

A Papal ruling in favour of the independence of the Archbishops of York was finally delivered in 1127.[11]

Election problems.

In January 1141, William was elected Archbishop of York.[12] Originally, the Cathedral Chapter of York had elected Saint Waltheof of Melrose, Scotland, in 1140, but that election was set aside, as one of Waltheof’s supporters had made an Uncanonical gift (bribe) to secure Waltheof’s election. 

Then, Henry of Blois tried to secure the See for Henry de Sully, another nephew of Stephen and Henry’s. 

Sully’s election was opposed by Pope Innocent II,[13] who refused to confirm him as Archbishop while he remained Abbot of Fécamp, Normandy, France.[14] 

Pedestal fragment of the principal Shrine 

of Saint William of York, in the Yorkshire Museum.

Photo: 12 August 2013.

Source: YORK MUSEUMS TRUST

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Author: York Museums Trust.

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Only at a third election in January 1141 was William chosen. Whether he had been a candidate in the previous two elections is unknown.[13]

The election was opposed by the Cistercian Monasteries of Yorkshire and by the Archdeacons of York.[15] 

PART FOUR FOLLOWS.