The Bishops of Durham are among the most fascinating figures in English history. For centuries, they wielded a unique combination of religious and secular authority, making them some of the most powerful men in the kingdom. From their seat at Durham Cathedral and their country residence at Auckland Castle in Bishop Auckland, these bishops ruled not only as spiritual leaders but also as Prince Bishops, governing the Palatinate of Durham almost as kings in their own right.
Their story spans more than a millennium, from the early days of the Norman Conquest through the Reformation, the Industrial Revolution, and into the modern era. Understanding the Bishops of Durham means delving into a history of political intrigue, ecclesiastical grandeur, and the shaping of the North East of England.
The Unique Role of the Prince Bishops
The Bishops of Durham held a position unlike that of any other English bishop. From the late 11th century until the 19th century, they were Prince Bishops, with powers that went far beyond the spiritual realm. This status was born out of the strategic importance of the North East, which lay close to the border with Scotland.
Following the Norman Conquest, William the Conqueror needed a loyal, powerful figure to control the turbulent northern frontier. Granting the Bishop of Durham both religious authority and secular powers—such as the right to raise armies, mint coins, and administer justice—created a local ruler who could defend the realm while remaining loyal to the Crown.
The area they governed, known as the County Palatine of Durham, was effectively a semi-independent state. The Bishop had his own court system, appointed his own sheriffs, and collected taxes. This level of autonomy was rare in England, and it gave the Bishops of Durham enormous influence for centuries.
Origins and Early Bishops
The origins of the bishopric go back to the 10th century, when the relics of St Cuthbert were moved to Durham. St Cuthbert, a 7th-century monk and bishop of Lindisfarne, was one of northern England’s most revered saints. His shrine became a major pilgrimage site, and the bishops who presided over Durham became custodians of his legacy.
The early Bishops of Durham were often chosen for their loyalty to the Crown and their ability to maintain order in the volatile North. They oversaw the construction of Durham Cathedral, one of the greatest examples of Norman architecture in Europe, and fortified Durham Castle to serve as both residence and military stronghold.
The Norman and Medieval Bishops
The Norman and medieval Bishops of Durham were central figures in both church and state. One of the most notable early bishops was William of St. Calais (1080–1096), appointed by William the Conqueror. He was a trusted royal adviser but also fiercely protective of the privileges of the Palatinate.
Another influential figure was Hugh Pudsey (1153–1195), whose tenure was marked by ambitious building projects. Pudsey is credited with acquiring the estate of Auckland and developing what would become Auckland Castle, establishing the tradition of the Bishops having a rural retreat away from Durham City.
In times of war with Scotland, the Bishops of Durham often took the field themselves. As military leaders, they commanded troops, fortified castles, and played key roles in defending the northern frontier. Their dual role as both churchmen and warriors set them apart from their counterparts in the south.
Power and Politics
Throughout the Middle Ages, the Bishops of Durham were deeply involved in national politics. Their position gave them a seat in the House of Lords, and their influence extended to the highest levels of government. They were often called upon to mediate disputes, lead diplomatic missions, and advise kings.
The combination of spiritual authority and secular power could, however, lead to tensions. Some bishops leaned more heavily into their political role, while others focused on the church. The wealth of the bishopric, derived from landholdings, tithes, and the profits of justice, made the position highly desirable—and sometimes contentious.
The Reformation and Religious Change
The 16th century brought immense change with the English Reformation. The dissolution of the monasteries under Henry VIII stripped the church of much of its wealth and altered the religious landscape forever. The Bishops of Durham, like their peers, were forced to navigate the dangerous waters of royal religious policy.
Cuthbert Tunstall (1530–1559) was one of the most notable bishops of the period. A learned scholar and diplomat, Tunstall initially tried to resist the more extreme reforms of the Reformation but eventually conformed to the changes under Henry VIII and Edward VI. Under Mary I, he returned to Catholicism, only to be deprived of his position under Elizabeth I for refusing to accept the Protestant settlement.
Despite these upheavals, the bishopric survived, though its powers began to be curtailed over time.
Decline of Secular Powers
By the 17th and 18th centuries, the secular powers of the Bishops of Durham were gradually eroded. The English Civil War and the Commonwealth period saw the abolition of the episcopacy, though it was restored with the monarchy in 1660.
The Palatine jurisdiction—the ability of the bishop to govern Durham as a semi-independent territory—remained until the 19th century. It was finally abolished in 1836, when the secular powers were transferred to the Crown and the county was brought fully under national governance. This marked the end of the Bishops of Durham as Prince Bishops, though their ecclesiastical role continued.
Auckland Castle: The Country Seat
For centuries, Auckland Castle was the country residence of the Bishops of Durham. Set in beautiful parkland in Bishop Auckland, it served as both a retreat and a statement of wealth and power. Many bishops invested in the castle’s upkeep and embellishment.
One of the most significant periods in the castle’s history came under Bishop Richard Trevor (1752–1771), who remodelled parts of the building and famously acquired a set of 17th-century paintings by Francisco de Zurbarán depicting Jacob and his Twelve Sons. These paintings became a symbol of the bishopric’s cultural patronage.
The Bishops in the Industrial Age
During the 19th century, the Bishops of Durham oversaw a region transformed by the Industrial Revolution. Coal mining, railways, and heavy industry reshaped the economy and the social landscape. Bishops such as Charles Longley (1856–1860) and Joseph Lightfoot (1879–1889) grappled with the challenges of ministering to rapidly growing industrial communities.
Many bishops became advocates for education, social reform, and better living conditions for the working classes. They were often involved in founding schools, supporting charitable institutions, and encouraging church building in mining towns and villages.
Modern Bishops
In the 20th and 21st centuries, the Bishops of Durham have continued to play a prominent role in the Church of England. Although they no longer wield political power in the form of secular governance, they retain a seat in the House of Lords as Lords Spiritual, contributing to debates on moral and social issues.
Modern bishops have often been noted for their outspoken views. Figures such as David Jenkins (1984–1994) became nationally known for challenging conventional interpretations of Christian doctrine, sparking both controversy and debate.
Today, the Bishop of Durham’s role combines pastoral leadership, public engagement, and advocacy on social issues, particularly poverty, education, and immigration.
Legacy of the Bishops of Durham
The legacy of the Bishops of Durham is visible across the region. Durham Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, stands as a monument to their faith and vision. Durham Castle, once their fortress, now forms part of Durham University. Auckland Castle has been restored as a cultural and historical site, attracting visitors from around the world.
The historical memory of the Prince Bishops—warrior clergy who defended the realm, administered justice, and governed as near-sovereigns—remains a source of local pride. Their story reflects the broader history of England, from medieval feudalism to modern democracy.
While their temporal power has faded, the Bishops of Durham remain symbolic of the enduring connection between faith, community, and regional identity.
Chronological List of Bishops of Durham
| No. | Bishop | Years in Office | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aldhun | 990–1018 | First Bishop of Durham after the see moved from Chester-le-Street; oversaw move of St Cuthbert’s relics to Durham. |
| 2 | Eadmund | 1020–1041 | Oversaw consolidation of the diocese in the pre-Norman period. |
| 3 | Eadred | 1041–1056 | Served during the reign of Edward the Confessor. |
| 4 | Æthelric | 1056–1071 | Deposed following the Norman Conquest. |
| 5 | Walcher | 1071–1080 | First Norman bishop; murdered in Gateshead. |
| 6 | William of St. Calais | 1080–1096 | Strong royal supporter; rebuilt cathedral in Norman style. |
| 7 | Ranulf Flambard | 1099–1128 | Royal administrator under William II and Henry I. |
| 8 | Geoffrey Rufus | 1133–1140 | Chancellor to King Henry I. |
| 9 | William Cumin | 1141–1143 | Unauthorised claimant during The Anarchy; not canonically recognised. |
| 10 | William de Ste Barbe | 1143–1152 | Oversaw peace after civil unrest. |
| 11 | Hugh de Puiset (Hugh Pudsey) | 1153–1195 | Powerful prince-bishop; expanded Auckland Castle. |
| 12 | Philip of Poitou | 1197–1208 | Diplomatic figure in the reign of Richard I. |
| 13 | Richard Marsh | 1217–1226 | Also served as Lord Chancellor of England. |
| 14 | Richard Poore | 1229–1237 | Former Bishop of Salisbury; oversaw religious reforms. |
| 15 | Nicholas Farnham | 1241–1249 | Known for piety and learning. |
| 16 | Walter of Kirkham | 1249–1260 | Expanded ecclesiastical building projects. |
| 17 | Robert Stitchill | 1260–1274 | Negotiated with Edward I. |
| 18 | Robert of Holy Island | 1274–1283 | First native of the diocese to become bishop. |
| 19 | Antony Bek | 1284–1311 | Military leader; also Patriarch of Jerusalem. |
| 20 | Richard Kellaw | 1311–1316 | Defended rights of the Palatinate. |
| 21 | Louis de Beaumont | 1317–1333 | Captured by Scots shortly after his appointment. |
| 22 | Richard de Bury | 1333–1345 | Scholar and book collector; wrote Philobiblon. |
| 23 | Thomas Hatfield | 1345–1381 | Wealthy patron of architecture; built parts of Durham Cathedral cloisters. |
| 24 | John Fordham | 1381–1388 | Later became Bishop of Ely. |
| 25 | Walter Skirlaw | 1388–1406 | Skilled diplomat; funded bridges and churches. |
| 26 | Thomas Langley | 1406–1437 | Long-serving bishop; also Lord Chancellor of England. |
| 27 | Robert Neville | 1437–1457 | From the powerful Neville family. |
| 28 | Laurence Booth | 1457–1476 | Later Archbishop of York. |
| 29 | William Dudley | 1476–1483 | Former Dean of Windsor. |
| 30 | Richard Foxe | 1494–1501 | Founder of Corpus Christi College, Oxford. |
| 31 | Christopher Bainbridge | 1507–1508 | Later Archbishop of York and cardinal. |
| 32 | Thomas Ruthall | 1509–1523 | Close adviser to Henry VIII. |
| 33 | Thomas Wolsey | 1523–1529 | Held the bishopric in commendam; also Cardinal and Lord Chancellor. |
| 34 | Cuthbert Tunstall | 1530–1559 | Served under four monarchs; deprived under Elizabeth I. |
| 35 | James Pilkington | 1561–1576 | First Protestant Bishop of Durham. |
| 36 | Richard Barnes | 1577–1587 | Worked to strengthen Protestantism. |
| 37 | Matthew Hutton | 1589–1595 | Later Archbishop of York. |
| 38 | Tobias Matthew | 1595–1606 | Later Archbishop of York. |
| 39 | William James | 1606–1617 | Promoted education and cathedral music. |
| 40 | Richard Neile | 1617–1627 | Later Archbishop of York. |
| 41 | George Montaigne | 1627–1628 | Brief tenure; later Archbishop of York. |
| 42 | Richard Morton | 1632–1659 | Deprived during the Commonwealth period. |
| 43 | John Cosin | 1660–1672 | Restored after the monarchy; rebuilt Auckland Castle chapel. |
| 44 | Nathaniel Crew | 1674–1721 | Served through turbulent political changes. |
| 45 | William Talbot | 1721–1730 | Known for charitable works. |
| 46 | Edward Chandler | 1730–1750 | Patron of learning. |
| 47 | Joseph Butler | 1750–1752 | Influential philosopher and theologian. |
| 48 | Richard Trevor | 1752–1771 | Acquired Zurbarán paintings for Auckland Castle. |
| 49 | John Egerton | 1771–1776 | Promoted agricultural improvements. |
| 50 | Thomas Thurlow | 1787–1791 | Brother of Lord Chancellor Thurlow. |
| 51 | Shute Barrington | 1791–1826 | Long-serving and philanthropic bishop. |
| 52 | William Van Mildert | 1826–1836 | Last Prince Bishop; co-founder of Durham University. |
| 53 | Edward Maltby | 1836–1856 | Advocated educational reform. |
| 54 | Charles Longley | 1856–1860 | Later Archbishop of Canterbury. |
| 55 | Henry Montagu Villiers | 1860–1861 | Died in office after a short tenure. |
| 56 | Charles Baring | 1861–1879 | Evangelical church leader. |
| 57 | Joseph Barber Lightfoot | 1879–1889 | Scholar and theologian. |
| 58 | Brooke Foss Westcott | 1890–1901 | Biblical scholar and educator. |
| 59 | Handley Moule | 1901–1920 | Promoted missionary work. |
| 60 | Herbert Hensley Henson | 1920–1939 | Known for his outspoken political and social views. |
| 61 | Cyril Garbett | 1939–1942 | Later Archbishop of York. |
| 62 | Alwyn Williams | 1943–1952 | Emphasised pastoral work. |
| 63 | Maurice Harland | 1952–1956 | Later Bishop of Lincoln. |
| 64 | Ian Ramsey | 1966–1972 | Philosopher and advocate of science–faith dialogue. |
| 65 | John Habgood | 1973–1983 | Later Archbishop of York. |
| 66 | David Jenkins | 1984–1994 | Controversial for his unorthodox theological views. |
| 67 | Michael Turnbull | 1994–2003 | Focused on church mission. |
| 68 | Tom Wright (N. T. Wright) | 2003–2010 | Leading New Testament scholar. |
| 69 | Justin Welby | 2011–2013 | Later Archbishop of Canterbury. |
| 70 | Paul Butler | 2014–present | Advocates for social justice and child welfare. |
