The Bishops of Durham: A Thousand Years of Power, Faith, and Influence

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.

Bishop Auckland United Kingdom