Hugh de Puiset facts for kids

Hugh de Puiset (around 1125 – 3 March 1195) was an important leader in medieval England. He served as the Bishop of Durham, a powerful church position. He was also a Chief Justiciar of England under King Richard I. This meant he was a top judge and administrator for the king.

Hugh was related to royalty. He was the nephew of King Stephen of England and Henry of Blois. Both of these powerful relatives helped him start his career in the church. He worked as a treasurer in York for many years. Later, in 1153, he became the Bishop of Durham.

Hugh was not directly involved in the famous argument between King Henry II and Thomas Becket, the Archbishop of Canterbury. However, King Henry II did suspect Hugh of helping his son, Henry the Young King, during a rebellion. Hugh was also suspected of helping the King of Scots, William I, during an invasion in 1174.

When Henry II's son, Richard, became king, Hugh bought important offices. He became the High Sheriff of Northumberland and the Earl of Northumbria. He also bought the job of Justiciar. He shared this role with William Longchamp for a time. Hugh was known for building things, like a stone bridge in Durham and the Galilee Chapel in Durham Cathedral. He also had a family and supported the writer Roger of Hoveden.

Hugh's Early Life and Family

Hugh was born around 1125. His father was Hugh III, lord of Puiset, and his mother was Agnes. Agnes was the sister of King Stephen and Henry of Blois. This made Hugh the grandson of William the Conqueror's daughter, Adela. His family came from northern France.

Before he was 28, Hugh became an archdeacon in Winchester. This was a church role, and his uncle Henry helped him get it. Later, he became an archdeacon and treasurer in York.

Becoming Bishop of Durham

An 1890 photograph of the Galilee Chapel, a part of Durham Cathedral that Hugh de Puiset helped build.

On 22 January 1153, Hugh was chosen to be the Bishop of Durham. Some church leaders did not agree with this choice. So, Hugh had to travel to Rome to get the Pope's approval. Pope Anastasius IV officially made him bishop on 20 December 1153. Hugh was then formally installed in his cathedral in Durham on 2 May 1154.

King Stephen gave Hugh, as Bishop of Durham, the rights to lead mines in Weardale. Silver was also found in these mines. This silver likely helped the bishops create their own coins.

Hugh built a castle at Norham. This castle was meant to help protect northern England from attacks by Scotland.

Challenges Under King Henry II

Hugh was suspected of being involved in a rebellion by King Henry II's son in 1173. He didn't seem to take an active part, but the king still suspected him. When King William the Lion of Scotland invaded northern England in 1174, Hugh was again suspected of helping the rebels or the Scottish king. People thought this because he was very careful in defending against the Scottish raids. He also made agreements with the Scots that let them pass through church lands without causing damage.

After the rebellion was stopped, King Henry II ordered Hugh's castle at Northallerton to be destroyed. Hugh also had to give up his other castles.

In church matters, Hugh attended important meetings called councils. He went to the 1163 Council of Tours and the Lateran Council in Rome in 1179.

Working for King Richard I

When King Richard I started his rule in 1189, Hugh bought several important positions. He paid a lot of money to become the Earl of Northumbria and the Sheriff of Northumberland. He also paid to become a Justiciar, a top legal and administrative official. This payment also freed him from a promise to go on a crusade.

King Richard also appointed his half-brother, Geoffrey, as Archbishop of York. This was important because for a while, Hugh had been the most powerful church leader in the north without an archbishop above him.

Hugh shared the Justiciar role with William de Mandeville, but Mandeville died soon after. Then, Hugh shared the job with William Longchamp. The two men did not get along. In March 1190, King Richard split their power. Hugh was in charge of the area north of the Humber River, and Longchamp was in charge of the rest of England. However, Longchamp soon managed to take over the whole Justiciar role himself. He even arrested Hugh and made him give up his castle and earldom for a time.

When Prince John, King Richard's younger brother, rebelled in 1193 while Richard was away, Hugh opposed John's actions. Hugh attacked some of John's strongholds in the north.

Hugh's Legacy as a Builder

Hugh was known for his love of building. He ordered a study of the income and resources of his bishopric in 1183. The results were written down in a book called the Boldon Book.

As a builder, Hugh built the New Bridge, now called Elvet Bridge, in Durham. This was the second stone bridge in the town. Hugh also oversaw work on Durham Cathedral. He added marble decorations, stained glass windows, and a special place for the bones of Bede. He also built the Galilee Chapel on the west side of the cathedral. This chapel is special because it has five aisles and unique four-lobed pillars.

Hugh also rebuilt Norham Castle. He replaced older wooden buildings with a strong stone castle. He also helped build the first bridge over the River Tweed at Berwick.

Hugh was known for his grand lifestyle and had a large library of books. He had sons, including Henry and Hugh. Henry was one of the people held as a hostage by Longchamp in 1190. His son Hugh became a chancellor for King Philip II of France.

Hugh was not a famous scholar himself, but he supported others. He was a patron to Roger of Hoveden, a medieval writer. He also ordered two large Bibles to be made. One of these Bibles is still in Durham today and is considered a beautiful work of art.

Hugh de Puiset died on 3 March 1195. He had been the Bishop of Durham for a very long time, 42 years.

Images for kids

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  An 1890 photograph of the Galilee Chapel, a part of Durham Cathedral that Hugh de Puiset helped build.