Philip de Harcourt facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Philip de Harcourt |
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|---|---|
| Bishop of Bayeux | |
 |
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| Appointed | 1142 |
| Reign ended | 1163 |
| Other posts | Bishop of Salisbury-elect Dean of Lincoln |
| Personal details | |
| Denomination | Catholic |
Philip de Harcourt was an important person in medieval England. He served as a Lord Chancellor for the King. He was also a Bishop in the church, first in Bayeux, France. He was almost chosen to be the Bishop of Salisbury in England, but it didn't work out.
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Early Life and Church Roles
Philip de Harcourt came from a noble family in France. His father was Robert, and his grandfather was Anschetil, who was the lord of Harcourt, Eure.
Philip started his career in the church. By 1131, he was the dean of a church in Beaumont-le-Roger in Normandy. A dean is a senior leader in a church. Around 1133, he became the Dean of Lincoln in England. He also held a special church position called a Prebendary of Aylesbury. He was also an archdeacon in Évreux, which is another church role.
Serving the King as Lord Chancellor
From 1139 to 1140, Philip de Harcourt worked for King Stephen. He was the King's Lord Chancellor. The Lord Chancellor was a very important official. They helped the King with legal matters and managed royal documents. Philip likely left this job in March 1140. He was a supporter of Waleran, Count of Meulan, a powerful count.
Becoming a Bishop
In March 1140, Philip de Harcourt was chosen to become the Bishop of Salisbury. A bishop is a high-ranking church leader. King Stephen supported his nomination. However, another powerful church leader, Henry of Blois, disagreed. Henry was the Bishop of Winchester and the Pope's representative in England. He was also King Stephen's brother.
Because of this disagreement, Philip's election was canceled in 1141. Philip tried to get the Pope to agree with him, but Pope Innocent II said no.
Even though he didn't become Bishop of Salisbury, Philip de Harcourt still became a bishop. In 1142, he was named the Bishop of Bayeux. Bayeux is a city in Normandy, France. He held this important church position for many years, until 1163.
Images for kids
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A historical painting of Philip de Harcourt.
