Ralph de Warneville facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ralph de Warneville |
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| Bishop of Lisieux | |
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| See | Diocese of Lisieux |
| Appointed | July 1181 |
| Predecessor | Arnulf of Lisieux |
| Successor | William of Rupière |
| Other posts | Treasurer of Rouen Archdeacon of Rouen |
| Personal details | |
| Died | 10 September 1191 |
| Denomination | Catholic |
Ralph de Warneville was an important person in medieval England and Normandy. He served as the Lord Chancellor of England, a top government job, and later became the Bishop of Lisieux, a church leader in Normandy. He was also known as Ralph de Varneville or Ralf of Wanneville.
Ralph likely came from a place called Varneville aux Grès in Normandy. This is where his name probably came from.
Ralph's Early Roles
Ralph held several important positions in both the church and the government. These roles helped him gain experience and power.
Serving the Church
Ralph became the Treasurer of Rouen in 1146. A treasurer is like a chief financial officer, managing money for the cathedral. He held this job until 1176. In 1170, he also became an Archdeacon of Rouen. An archdeacon is a senior church official who helps the bishop manage a part of the diocese. He held both these church roles for a few years.
After he left the treasurer's job, some people at the cathedral thought Ralph had misused some of the church's money. This disagreement lasted until 1188, when a special church court had to look into it.
Working for the King
Ralph also had important jobs in England. He was the Treasurer of York from 1167 to 1181, managing funds for the church in York. Around the same time, he was also an Archdeacon of the East Riding.
His most important government role was serving King Henry II of England as the Lord Chancellor. This job is like being the king's chief secretary and head of the royal administration. Ralph was Lord Chancellor from 1173 to 1181.
Bishop of Lisieux
Ralph was a friend of Arnulf of Lisieux, who was the Bishop of Lisieux before him. Ralph even helped Arnulf with the Bishop of Poitiers. However, during Ralph's time as Lord Chancellor, he was one of the king's officials who encouraged Arnulf to step down as bishop. King Henry II suspected Arnulf of supporting his sons in a rebellion, and Arnulf eventually had to resign.
Ralph was given the job of Bishop of Lisieux in July 1181, right after he stopped being Lord Chancellor. He officially became a bishop after 1182. Ralph also managed a royal castle and lands at Vaudreuil in Normandy during the 1180s.
Ralph de Warneville passed away on September 10, 1191. His death was remembered on that date at St Evroul.
