Richard de Hoton facts for kids

Richard de Hoton (died 9 January 1308) was a prior of Durham. He was chosen for this important role on March 24, 1290. Richard is known for his big disagreements with the bishop, Antony Bek.

Richard's Story

Richard de Hoton had been the Prior of Lytham before coming to Durham. He didn't agree with Bishop Antony Bek about the bishop's right to visit and check on the monastery. This right was called "episcopal visitation." Richard thought the bishop shouldn't have this power over him.

Because of this, Richard complained to higher church leaders. He sent appeals to York, Canterbury, and even to the Pope in Rome.

The Conflict Begins

Bishop Bek was very unhappy with Richard's actions. On May 20, 1300, Bek took a serious step. He excommunicated Richard. This meant Richard was temporarily kicked out of the church community. Bek said Richard was being disobedient and stubborn.

The very next day, Bek removed Richard from his job as prior. He said Richard had disobeyed him and broken the rules of the monastery.

A New Prior and Imprisonment

King Edward I of England tried to help. He arranged a temporary peace between Richard and Bek on June 20. But this peace did not last long.

On August 10, Bishop Bek chose a new prior. His name was Henry of Lusby, who was the Prior of Lindisfarne. Ten days later, Lusby forced his way into the monastery. He made Richard leave his special seat and put him in prison. Lusby officially became the new prior on August 24.

But Richard de Hoton didn't stay in prison for long. He managed to escape on December 16, 1300.

Appeals to the Pope

On March 1, 1301, King Edward allowed Richard to go to the Pope's court for two years. This was a place where important church matters were decided.

On November 29 of that year, Pope Boniface VIII made a big decision. He said that Lusby's appointment as prior was not allowed by church law. The Pope ordered that Richard de Hoton should get his job back.

Lusby followed the Pope's order. He left Durham on April 14, 1302. A week later, Richard's representative took control of the monastery.

Richard's Return and Final Years

Richard finally returned to Durham on August 1, 1303. However, his troubles were not over. On March 5, 1306, the Pope suspended Richard from his office again. This meant he was temporarily removed from his job.

Bishop Bek was then put in charge of managing the monastery. Bek appointed Lusby to help him manage it on March 10. But the monks did not want Lusby there and forced him out.

King Edward I stepped in again. In April and June 1306, he issued official letters. These letters said that the Pope's decision to remove Richard should not happen.

Lusby died later in 1306. On August 7, King Edward gave Richard another year at the Pope's court, under royal protection. The Pope then lifted Richard's suspension. Richard was finally given his job back on December 1, 1307.

Sadly, Richard de Hoton died at the Pope's court in 1308.