Walcher facts for kids

Walcher (died May 14, 1080) was an important leader in England. He became the Bishop of Durham in 1071. Walcher was from a place called Lotharingia, which is now part of France, Germany, and Belgium. He was the first "Prince-Bishop" of Durham. This meant the King, William the Conqueror, chose him, not the Pope.

He was also the first non-English person to hold this important church position. King William appointed him after a difficult time known as the Harrying of the North. Walcher was sadly murdered in 1080. This event caused King William to send his army to Northumbria again.

Walcher's Time as Bishop

Becoming Bishop of Durham

Walcher was a priest from Liège in Lotharingia. King William I invited him to become the Bishop of Durham. He officially became bishop in 1071. He was likely put in charge of the church on April 3, 1071.

Working with Earl Waltheof

Early in his time as bishop, Walcher was good friends with Waltheof, Earl of Northumbria. Waltheof even sat with the church leaders when Walcher held meetings. These meetings were called synods.

Becoming an Earl

Later, Waltheof rebelled against the King. He lost his title as Earl. Walcher was then allowed to buy the earldom of Northumbria. This made him a powerful leader, both in the church and in the government. He was the first "Prince-Bishop" of Durham. This special title meant Durham had a unique status in England.

Supporting Monks

Walcher wanted to bring monks into his cathedral. He encouraged people to live as monks in his area. He especially supported Aldwine, who tried to restart monastic life at Whitby. Eventually, Aldwine's group settled in Durham. This happened under Walcher's successor, William de St-Calais. A writer from that time, Symeon of Durham, said Walcher started building places for monks in Durham.

Building Durham Castle

Under Walcher, many of the first buildings of Durham Castle were constructed. Like other Norman castles, it had a motte (a mound) and an inner and outer bailey (fenced areas). It's not known which part was built first.

Trouble with Ligulf

One of Walcher's advisors was Ligulf of Lumley. Ligulf was connected to the old Northumbrian noble families. He was married to the daughter of Ealdred, Earl of Bernicia. Ligulf helped Walcher connect with the local leaders.

In 1079, Scottish invaders led by Malcolm III attacked. They plundered Northumberland for about three weeks. Walcher could not stop them. Ligulf was very critical of Walcher's actions.

A disagreement started between Ligulf and two of Walcher's close men. These were his chaplain Leobwin and his relative Gilbert. Gilbert attacked Ligulf's home at night. Ligulf and most of his family were killed.

Walcher's Death

The Uprising

The people of Northumbria were very angry about Ligulf's murder. There was a real threat of a rebellion. To calm things down, Walcher agreed to meet Ligulf's relatives. The meeting was planned for Gateshead.

Walcher traveled with at least 100 guards for safety. At Gateshead, he met Eadulf Rus, who led Ligulf's relatives. They presented Walcher with a list of wrongs that had been done.

The Attack

Walcher rejected their complaints. The angry Northumbrians then attacked Walcher's group. Walcher and his men tried to hide in a nearby church. But the Northumbrians set the church on fire.

Leobwin died in the fire. Walcher, Gilbert, and the rest of his group were forced out by the flames. They were all killed on May 14, 1080, at Gateshead.

Walcher's Character

Walcher was seen as a very religious man. However, he was not a strong leader. According to Symeon of Durham, Walcher's own knights were allowed to steal and sometimes kill local people without being punished.

Walcher was known as a well-educated bishop. He had a reputation for being a good and honest person. Symeon of Durham described him as someone who did his church duties carefully. After Walcher, Aubrey de Coucy became the Earl of Northumbria. William de St-Calais became the next bishop.

Aftermath of Walcher's Death

After Walcher was killed, the rebels attacked Durham Castle. They surrounded it for four days before going home. The killing of Walcher, who was King William's chosen bishop, made the King very angry.

King William sent his half-brother Odo of Bayeux with an army. They went to Northumbria to punish the area again. Many local nobles were forced to leave their homes. The power of the old Anglo-Saxon noble families in Northumbria was greatly weakened.