William Giffard facts for kids
Quick facts for kids William Giffard |
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| Bishop of Winchester | |
A picture from the Victorian era showing the coat of arms of William Giffard, from the Winchester Great Hall
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| Appointed | 3 August 1100 |
| Reign ended | before 25 January 1129 |
| Predecessor | Walkelin |
| Successor | Henry of Blois |
| Orders | |
| Consecration | 11 August 1107 |
| Personal details | |
| Died | 23 January 1129 |
| Denomination | Catholic |
William Giffard was an important person in England a long time ago. He lived in the 11th and 12th centuries. He held two very important jobs: he was the Lord Chancellor for two kings, William II and Henry I, and he was also the Bishop of Winchester. He helped lead the country and the church during a busy time in history.
Contents
William Giffard's Early Life and Roles
William Giffard was the son of Walter Giffard, Lord of Longueville. His mother was Ermengarde. Before he became a bishop, he was the Dean of Rouen. This was an important church job in France.
Becoming Bishop of Winchester
On August 3, 1100, King Henry I chose William Giffard to be the Bishop of Winchester. Henry I had just become king after his brother, William Rufus, died. He likely chose Giffard to get the support of the church leaders.
However, there was a big problem at the time called the investitures dispute. This was a disagreement between the king and the Pope about who had the right to choose and appoint bishops. Because Giffard was chosen by the king, Archbishop Anselm of Canterbury refused to officially make him a bishop in 1101.
Giffard and the Investiture Dispute
During this time, William Giffard was good friends with Archbishop Anselm. He even got banned from England in 1103. This happened because he refused to be made a bishop by Gerard, the Archbishop of York. Giffard wanted Anselm to consecrate him.
The Dispute Ends
Even though he was friends with Anselm, Giffard was one of the bishops who asked Anselm to agree with the king in 1106. Finally, the dispute was settled in 1107. After this, William Giffard was officially made a bishop on August 11, 1107. He became a very close friend of Archbishop Anselm.
William Giffard's Work as Bishop
As Bishop of Winchester, William Giffard did many important things for the church.
Helping Monasteries Grow
In 1128, William Giffard helped the first Cistercians monks settle in England. He brought them from a monastery in France called L'Aumône Abbey. They settled at Waverley Abbey, which became a very important monastery.
He also helped to restart a religious house in Taunton. He brought Austin canons (a type of monk) from Merton Priory to live there.
Restoring Winchester Cathedral
William Giffard also worked to restore Winchester Cathedral. He made it much grander and more beautiful. He was known for having a very good relationship with the monks who lived at the cathedral. He would often eat meals with them and even sleep in their living areas instead of his own private room.
William Giffard's Death
William Giffard died on January 23, 1129. He was buried shortly after, before January 25, 1129.
