A Bishops skirmish in Gilesgate Church

Walking back down from Gilesgate. St Giles Church is well situated back from the street of Gilesgate with commanding views from its graveyard of the Cathedral, Pelaw Wood, Maiden Castle and Old Durham. Built in 1112 by Bishop Ranulf Flambard the Church was constructed as a Chapel for a hospital dedicated to St Giles. The hospital stood close to the Church but was burned down in the 1140's. The trouble which led to the burning of St Giles Hospital was caused by one of the most notorious characters in the history of the Bishopric of Durham called William Cumin, a usurper bishop who falsely appointed himself Prince Bishop of Durham with the encouragement of King David of Scotland. Cumin had taken up residence at Durham Castle where for three years he arrogantly abused his falsely claimed powers and terrorised the local people with the assistance of his band of armed retainers.Cumin's activities did not of course go unnoticed and in March 1143 when William De St Barbara was elected as the true Bishop of Durham it was realised that Cumin would have to be removed. When the real bishop came north he was supported by a number of the local barons including Roger Conyers.

Gilesgate Moor County Durham