Burchard du Puiset

Background and early career

Burchard was a relative of Hugh du Puiset, the Bishop of Durham. Some sources name him as Hugh's nephew, but other sources call him Hugh's son, G. W. S. Barrow, the author of the entry for Hugh in the Oxford Dictionary of National Biography, merely states that Burchard could possibly be the son of Hugh. Burchard was among the most common witnesses to Hugh's charters, and Hugh's biographer calls Burchard the "intimate counsellor" of the bishop. He then held the office of archdeacon for the East Riding, which he held along with the archdeaconry of Durham; all known mentions of his archdeaconry of the East Riding also call him archdeacon of Durham. He acquired the Durham archdeaconry before 24 May 1172, when he first appears holding the office, and held it until his death. Alne, Hugh is thought to have wanted the archbishopric of York for Burchard, most notably in 1189.

In 1172 Burchard witnessed a charter of Henry the Liberal, Count of Champagne, written at Troyes. A further charter of Henry's in 1175 mentions a "Burchard archdeacon" who is named as a relative of Henry's. This may also be Burchard du Puiset.

Treasurer of York

Burchard was appointed as treasurer of York by King Richard I of England on 15 September 1189, but his appointment was at first opposed by the newly chosen Archbishop of York, Geoffrey. Burchard and Marshal retaliated by accusing the archbishop-elect of being a murderer as well as the son of a prostitute. and to some of the archiepiscopal appointments in the church of York. Burchard and the others charged Geoffrey with simony, extortion, and neglect of his duties and the archbishop in return excommunicated the ringleaders more than once, and locked the canons out of church. (The church was the one at Alne previously held by Burchard.)

Later life

Burchard continued to hold the treasurership until at least October 1194, when he last is mentioned in the office. In 1195, after the death of Hugh du Puiset, Burchard was a candidate for the see of Durham, perhaps as part of a plan by his relative to pass the office on to his family. In June 1195 both Burchard and his rival, Philip of Poitou, were at the royal court in Le Mans, presumably both attempting to secure the bishopric. Philip was appointed to the see in November 1195.

Burchard died 6 January 1196.