Geoffrey Rufus

Geoffrey Rufus, also called Galfrid Rufus (died 6 May 1141) was a medieval Bishop of Durham and Lord Chancellor of England.

Life

Rufus' parentage and upbringing is unknown. The origin of the nickname "Rufus" has not been discovered either. He was a royal clerk before being named the tenth Lord Chancellor and Lord Keeper of England, from 1123 to 1133. Geoffrey had also worked for the previous chancellor Ranulf. He may have started his career as a clerk for Roger of Salisbury, King Henry I of England's chief minister, for he first appears as a witness to a charter of Roger's in 1114. From charter evidence, it appears that Rufus was often in England, even when King Henry was in Normandy. In the Pipe Roll of 1130, he had custody of more royal land than any other official.

Rufus was nominated to the see of Durham about 14 May 1133, and consecrated on 6 August 1133. He was enthroned on 10 August 1133.

Rufus died on 6 May 1141. His grave was identified and excavated in the 19th century inside Durham Chapter House.