Philip of Oldcoates

Philip of Oldcoates (or Philip Oldcoates, Philip de Ulecot; died 1220) was an English nobleman and royal official.

Royal service Philip first appears in the historical record in 1194 when he was deprived of his lands at Tickhill in South Yorkshire, because he supported Prince John of England, who had rebelled against his elder brother King Richard I of England. When Prince John became king in 1199, Philip was given lands in Northumberland. Philip was captured in 1206 at Chinon Castle in France while in royal service. On his return to England from his captivity, the king rewarded him by making him one of the administrators of the vacant bishopric of Durham. This was a lucrative appointment as well as putting Philip in charge of a strategic location in Northern England. He was also in charge of the isle of Guernsey, as he was supplied with provisions by Geoffrey fitzPeter, the justiciar. Philip served John as a soldier and as Sheriff of Northumberland in 1212. He was given custody of Bamburgh Castle and Newcastle Castle, two royal castles.

When John was succeeded by his underage son Henry III, Philip continued to be sheriff and to serve as a royal official. He lost his shrievalty in February 1220 and control of Mitford Castle in Northumberland in June 1220.