Philip of Poitou

Philip of Poitou (sometimes Philip of Poitiers; died 22 April 1208) was Bishop of Durham from 1197 to 1208, and prior to this Archdeacon of Canterbury.

Early life Philip's origins and early life are unknown, although it is believed he may have had a university education. The first records of him are in 1191, when he was accompanying Richard I on the Third Crusade, in documents relating to Richard's marriage on Cyprus. Philip was with Richard's party when the king was captured in Germany. He was appointed Archdeacon of Canterbury prior to March 1194 by Richard I, having previously been a royal clerk. An attempt was made to appoint him as Dean of York, but political factors prevented this. The pope confirmed the election on 13 April 1196, and he was ordained a priest on 15 June 1196. It was in the course of this successful negotiation that the pope consecrated him as bishop.

Philip was present at the coronation of King John in 1199, and attempted to protest the fact that the coronation took place without the Archbishop of York. After the coronation, he was employed by John on diplomacy with Scotland. After his return, he was involved in the resolution of the dower rights of Richard's queen, Berengaria of Navarre, but afterwards was not at the king's court for almost three years. but, along with Archbishop Geoffrey of York, had his lands confiscated. Both Geoffrey and Philip went to the court of the king and begged to be forgiven. Philip had to pay a fine for forgiveness. It is said the monks refused him a Christian burial, his body ending up in an obscure grave with no religious ceremony. However, his gravestone is recorded in the chapter-house.