William of York
British Roman Catholic archbishop and saint
Feast: 8 June (not on the universal Roman calendar; kept in the Roman Martyrology or local calendars)
Who they were
William Fitzherbert, by tradition a nephew of King Stephen, was treasurer of York when he was elected archbishop in 1142 at the king's wish. The Cistercians, backed by St. Bernard, disputed the election on charges of simony, but William cleared himself and was consecrated in 1143, winning his people over by his gentleness and charity. In 1147, after renewed complaints, the Cistercian Pope Eugenius III deposed him and consecrated Henry Murdac in his place.
William spent the following years in prayer and penance at Winchester. After the deaths of the pope, St. Bernard and Murdac he was restored in 1153, returned to York and showed great kindness to the Cistercians who had opposed him, but he died within weeks, so suddenly that poison was suspected. Miracles took place at his tomb, and Pope Honorius III canonised him in 1227.
The miracles
The Catholic Encyclopedia does not describe the miracles approved in the cause.
Why that counted as sanctity
An archbishop of York who bore unjust deposition patiently and forgave his opponents.
Connected on this site
- Eugene III Blessed“William faced opposition from the Cistercians, who after the election of the Cistercian Pope Eugene III, had William deposed in favour of a Cistercian, Murdac.” — Wikipedia
- Catholic Encyclopedia (1913), via New Advent - St. William
- Wikidata Q275470 — dates, feast day and identifiers (CC0)
- English Wikipedia — William of York (CC BY-SA)
Checked against the sources listed on 22 September 2026. Corrections welcome.