Walter Skirlaw | |
|---|---|
| Bishop of Durham | |
 Image of Bishop Walter Skirlaw in the East Window of York Minster | |
| Appointed | 3 April 1388 |
| Term ended | 24 March 1406 |
| Predecessor | John Fordham |
| Successor | Thomas Langley |
| Previous post(s) | Bishop of Coventry and Lichfield Bishop of Bath and Wells |
| Orders | |
| Consecration | 14 January 1386 |
| Personal details | |
| Born | |
| Died | 24 March 1406 |
| Denomination | Roman Catholic |
Walter Skirlaw[a] (bornSwine parish,Holderness,[1][2] brought up atSkirlaugh; died 1406) was an English bishop and diplomat. He wasBishop of Durham from 1388 to 1406. He was an important adviser toRichard II of England andHenry IV of England.[3]
Skirlaw wasArchdeacon of the East Riding from 1359 to 1385[4] andArchdeacon of Northampton from 1381.[5] In 1382, he was given custody of the privy seal, filling the office ofLord Privy Seal, which office he held until 1386.[6]: 95 He was electedBishop of Coventry and Lichfield on 28 June 1385, and consecrated on 14 January 1386.[6]: 253 [7] Then he was translated to beBishop of Bath and Wells on 18 August 1386.[6]: 228 On 3 April 1388, he was once again transferred, this time to the see of Durham.[6]: 242 He would have becomeArchbishop of York in 1398, but Richard II over-ruled thecathedral chapter, insisting onRichard le Scrope.[8]
Skirlaw was employed on diplomatic missions to Italy in 1381–3,[9] to Calais to negotiate with the French in 1388,[10] and to the Scots. He died on 24 March 1406.[6]: 242
Skirlaw is described as "a munificent prelate. He built bridges atShincliffe,Bishop Auckland, andYarm; a refuge tower, a beautiful chapter-house (now in ruins) atHowden; and was a large contributor to the expense of building the central tower of York Cathedral".[11]
During his episcopacy much was added toDurham Cathedral, including itscloisters.[12] He is portrayed in the eaststained-glass window inYork Minster,[13] which he had made.[14]
| Political offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by | Lord Privy Seal 1382–1386 | Succeeded by |
| Catholic Church titles | ||
| Preceded by | Bishop of Coventry and Lichfield 1385–1386 | Succeeded by |
| Preceded by | Bishop of Bath and Wells 1386–1388 | Succeeded by |
| Preceded by | Bishop of Durham 1388–1406 | Succeeded by |
| International | |
|---|---|
| National | |
| Other | |
