Richard Marsh | |
|---|---|
| Bishop of Durham | |
 Bishop Marshall of Exeter, died 1206; from his tomb at Exeter, showing a bishop vested for mass. | |
| Elected | c. 27 June 1217 |
| Predecessor | Morgan |
| Successor | William Scot |
| Other post(s) | Archdeacon of Northumberland |
| Orders | |
| Consecration | probably 2 July 1217 by Walter de Gray |
| Personal details | |
| Died | 1 May 1226 Peterborough Abbey |
| Denomination | Catholic |
| Lord Chancellor | |
| In office 1214–1226 | |
| Monarchs | John of England,Henry III of England |
| Preceded by | Walter de Gray |
| Succeeded by | Ralph Neville |
Richard Marsh (died 1 May 1226), also calledRichard de Marisco, served asLord Chancellor of England andBishop of Durham.
Marsh attended a university, as he was styledmagister, but which university it was is unknown. His ancestry and upbringing likewise are unknown.[1] He was a royal clerk andcanon ofExeter Cathedral before becomingArchdeacon of Northumberland by 1 November 1211. He was alsoArchdeacon of Richmond.[2] During that time he was also serving in the financial administration. In 1210 he earned a mention as one of the king's "evil counsellors."[1]
During 1212 Marsh held the office ofSheriff of Somerset andDorset.Stephen Langton, theArchbishop of Canterbury, threatened Marsh with excommunication over Marsh's exactions from the Church during the interdict of John's reign. Marsh went to Rome in 1213, to negotiate on both his own behalf and on his king's behalf, and succeeded in getting much more lenient terms from the pope than had originally been given.[1] He served as Chancellor from 29 October 1214 until his death in 1226.[3] However, his title was mostly honorary after his election as a bishop in 1217, for he no longer attended court all the time, andRalph Neville, who had custody of the king's seal, did most of the actual work of the office of chancellor.[1]
Marsh was elected Bishop of Durham about 27 June 1217[4] and consecrated probably on 2 July 1217.[5] His election had been promoted by the papal legate,Guala Bicchieri, and his consecration was performed by ArchbishopWalter de Gray of York atGloucester.[1]
In 1224, whenFawkes de Breauté kidnapped a royal justice and held him inBedford Castle, Marsh voluntarily contributed to thecarucage that had been voted by the clergy of the ecclesiastical province of Canterbury, even though he was a member of the province of York. This carucage was voted to help with the expenses of the siege and taking of Bedford Castle.[6] Marsh continued the quarrel between the cathedral chapter and the bishops over the revenues and rights of the monks.[1]
Marsh died on 1 May 1226,[4] quite suddenly atPeterborough Abbey while on his way to London for a hearing in the lawsuit between the monks and himself. His nephew,Adam Marsh, was his heir, and received his large library as a bequest.[1]
| Political offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by | Lord Chancellor 1214–1226 | Succeeded by |
| Catholic Church titles | ||
| Preceded by | Bishop of Durham 1217–1226 | Succeeded by |