Born in England late in the 11th century, his father was Chancellor and Treasurer for King Henry I. 

In 1141, William was elected Archbishop of York but his Seat had been highly contested and came only after two other elections had been set aside. 

In the first, Waltheof’s election was set aside because an uncanonical gift had been made, and the second election failed to secure the Pope’s approval because Henry de Sully wanted to keep his position as Abbott while also taking the new post as Archbishop. 

In the turmoil, the Archbishop of Canterbury refused to consecrate William. 

He spent fourteen years waiting for the confusion to end and when he finally entered the city of York, his reception was one of jubilation. 

For William, all was forgiven and he began the process of healing and teaching those he was called to minister to in York. 

However, just two months later, he died on this day in 1154 under highly suspicious circumstances and it was believed his administrative assistant had poisoned him. 

After he died there were many miracles attributed to William. 

St. William of York, please pray for us.