CANCELED Bishop Anthony Bek: Diplomat, Politician, Man of Faith?
Description
As a Prince Bishop of Durham Anthony Bek was the holder of near-absolute power in the north east of England and a major player on the national and international stage. In a career spanning the Crusades, wars in Europe, intrigues at home and a tempestuous relationship with both of his kings, Bek took on many roles.
In the latest in this series based around the Prince Bishops of Durham we are exploring the life and career of Bishop Anthony Bek who served as a diplomat under Edwards I and II, negotiated peace treaties with Scotland and Wales, accumulated fabulous wealth and a reputation for extravagance to match it, but also built the Chapel of the Nine Altars at Durham Cathedral and paid for the translation of St William of York's relics to a lavish new shrine in York Minster. Central to the politics of his day, what part did being a bishop really play in Bek's life? Was he a cynical careerist whose ambitions were simply funded by his clerical office, or was his integration of the demands of church and state what made him the man he was?
Christopher Ferguson
CANCELED Bishop Anthony Bek: Diplomat, Politician, Man of Faith?
Schneider 1225
As a Prince Bishop of Durham Anthony Bek was the holder of near-absolute power in the north east of England and a major player on the national and international stage. In a career spanning the Crusades, wars in Europe, intrigues at home and a tempestuous relationship with both of his kings, Bek took on many roles.
In the latest in this series based around the Prince Bishops of Durham we are exploring the life and career of Bishop Anthony Bek who served as a diplomat under Edwards I and II, negotiated peace treaties with Scotland and Wales, accumulated fabulous wealth and a reputation for extravagance to match it, but also built the Chapel of the Nine Altars at Durham Cathedral and paid for the translation of St William of York's relics to a lavish new shrine in York Minster. Central to the politics of his day, what part did being a bishop really play in Bek's life? Was he a cynical careerist whose ambitions were simply funded by his clerical office, or was his integration of the demands of church and state what made him the man he was?
Christopher Ferguson