Fighting priests

In 1299 Richard Hoton, prior of the cathedral convent of Durham, triggered a conflict with Antony Bek, Bishop of Durham. Richard's concern was to maintain the independence of his house from Bek, who enjoyed near-absolute power within the bishopric of Durham

To defeat the bishop, Hoton needed powerful friends. To that end he granted prebends – church revenues – to the likes of Walter Langton, John Droxford, Walter Bedwin and John Sandal, all important men within the royal administration. He also played on Edward I's personal devotion to the cult of Saint Cuthbert: when the king campaigned in Scotland, a monk of Durham walked behind his horse bearing the saint's standard.

When Edward passed through Durham in January 1300 he confirmed various charters to the convent. Further charters were made out at Westminster in March. These marks of royal favour strengthened Prior Richard's position, until he was strong enough to take action against his subordinates, who had been giving him trouble.

These men complained to Bishop Bek, who decided to take direct action. When Bek and his retinue appeared at the priory, they were denied access. A furious argument ensued, which ended with Richard being excommunicated on the spot.

Bek, a classic fighting bishop, raised an army and laid siege to the priory and castle of Durham. The scandal inevitably reached the ears of the king: this was because one of the monks, Robert of Rothbury, managed to sneak through the lines and carry a letter to the Archbishop of York. The archbishop ordered Bek to cease and desist until the monks could appeal directly to the king.

Edward himself came to Durham on 18 June 1300, and made a speech outside the cathedral. He expressed his desire for a peaceful settlement, due to Bek's services on crusade and in the king's wars, and because of the important help offered to the king's cause by St Cuthbert. Edward I's religious faith was both muscular and literal, and he would have believed in the practical aid of the saint.

The king's mediation was accepted, and a difficult meeting took place at the episcopal manor of Evenwood, near Bishop Auckland. Bek was in a pugnacious mood and declared he would die rather than allow the king to interfere in his liberty. Edward, who was playing peacemaker, served food and wine with his own hands and went down on his knees before the bishop, pleading with him to compromise. Perhaps out of embarrassment, Bek agreed.

Yet the Evenwood agreement was only the start.