St. William of York

St. William of York (died 8 June 1154), also called William Fitzherbert, was an English churchman of noble and royal connections who served as treasurer of York before being elected archbishop of York around 1141. His election was fiercely contested by Cistercian and reforming opponents, who accused him of simony and irregularity; the dispute reached Rome, and he was eventually deposed and replaced, retiring for some years to a life of prayer and penance at Winchester.

Vindicated at last, he was restored to the see of York in 1154 and returned in triumph, only to die suddenly a few weeks later — poison was suspected but never proven. Renowned for the meekness and patience with which he had borne years of humiliation, he was soon venerated at his tomb in York Minster, where miracles were reported, and he was canonized in 1227. The famous "St. William Window" in York Minster depicts scenes from his life.