FLAMBARD

Rannulph or Ralph, a Norman of humble origin who became the chief minister of William Rufus. He was early connected with the Conqueror’s court, and, being handsome, clever, and unscrupulous, he gained great influence with the king, and rose to still greater favour with Rufus, whom he encouraged in his tyrannical and rapacious courses, His flagrant extortions earned the hatred of the people, and his character is painted in the blackest characters by the chroniclers. In 1099 he was made Bishop of Durham; but on the death of William he was committed to the Tower by Henry I. He managed to escape, however, by a rope conveyed to himina ve el of wine, and instigated Robert Duke of Normandy, to invade England. He was subsequently forgiven by Henry and restored to Durham, where he afterwards lived peaceably, much engaged in architectural works connected with the city and the cathedral, tii his death in 1128.