Bishop Walcher was a saintly man, well instructed in divine and secular knowledge, but an incompetent leader. He recognised his shortcomings and, so, drew upon advice from trusted men such as Aldwyn and Thurgot. Since these two worthies did not live in Durham, they knew nothing about Walcher"s household knights being allowed to plunder and even kill natives without punishment. Also, they did not suspect the undercurrents dividing the bishop’s council, for they were not involved directly in these meetings.
The prince-bishop, following the lead of Archbishop Lanfranc at Canterbury, wished to reform the church. In his diocese, this brought him into direct contrast with the Cuthbert community, which enjoyed centuries-old privileges and was now in need of reorganisation. In the city itself, th
