Thomas Hatfield: Bishop, Soldier and Politician

Thomas Hatfield (c. 1310-81) rose to become a valued royal servant under King Edward III. In 1345 he was elected Bishop of Durham; as bishop he helped manage northern England and England’s relations with Scotland. At the same time he remained a dedicated advocate of the autonomy of the Durham palatinate over which he ruled as bishop. Hatfield’s long episcopacy ensured that he made his mark on his bishopric and on the cathedral church of Durham, where his tomb is still seen. This volume explores the military, political and clerical roles which Hatfield performed and his legacy as builder and administrator.