William makes cousin Bishop (jan 1, 1049 – dec 30, 1049)

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William appoints his cousin Hugh as bishop of Lisieux. To be a bishop in the middle ages was to be a greaty administrator, wielding considerable power over people, cities and provinces. Kings and princes therefore liked to appoint reliable people, usually closest relatives, to these positions.
However, being drawn from the top end of society usuually meant that bishops were unwilling to give up luxury or other non-clerical pleasures.
Therefore, bishops could engage in the sale of offices (symony), often had wives or mistresses and also illegitimate children.

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