GUGLIELMO di YORK, saint. - Also known by the name of G. Fitzherbert or G. di Thwayt, died on 8 June 1154. In 1139 he was canon and treasurer of the Cathedral Chapter of York. Elected bishop of that city in 1142, against the candidacy of the Cistercian Enrico Murdac, his election was challenged as simoniacal, and St Bernard himself intervened in the controversy. He was nevertheless consecrated at Winchester on 26 Sept. 1143.
When Eugenio III, a Cistercian, was elected pope, through the machinations of his opponents G. was deposed and withdrew to Winchester, where he lived for some years and was replaced by Murdac. Upon the death of Eugenio III, of St Bernard, and of his adversary, G. obtained from Anastasio IV permission to return (1154) to York. He still found opponents there, who were suspected of being responsible for his death, which occurred two months later. Onorio III declared him a saint on 18 March. Feast day: 8 June.