Stigand was an Anglo-Saxon churchman in pre-Norman Conquest England who became Archbishop of Canterbury. His birth date is unknown, but by 1020 he was serving as a royal chaplain and advisor. He was named Bishop of Elmham in 1043, and was later Bishop of Winchester and Archbishop of Canterbury. Stigand was an advisor to several members of the Anglo-Saxon and Norman English royal dynasties, serving six successive kings. Excommunicated by several popes for his pluralism in holding the two sees, or bishoprics, of Winchester and Canterbury concurrently, he was finally deposed in 1070, and his estates and personal wealth were confiscated by William the Conqueror. Stigand was imprisoned at Winchester, where he died.
Stigand from the Bayeux Tapestry
Emma of Normandy, seated with sons Harthacnut and Edward the Confessor, in this manuscript copy of the Encomium Emmae Reginae from about 1042
William the Conqueror, shown here from the Bayeux Tapestry, at first accepted Stigand's position, but later allowed papal legates to depose him.
The Norman Conquest was the 11th-century invasion and occupation of England by an army made up of thousands of Norman, French, Flemish, and Breton troops, all led by the Duke of Normandy, later styled William the Conqueror.
13th-century depiction of Rollo (top) and his descendants William I Longsword and Richard I of Normandy
Arrival in England scene from the Bayeux Tapestry, depicting ships grounding and horses landing
Likely depiction of Harold's death from the Bayeux Tapestry
The remains of Baile Hill, the second motte-and-bailey castle built by William the Conqueror in York, on the west bank of the River Ouse
