Escape the Tower: Ranulf Flambard, Bishop of Durham

The first 1,000 people to use this link will get a 1 month free trial of Skillshare: skl.sh/reading...
The Tower of London has imprisoned many people over the years… some have attempted to escape. Today we are looking at the story of Ranulf Flambard, Bishop of Durham. I hope you enjoy this video and find it interesting!
Please subscribe and click the bell icon to be updated about new videos.
Also, if you want to get in touch, please comment down below or find me on social media:
Instagram: katrina.marchant
Twitter: @kat_marchant
Clubhouse: @kat_marchant
TikTok: @katrina_marchant
Email: [e-mail]
Intro / Outro song: Silent Partner, "Greenery" [ • Greenery - Silent Part... ]
SFX from freesfx.co.uk/...
Linked videos and playlists:
The Tower of London: Millenia of History: • The Tower of London: M...
Images (from Wikimedia Commons, unless otherwise stated):
Panel from the Bayeux Tapestry (12th century) depicting the Bishop Odo of Bayeux, Duke William, and Count Robert of Mortain. Scanned from Lucien Musset's The Bayeux Tapestry ISBN 9781843831631 pp 212-213.
Front cover image for David Roffe’s Domesday: The Inquest and the Book (2000)
Illumination of William Rufus, King William II, from Matthew Paris’ Historia Anglorum, British Library, Royal MS 14 C VII, fols. 8v-156v.
Photograph of the seal of Ranulf Flambard, held in the collection of Durham Cathedral. Reproduced alongside the ODNB entry about Ranulf Flambard by J. F. A. Mason.
Miniature showing Henry I of England enthroned from illuminated Chronicle of Matthew Paris (1236-1259), from BL MS Cotton Claudius D. vi, f.9. Held and digitised by the British Library.
Reconstructed view of the Tower of London, Norman Castle with Roman Walls, c.1100 by Ivan Lapper (2002-2003). © Historic Royal Palaces, Tower of London. Photo credit: Historic Royal Palaces, Tower of London. From artuk.org/disc...
Photograph of The White Tower at the Tower of London taken by Bernard Gagnon (2007).
Section showing William the Conqueror and his children from a roll chronicle containing the genealogy of the Kings of England from the Heptarchy to Edward I (c 1300-c 1340). Held by the British Library, Royal MS 14 B VI. Screenshot is taken from: www.bl.uk/manus...
Quoted texts:
Orderic Vitalis, The Ecclesiastical History of England and Normandy, Vol. II; translated by Thomas Forester, pp.466-7.
J. F. A. Mason, ODNB entry on Ranulf Flambard (2004)
Orderic Vitalis, The Ecclesiastical History of England and Normandy, Vol. III; translated by Thomas Forester, reproduced at englishlanguag...
R. W. Southern, ‘Ranulf Flambard’, Medieval humanism and other studies (1970), 183-205
#History #TowerOfLondon #Skillshare

[@TheMogregory]

I imagine that his mother and the mother of his sons disappeared from the historical record. So many women's lives are lost to us and it would be great if you could dig up anything about any of them.

[@kimberlyperrotis8962]

Tanks for another interesting video. It’s behavior of “churchmen” like Flambard that made made the Reformation of the church inevitable.

[@IntrepidFraidyCat]

I like the story about Winifred Maxwell, Countess of Nithsdale and how she helped her husband escape the tower. 😉👍🏻

[@beth7935]

Winifred was a legend!! Best escape ever! Dr. Kat did a vid on her a few weeks ago, & there's another great one by Bruce Fummey of Scotland History Tours: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bnKrkJaul6ygZrc Have you seen the Horrible Histories sketch about her? It's brilliant! (As is the one about William II's death)

[@jfs59nj]

This was so fun!! Ranulf certainly was a notable churchman…for a whole lot of bad reasons. But Durham Cathedral is magnificent. Oh, Ranulf, how we love ye.

[@MizziProductions]

Durham Cathedral is a delight to visit.

[@kimberlyperrotis8962]

I think Henry I put Flambard in the Tower to placate the people he had extorted and as an easy scapegoat to distance himself from the acts of the previous reign. So, he turned a blind eye to his escape, intending to make use of him again eventually.

[@nolanhollisvonesch3960]

What a character! I always love to watch your videos; I learn a lot.

[@ingridgeertsema4302]

Wow, a really interesting video, thank you!! YES, I would love to see a video on Edward II, Piers Gaveston and Hugh Despenser, such a turbulent time!

[@KatTheScribe]

Thank you for another interesting lesson about a person I would have probably never heard of. And yes, please! To a video about Hugh Despenser. Thanks, Dr. Kat. See you next week!

[@lenabreijer1311]

A successful man who knew how to work the system. Celibacy was not such a big thing in the church in those days unless you were a monk. He lived to his 70s and died in his bed so very very successful.

[@Mudhooks]

Oh, please do a video (if there is room in a single video, if not, a series) on the Dispensers. There were a fascinating lot. I am descended from the Dispensers.

[@hazels7447]

Me too 😁 nice to meet you distant relative!

[@sarahwatts7152]

Rogues Gallery of the Tower of London is a great theme on this channel!

[@IntrepidFraidyCat]

I'll check that out, thanks! 👍🏻

[@Heothbremel]

I love how you continue to being to light people i would never had known to look into otherwise

[@kathyjaneburke2798]

I agree, a "rouge's" gallery would be great. I am interested in the items and books behind Dr. Kat. I would love to know more about them!

[@trojanette8345]

One book I can identify right away, the one with the light blue spine and dark band around the top..... that is the, "Norton Anthology of English Literature". Not sure which edition. It might be one from the '80's. At my old U.S. H.S we used this text for English Lit class. We definitely went through mostly all of that thick tome betw 9th and 10th. There was one edition dedicated to English Lit and another one just for the study of poetry. They were great books, indeed.

[@dougr.2398]

Yes, thé reliability of sources and reporting is of tremendous importance

[@theclassicso8094]

Fascinating. He was an interesting character, and you gave a wonderful description of his life and work. Thank you.

[@thebarkisdue]

Did anyone make remarks about the sequels of the escape on his hands and body or lack thereof? 😂 Seriously, the Dispenser’s video is a must, 🥺 please.

[@kirstyrand1]

I'd love to have you as a lecturer. you make everything so interesting and explain things very clearly.

[@Gary-h6f]

I had heard about Ranulf's escape from the Tower, but nothing else about his life. He was quite the character. Always enjoy your videos.

[@Shane-Flanagan]

Love Dr Kat's top!!! 😍👍💗 Really suits her

[@beth7935]

Fabulous!! Really interesting to hear a story from this early in English history! You hear a lot more about later times, especially Tudor, & there ARE loads more sources to look at then, but there are still lots of fabulous stories from earlier centuries, & people are less likely to know of them. I'd certainly never heard of Ranulf Flambard, but I'm glad I have now- I learned a lot :)

[@beth7935]

WHAT WHAT WHAT!!! There was a "dispensator" in Norman England who officially gave people surnames??? As a massive name nerd, WHY HAVE I NEVER HEARD OF THIS??? A vid on Edward II's favourite Despencer(s) would be cool, but I'd LOVE it if it included something on the job of "name-giver"! (I'd love the job too!)

[@beautifuldreamer3991]

My ultimate favorite escape story is the Scottish Lord whose wife snuck him out wearing women's clothes. How she confounded the guards with the use of color. This kind of plan only a woman could think up....men don't think like this....

[@dewrock2622]

Sounds formidable, as if taken from a "mission impossible " film... It is amazing how people from a low social rank manage to elevate themselves so high I believe that Thomas wolsey and Thomas Cromwell were also good examples . But at that time it was very hard to shift to a higher social standing...

[@bethbaker7549]

Hi, Dr. Kat:) Thank you for another fascinating slice of history. The images and text in the video were especially appreciated.

[@TreeCurtis84]

Ooo! He's a spicy one! Great video! I enjoyed it very much as usual!

[@ZackRekeSkjell]

His life was actually much more interesting than I thought! I had read up a bit on him earlier as he caught my interest as I lived in Durham for a period of time (my profile picture here was taken in Durham Cathedral). Seeing his name in The White Tower and the little snippet written about him there showed me he was important, but I had not gotten the whole scope of it. I am, as always, impressed by how you present and convey history and make it relevant and interesting.

[@heckofabecca]

I really love the side-by-side view of the Matthew Paris illumination of King William II and your video at around 7:12!!! Without subtitles (and if you ever get those properly, I'd do a happy dance!), it's a lot easier for me to follow while able to see you talking!

[@jennymwitcher]

You make me want to go back to grad school. You are one of my constant companions while sewing, and I'm grateful. Thank you!!

[@jdgcat7819]

I loved this video as this period is one which I don't know much about . I do wonder listening to you if it was all a ruse and Henry arranged for him to escape so he could then act as a double agent. His life story though definitely makes him someone interesting

[@tracymeyers616]

Would love to learn of the Dispenser of King Edward II court

[@megwyn1611]

Me too. Why the need for last names then? How did he make decisions? Why could ppl not make up their own?

[@SandyQueue]

I look forward to every one of your videos and am never disappointed! Thanks for such thorough research and interesting perspectives.

[@carole6779]

The rope was hidden in a "flask"? How big were flasks back then?! Fun story but I rather think that once the guards were drunk/unconscious, it would be easy enough to take the stairs down to the waiting horse. Actually, the guards may have just cheered him on, once they were paid off and had a few swigs. Thanks for yet another fascinating presentation, Dr. Kat! :-)

[@ginadelfina5887]

I've read about the Despensers and wondered about their name. Was "despensator" - giving other people last names - actually an official job function?

[@beth7935]

I want to know that too! I assumed it was dispensing _stuff_ in the king's name, & yep, my surname book says it's from the Latin "dispendere" meaning "to weigh out rations of food"- someone who works in the storeroom or larder of a large household, & manages the buying & distribution of his master's food supplies- basically the same as "steward".

[@foxenandfamily5060]

Your delivery and straight-faced description of Ranulf's extra-curricular activities is hilarious.

[@dickmcshan9778]

Thank you for another entertaining and educational presentation! Keep up the great work. Cheers, Dick from Vancouver.

[@jamest2401]

Do you ever refer to 'William the Conqueror' as 'Billy the Conk'? Because David Crowther does on his 'History of England' podcast, and I just get a kick out of it every time he uses it.😆

[@kille7543]

There must have been some interesting nuns too. I would like a vid. about some of them.

[@Hochspitz]

Your content is always interesting, TY!

[@helenoneill880]

I absolutely love your channel. I hope Channel 4 or the BBC take note. Your a brilliant communicator. Smart as a whip. Look forward to watching so much. Lol

[@eliscanfield3913]

That was either a giant flagon of wine, the guards brought more, or someone paid them to be "unconscious" Or, more likely, the tellers of the story were more than a little wrong, intentionally or not.

[@grievousangelic]

"If we like"? Oh yes, we like! Let's hear about Hugh's unpleasant end. :D

[@margaretshepherd]

Yes, please do a video on the Dispensers!

[@constancebaldwin8667]

The most pleasant delivery of a paid promotion yet. 😁

[@conemadam]

Flambard : could that be the origin of the expression « flim-flam man/artist »?

[@gonefishing167]

Hi Dr Kat, another great video, thank you. Funny, but the thief and bane of Hercule Poirot, is named Flambard - coincidence? I think not. Mind you, I may be wrong and the name is just similar. Nice to think of though 🙋‍♀️🙋‍♀️🙋‍♀️🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺

[@maryrhudy9250]

I would love to know what sort of foods Elizabeth I would have eaten for Christmas. Have you done a video on that one, yet? This is our Thanksgiving week here in the US, and I am always thankful for your channel. Thank you, Dr. Kat.

[@KatherineHugs]

Thanks Dr. Kat! Your videos are always lovely and very informative!!

[@standeminski1559]

Fantastic vlog again and yes please a video on the Dispensers!

[@ameryek.9607]

Please do the Domesday Book!

[@beth7935]

Seconded! That'd be amazing!

[@hazels7447]

My family’s last name is Spencer, supposedly descended from Robert deSpencer 😁

[@geofftab6224]

bloody luv your vids Doc x

[@Rachel-art-and-design]

What is this domesday book you speak of? Have you done a video about it?

[@texanasimmons1761]

I would appreciate a video of Hugh De Spenser. I am also curious if Princess Diana Spencers family line came from the De Spenser line.

[@morriganwitch]

Epic saga thank you xxx

[@hcmassie18]

An ancestor of mine just climbed out a chimney because he had stuff to do 🤷‍♀️

[@pat412pear]

If he was such an outstanding administrator, how does he not arrange for a longer rope? I call shinanagines.

[@MsCharley13]

I don’t believe he escaped like they say he did but do love the idea!

[@nichola607]

Hurray - Excited to watch. I hope you get a patreon account. I would be your patron :)

[@historybuff7491]

He was out for himself and could win over friends and family very easily. He seems very much like my former brother-in-law.

[@bertrandlechat4330]

Another narcissist perhaps?

[@michellecornum5856]

Well, he was definitely a rascal. Also, why do people seem to like to taunt kings named Henry? It's an obviously dangerous game.

[@tc2334]

In response to 4:57: we most certainly would like!

[@Obsidianpunchbowl]

The universe is vast

[@laurenjeangreenbean6301]

Omg I almost did full on shooting coffe out my nose with "super popular". Did they ever know how to describe folks 😳 😅 lmboo

[@CaptRobertApril]

I'm thinking less "Who Dares Wins" ala' the SAS, and more "Who Dares Wins", the Channel 4 sketch comedy show of the mid '80's, featuring a pre-Black Adder Tony Robinson.

[@naomipagecoachingreddragon5991]

Can you do a series on king Edward IV and Elizabeth Woodville which leads into king Henry VIII and princess Elizabeth???💜💜💜

[@alysencameron361]

There's a softness in your voice now, making the vileness of history easier to learn about.

[@meckersley2123]

❤️❤️❤️💜

[@shirleyniedzwiecki1104]

But you’re great!

[@shirleyniedzwiecki1104]

@@markanderson0022 I’m well, Mark, but don’t think much of my comment!

[@VanK782]

I can attest it's very possible and even easy to wreck your hands on a rope if you literally just slide down I stead of going down properly.

[@v.britton4445]

Gee, a real creep.

[@hazeluzzell]

Thurstan? Ranulf? Was he of Norse ancestry?

[@shirleyniedzwiecki1104]

The audacity and ostentatious thieving of Mr. FlammyBard and others of his ilk, disgusts me. I feel a shower is warranted.

[@dianewalker9154]

Flam are was quite the rogue, con man and general miscreant.

[@Shannon-rq2hc]

🦶 👃