Geoffrey, Archbishop of York

Geoffrey, born around 1152, was an illegitimate son of King Henry II of England. His mother is believed to have been named Ykenai, though her identity remains uncertain. Geoffrey was likely named after his paternal grandfather, Geoffrey of Anjou, and was brought up with his father's legitimate children.

In 1173, Geoffrey became Bishop of Lincoln, although he was not ordained as a priest until 1189. During the rebellion of 1173–1174, he led a campaign in northern England against his half-brothers, capturing William, King of Scots. By 1182, Geoffrey resigned from Lincoln and became Chancellor of England, a position he held until 1189.

Geoffrey was nominated as Archbishop of York by his half-brother Richard I in 1189. He was consecrated in 1191 after a dispute and was detained at Dover upon his return to England. Geoffrey's tenure as archbishop involved conflicts with his half-brothers Richard and John, as well as with other clergy in his diocese.

In 1200, Geoffrey refused to allow the collection of a tax on his lands, leading to their confiscation. He excommunicated the sheriff of Yorkshire, which resulted in further conflicts with King John. Temporary reconciliations occurred, but Geoffrey's disputes with John continued, particularly over taxation.

Geoffrey was forced into exile in France in 1207 after leading the clergy in refusing to pay royal taxes. He excommunicated those attempting to collect the tax, and his lands were confiscated. Pope Innocent III supported Geoffrey, but he remained in exile.

Throughout his career, Geoffrey was involved in various disputes but also managed to implement administrative reforms in his diocese. He was a patron of scholarship and employed scholars like Honorius of Kent. Geoffrey's ambitions and military abilities were evident, and he was considered a potential successor to various thrones.

Geoffrey died in exile at Grandmont in Normandy on 12 December 1212 and was buried at a Grandmontine monastery near Rouen. He was succeeded as Archbishop of York by Walter de Gray.