 By 23 April 1255 he was the rector of Great Mitton, West Riding, Yorkshire, and was named Dean of York by 16 March 1262.On 12 March 1265 was elected to fill the Archbishopric of York, however his election was quashed in November 1265 by the pope.He continued to hold office as Dean and was elected Bishop of Carlisle on 13 December 1278 but refused the office.