 He was Dean of Salisbury (since 1431) when, Pope Eugene IV wanted to make him Bishop of Worcester on 24 September 1433, but King Henry VI of England had other ideas and he was made Bishop of Rochester instead on 21 February 1435.Brunce was consecrated on 1 May 1435.On 19 September 1437, he was transferred to the see of Norwich, where he is remembered for upholding the rights of the Cathedral over the townsfolk and for erecting the great rood loft.