Josceline de Bohon

Josceline de Bohon or Bohun (c. 1111–1184) was an Anglo-Norman religious leader.

Josceline de Bohon
Bishop of Salisbury
Tomb in Salisbury Cathedral traditionally thought to be Josceline's
Appointed	1142
Term ended	before 18 November 1184
Predecessor	Philip de Harcourt
Successor	Hubert Walter
Other post(s)	Archdeacon of Winchester
Personal details
Born	c. 1111
Died	18 November 1184
Denomination	Catholic

Life

Josceline was a great-grandson of Humphrey de Bohun, one of the companions of William the Conqueror. Savaric FitzGeldewin, who was bishop of Bath from 1192 to 1205, was Josceline's second cousin.^[1] Josceline served Henry of Blois, bishop of Winchester, and studied law in Italy^[2] at Bologna during the 1130s.^[3] He was also an old friend of Pope Alexander III. Joscelin was appointed archdeacon of Winchester in 1139^[4] and consecrated bishop of Salisbury in 1142.^[5] His brother was Richard, who served as bishop of Coutances from 1151 to 1179^[4] and who was appointed chancellor of Normandy by King Henry II.^[1]

In 1170, Josceline was excommunicated by Thomas Becket, archbishop of Canterbury, ostensibly for having assisted in the coronation of Henry the Young King, son of Henry II.^[6] His case was ignored by Rome until after Becket's assassination: he was finally pardoned in 1172.^[7]

Josceline's son was Reginald, bishop of Bath.^[8] Some sources say that Reginald was born while his father was studying law in Italy,^[2] others that he might have been born before his father became a priest.^[8]

Josceline resigned his see before his death on 18 November 1184^[5] to become a Cistercian monk at Forde Abbey in Dorset.^[4]

Notes