Page "Hugh de Balsham" Paragraph 1

Nothing is known of Balsham's background, although during the dispute over his election he was alleged to have been of servile birth.

He was a Benedictine monk at Ely, and appears first as sub-prior of the cathedral chapter there.

On the death of William of Kilkenny in 1256 the monks elected him Bishop of Ely, to the annoyance of King Henry III of England and Boniface of Savoy, the Archbishop of Canterbury.

Boniface declared the election invalid, and attempted to install Adam Marsh into the see.

Both sides appealed to Rome.

The election was confirmed by Pope Alexander IV in 1257.