Life
Towards the end of Richard I's reign, Roches became Lord Chamberlain and an influential counsellor. He held the ecclesiastical offices of Archdeacon of Poitiers, treasurer of Poitiers, and was a precentor of the diocese of Lincoln in 1204.
In early 1205, through John's influence, he was elected to the see of Winchester. His election was disputed but, on appeal, confirmed on 25 September 1205 by Pope Innocent III who honored Roches by consecrating him in person on 24 March 1206. Nonetheless, the new bishop stood by John's side during the whole period of the papal interdict set upon him due to the death of his nephew Arthur I, Duke of Brittany.
In 1213 Roches was made Chief Justiciar in succession to Geoffrey Fitz Peter. This promotion was justified by the fidelity with which Roches supported the king through the First Barons' War. However, by 1215, Hubert de Burgh was Chief Justiciar. In 1216, Roches was named Sheriff of Hampshire.
At the battle of Lincoln in 1217 the bishop led a division of the royal army and earned some distinction by his valour; but he played a secondary part in the government so long as William Marshal held the regency. After Marshal's death in 1219 Roches led the baronial opposition to Hubert de Burgh, with varying success. At first the justiciar was successful.
| Peter des Roches | |
|---|---|
| Chief Justiciar of England | |
| In office 1213 – c.1215 |
|
| Monarch | John Henry III |
| Preceded by | Geoffrey Fitz Peter |
| Succeeded by | Hubert de Burgh |
| Personal details | |
| Died | 9 June 1238 |
| Occupation | Bishop |
| Profession | clergy |
| Religion | Catholic |
The bishop was responsible for founding several monasteries in England and France, including Titchfield Abbey and Netley Abbey, both in Hampshire, England, and La Clarté-Dieu in Poitou, France. He gave his protection to the first group of Dominican friars to come to England in 1221.
He died on 9 June 1238.
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