Brother of King Stephen, he played a major part in the twelfth century civil war known as the Anarchy between Stephen and the Empress Matilda and changed sides twice. As Bishop of Winchester - second wealthiest bishopric in the land - and Abbot of Glastonbury - richest abbey - he was immensely wealthy, collected antiques, built castles such as Downton and Merdon (Hursley) and palaces in Winchester and Southwark. No direct known contact with Christchurch though it was in his diocese which stretched from the old Dorset/Hants boundary to London Bridge.