William of York was a very well-connected twelfth century priest -- his uncle, King Stephen of England, was appointed him Royal Chaplain and Treasurer to the Church of York. In 1140 he was appointed bishop of York, but the appointment was contested by his detractors.
The fight against him was led by Cistercians, early reformers of the Church who opposed simony and lay investiture. They accused William of buying the office and of being King Stephen's puppet. Of course, Stephen's own claim to his throne was bitterly contested by Empress Maud, so there were wheels within wheels on this one. Pope Innocent cleared William and confirmed his appointment, but the pallium he sent by legate was never delivered. When Innocent died, his legate turned around and headed home. The papal successor, Eugene III (a Cistercian) reopened the controversy. Bernard of Clairvaux (see June 7's entry), a heavy hitter in that century, sided against William. In 1147, William was deposed and a Cistercian from the monastery at Fountains was put in his place. William's supporters rioted and burned the monastery at Fountains, but William himself just retired to be come a monk at Winchester.
Seven years and one Pope later, Anastasius called William back to be re-ordained as the bishop of York. He returned to York in triumph, but was dead within a few months. Rumors of poison circulated, but it hardly mattered. Sainthood was assured whether he was martyred or simply called home. His mummified relics (I guess) are pictured here.
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