William of York - Death and Sainthood

Death and Sainthood

However, after less than a month back in York, William FitzHerbert died, on 8 June 1154, allegedly due to poison administered in the chalice at Mass. One of FitzHerbert's clerks accused Osbert de Bayeux, an archdeacon of York, of the murder, and Osbert was summoned before the king to be tried at the royal court. Before the trial could take place, however, Stephen died, and the trial never took place. William FitzHerbert was buried in York Minster and within a few months of his death, miracles were attributed to his intervention and a sweet-smell came from his tomb when it was damaged during a fire. Nor was the body decayed or burnt in the fire. Pope Honorius III then ordered an investigation into the miracles. In 1227, he was canonized in Rome by Pope Honorius III.

William's feast day is celebrated on 8 June, the day of his death, although his veneration is largely localized to York. Traditional iconography and windows often depict William's crossing of the Tweed; some iconography shows him crossing in a boat. William's Coat of arms traditionally depict seven mascles or lozenges. St William's College, which was named for him is next to York Minster. It was established between 1465 and 1467 with the permission of King Edward IV as the home for chantry priests of the Cathedral. His remains were rediscovered in the 1960s and are now in the crypt at York Minster.