Ranulf (chancellor)

Ranulf (also Ralph, Radulf, or Randulf) (d. 1123), was an English cleric and administrator.

Ranulf was a chaplain or clerk of Henry I, and became chancellor in 1107–8, holding that office until his death.

For the last twenty years of his life he suffered much from illness; but his mind was active, and he left a bad reputation, being described as crafty, prompt to work evil of every kind, oppressing the innocent, robbing men of their lands and possessions, and glorying in his wickedness and ill-gotten gains.

As he came in sight of his castle he fell from his horse, and a monk of St. Albans Abbey, who had been despoiled of his possessions by him, rode over him.

Ranulf had a son, who joined him in some benefactions to Reading Abbey, and he also granted the manor of Tintinhull, Somerset, to Montacute Priory.