He had already become vicar of Llanfihangel Castell Gwallter, Cardiganshire, in 1541, rector of Hogeston in 1542, and, in the same year, of Nash-with-Upton, Pembrokeshire.
Opposing the actions of Robert Ferrar, Bishop of St David's, who had made him his commissary, he, with others of the canons, drew up articles against him.
Ferrar, in vindication of himself, accused Young and another canon of despoiling the cathedral of crosses, chalices, censers, and other plate, jewels, and ornaments.
On Queen Mary's accession Young was one of the six who, in convocation in 1553, publicly avowed his adherence to the Reformation and resigned his preferments.
In the north Young was immersed in the work of pacifying the country, bringing it to conformity in religion, and acting as the royal representative in political and religious matters.
He was given charge of the young Charles Stuart, son of the Countess of Lennox, and ordered to repress the Catholic tendencies of the family.
In 1566, on account of his age, a suffragan, with the title of bishop of Nottingham, was consecrated to assist him (Richard Barnes, 9 March 1566).
He died at Sheffield on 26 June 1568, and was buried in the east end of the choir of York Minster, where his monument remains.