Another kinsman, possibly a nephew, Robert Barri was named prior of Carlisle Cathedral while Walter was bishop.
[2] He served King John of England in Rome as an envoy to Pope Innocent III in 1214 where he was expected to neutralise any baronial agents that might be sent.
This was a side effect of the fall from power of Hubert de Burgh during King Henry III's reign.
[8] However, with the fall from power of Peter des Roches Walter returned to royal service.
In 1235 he was once more in charge of an embassy attempting to find a bride for King Henry, this time to Flanders for a daughter of the count of Ponthieu.