[4] He was elected in opposition to William Cumin who had been intruded into the see by King David I of Scotland in 1141.
Cumin was never consecrated and by 1143 had been excommunicated by Pope Innocent II who also ordered a new election to be held at York Minster.
[7] Troubles continued in Durham, and the bishop was unable to attend the Council of Rheims in 1148, which led to a suspension by the pope for inattendance.
William also supported the Cistercians and the Augustinians, which perturbed his cathedral chapter which was made up of Benedictine monks.
[4] A grave identified as his was excavated in the 19th century in the chapter house of Durham Cathedral.