Pudsey, Hugh
Also known as Hugh le Puiset. In 1189AD, the bishop of Durham, Hugh Pudsey (1153-95) (who was also the Justicar of England and controlled the mighty Norham Castle) bought the County of Northumberland from King Richard of England for £11,000. As he already held Durham as its prince-bishop, and was connected to the powerful Percy family through his wife, this gave him a substantial amount of financial and political power. He ruled Northumberland like a private kingdom while King Richard was imprisoned in Germany, but was imprisoned himself when the King returned, and Hugh Bardolf became the Sheriff of Northumberland.
He was responsible for building or adding to many important medieval buildings in Durham, such as the castle.
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