Walter, Hubert (c.1140–1205). Viewed by many as one of the greatest royal ministers of all time. Introduced into Henry II's service by his uncle Ranulf Glanvill, his career blossomed under Richard I. Created bishop of Salisbury in 1189, he accompanied Richard as his chief of staff on crusade. His performance in such challenging conditions led to his being promoted in 1193 to take charge of both secular and ecclesiastical government as justiciar and archbishop of Canterbury. In 1195 he was made papal legate. While Richard stayed in his French dominions, Hubert administered England, supplying the king with the men and money he needed to fight Philip of France. On John's accession he was appointed chancellor; the chancery rolls, for centuries the principal records of English central government, date from his period in office. He still found time to summon and preside over reforming church councils.

Robert Holland

Walter, Hubert (d.1205) (d.1205) English statesman. As Bishop of Salisbury, he joined Richard I on the Third Crusade and later negotiated his ransom. Appointed Archbishop of Canterbury and Chief Justiciar (1193), he was virtual ruler of England during Richard's absence.