Eustace (bishop of Ely)

Eustace was a medieval English clergyman who served as Bishop of Ely from 1198 to 1215. He was a significant figure during the reign of King John, particularly known for his role in the interdict placed upon England by Pope Innocent III.

Eustace was elected to the see of Ely in 1197 but consecrated in 1198. His episcopate was largely dominated by the conflict between King John and the Papacy. When John refused to accept Stephen Langton as Archbishop of Canterbury, Pope Innocent III placed England under interdict in 1208.

Eustace, along with other bishops such as William of London and Hugh of Lincoln, attempted to mediate between the King and the Pope. However, John's intransigence led Eustace and other bishops to flee England, as they faced persecution and the seizure of their diocesan properties. Eustace went into exile in France.

He actively campaigned for the lifting of the interdict and advocated for Langton's acceptance as Archbishop. Following John's submission to the Pope in 1213, Eustace returned to England. He participated in the subsequent reconciliation process.

Eustace died in 1215, during a time of great political upheaval in England that led up to the signing of Magna Carta. His tenure as Bishop of Ely was marked by significant challenges posed by the conflict between royal authority and papal power.