William of Helmsley, abbot of Byland (1357-)

William professed obedience to the archbishop in 1357; he occurs as abbot in 1362. William’s appointment to the abbacy was the source of opposition and it was alleged that he had been intruded into the abbacy, in other words, that power and bribery were responsible for his appointment. In 1361/2 William was indicted for extortion.(1)