Ranulf Flambard (sometimes
Ralph Flambard,
Ranulph Flambard, or
Ranulf Passiflamme;
c. 1060 – 5 September 1128) was a medieval
Norman Bishop of Durham and an influential government minister of King
William Rufus of England. Ranulf was the son of a priest of
Bayeux,
Normandy, and his nickname Flambard means incendiary or torch-bearer, and may have referred to his personality. He started his career under King
William I of England, probably in the compilation of the
Domesday Book, as well as being the keeper of the king's seal. On the death of William I, Ranulf chose to serve the new king of England, William Rufus.