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YORK.
prosecution many complications arose. Geoffry was
suspended for not appearing at Rome in obedience
to the papal mandate. In the end, however, he was
acquitted and restored to his archbishopric.
The complaints of the Dean and canons were probably
not made without some foundation, yet a
record remains which shows that Geoffry was not
absolutely devoid of sympathy with those who sought
to promote the spiritual good of his people. Eustace,
Abbot of Flay, in Normandy, was a friend and companion
of Fulk de Neuilly, that bold preacher whose
stern rebuke to Richard Cceur de Lion respecting his
three besetting sins, and Richard's reply, have been
so often told. Eustace came to England in 1200 to
preach the word of God, and was supposed to have
wrought many miracles. He preached at Romney.
He did the like in London. His chief mission
seems to have been to promote a better observance
of the Lord's Day, seeking to do away with Sunday
trading. He exhorted also on the subject of almsgiving,
and tried to induce the wealthier classes
always to have a dish on their tables to receive
portions of food at each meal for distribution to the
poor and needy. But he met with much opposition
and returned to Normandy. Tlie following year he
renewed his efforts, making York his mission centre.
Archbishop Geoffry, with the clergy and people of
the city, received him with all respect and honour.
It is the one bright spot in the narrative of Geoffry's
acts, the only one which seems to identify him with
any care for the spiritual welfare of his diocese.
Eustace's efforts were directed to the same end as