William was probably born in
Bitton in
Gloucestershire. He was a relative of
Walter Giffard and uncle of
William of Bitton II, his two successors in the office of Bishop of Bath and Wells. He was also uncle of Thomas of Bitton, precentor, archdeacon and dean of Wells, and
Bishop of Exeter. He was named
Archdeacon of Wells by 7 May 1238 and held the office until he was elected bishop. During the election of his predecessor, he championed the cause of the
canons of Wells, who had been excluded from the election of
Roger of Salisbury in 1244. In 1251 he signed the proclamation of excommunication against any who did not observe the clauses of
Magna Carta dealing with ecclesiastical rights. He served King
Henry III of England by going to Spain in 1253 to bring back a prospective daughter-in-law for the king. In 1257, the bishops made specific reference to William's conflict with the
Abbot of Glastonbury in their communications with the king. But mainly, he worked in his diocese, as he issued rules and regulations in the diocese dealing with liturgical and judicial matters for both the laity and clergy. However, he lost a long fight with the abbot of Glastonbury
Roger Forde over the right of the bishop to visit and regulate the affairs of
Glastonbury Abbey, and by the end of his term as bishop, the abbey was independent of the diocese in all but name. William died on 3 April 1264. He was buried in the Lady Chapel at
Wells Cathedral on 8 April 1264. His tomb had disappeared by the 18th century. He should not be confused with his nephew the second
William of Bitton who was also Bishop of Bath and Wells, but who died in 1274. ==Notes==