 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 . 
