BEK, ANTONY, bishop of Durham from 1283 to 1311. Edward I. employed him on diplomatic errands to Scotland in 1285, and to the German king in 1294. He took part in Edward's campaigns in Scotland, received the surrender of John de Baliol at Brechin in 1296, and led one division of the English army at the battle of Falkirk in 1298. He became involved in a quarrel with Richard de Hoton, prior of Durham, whom he excommuni cated. In 1302 he visited Rome on this matter, and during his absence the king seized and administered his lands, which, how ever, he recovered when he submitted to Edward. He died at Eltham on March 3 1311. A man of great courage and energy, chaste and generous, Bek was remarkable for his haughtiness and ostentation. He was a soldier and a hunter rather than a bishop, and built castles at Eltham and elsewhere.
Bek's elder brother, THOMAS BEK (d. 1293), was treasurer of England in 1279, and became bishop of St. David's in 1280. Another THOMAS BEK (1282-1347) was bishop of Lincoln from 1341 until Antony Bek must not be confused with his kinsman and name sake, ANTONY BEK who was chancellor and dean of Lincoln cathedral, and became bishop of Norwich after a disputed election in 1337. He was a quarrelsome man and had a turbulent episcopate.