Which bishop from Coutances fought at Hastings?

Geoffrey of Coutances was the bishop from Coutances who fought at the Battle of Hastings. He was a Norman churchman who joined William the Conqueror's invasion and took part in the campaign that brought William the English crown.

Geoffrey was not simply a ceremonial religious participant. Medieval bishops could hold land, command resources, and sometimes take part in warfare, especially in the politically charged world of eleventh-century Normandy. His presence illustrates how William's invasion force combined secular nobles, knights, clergy, and administrative leaders.

After the conquest, Geoffrey received extensive English lands and became an important royal supporter. He was also involved in the consolidation of Norman rule, when castles, estates, and church institutions were reorganised under the new regime.

The name can cause confusion because he is also commonly called Geoffrey de Montbray or Geoffrey of Montbray. “Geoffrey of Coutances” identifies him by his episcopal see. Robert of Mortain was William's half-brother, Odo of Bayeux was another prominent bishop at Hastings, and neither is the specific bishop named by this question.