He was nominated to be bishop of Durham (which at that time also meant the palatinate), probably in the early 13th century. This was apparently blocked by the pope, ostensibly because of Morgan's bastardy. A solution to this could no doubt have been found had Morgan's half-brother the king (John Lackland) not been under an interdict.
Possibly (probably?) because of this the pope decided to play awkward sods, and Morgan did not, therefore, get the job, and failed to become a historical figure (as "1066 and all that might have put it).
Bishop of Durham was, at the time, one of the most important posts of government, since the palatinate over which he ruled bordered on Scotland, and was therefore of great strategic importance.
Many thanks to:Paul Stephens for this information
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