Although of low birth, when he was a youth Ranulf Flambard stood out amongst the other clerks for his intelligence and good looks. Flambard was a nickname and Archbishop Anselm of Canterbury, who disliked him intensely, told the pope that the epithet came from Ranulf"s cruelty, which Anselm likened to a consuming flame. The prelate did not lead an exemplary life: among his sins was a blatant exploitation of nepotism. One of Ranulf"s nephews, Ralf, was appointed archdeacon of Northumberland since Ranulf ignored his predecessor’s instructions that the prior would also be archdeacon. He ensured that many members of his family were granted remunerative positions such as sheriff or holders of important fiefs. But nepotism was perhaps the least of his transgressions as the bishop kept concubines
