Melsonby was the son of the rector of Melsonby.[1] He was prior of a cell at Coldingham before being elected prior of Durham Cathedral in about 1233.[2] He was elected to the see of Durham on 1 June 1237 but King Henry III of England objected. After lawsuits, Melsonby resigned the bishopric.[1] He remained prior until 1244 when he resigned that office. He died sometime after 1244.[2]
Greenway, Diana E. (1971). "Durham: Bishops". Fasti Ecclesiae Anglicanae 1066-1300. Vol. 2: Monastic Cathedrals (Northern and Southern Provinces). Institute of Historical Research. Retrieved 25 October 2007.
Greenway, Diana E. (1971). "Durham: Priors". Fasti Ecclesiae Anglicanae 1066-1300. Vol. 2: Monastic Cathedrals (Northern and Southern Provinces). Institute of Historical Research. Retrieved 25 October 2007.