Netterville was appointed Archdeacon of Armagh about 1207. The diocesan chapter of Armagh in 1216 chose Netterville as archbishop, but their act was annulled on the ground that the assent of the Crown of England had not previously been obtained. After a money composition, a new election was held, under royal authority, and Netterville was appointed to the archbishopric.[1] On 6 July 1218 the king wrote to the pope saying he had given his assent to Netterville's election, and asking for papal confirmation. The pallium was sent to him from Rome, and he received consecration from Stephen Langton.[2]