Gilbert Crispin facts for kids

Gilbert Crispin (born around c. 1055 – died 1117) was an important Christian writer and a monk from the Anglo-Norman period. In 1085, Archbishop Lanfranc chose him to be the abbot (the head monk) of Westminster Abbey in England. Gilbert was the third Norman Abbot of Westminster to be appointed after the Norman Conquest. He took over from Abbot Vitalis of Bernay.

Gilbert Crispin's Life Story

Gilbert Crispin was likely the grandson of Gislebert Crispin, a powerful noble from a place called Bec. His family history can be a bit confusing, but it seems his father might have been William Crispin, and his mother Eve. He was also related to Robert Crispin, a Norman soldier who passed away in 1073.

Early Life and Studies

As a young man, Gilbert became a monk under Saint Anselm at the Abbey of Bec in Normandy. People said that Gilbert became a "perfect scholar" there, meaning he was very good at learning all kinds of subjects. Later, in 1093, Anselm became the Archbishop of Canterbury. Gilbert supported Anselm in his disagreements with King Henry I of England. Gilbert was probably very helpful to Anselm because he also worked as an administrator for the King.

Gilbert's Writings and Legacy

Gilbert was known for his careful and thoughtful writings. He started a conversation between the Christian and Jewish faiths. This might have been inspired by older writings that are now lost. Gilbert also wrote the life story of Herluin (called Vita Herluini), who was a knight and the first Abbot of Bec. He created many other works too.

When Gilbert passed away, no new Abbot was chosen for four years. This meant that much of the good work Gilbert had done to organize things at Westminster Abbey was undone. Things only started to get better when Abbot Herbert was appointed in 1121. You can still see Gilbert's tomb inside Westminster Abbey today.

Family Connections

Gilbert's brother was Milo Crispin (who died in 1149). Milo was a precentor (a leader of singing) at the Abbey of Bec. Milo wrote a book called Vita Lanfranci, which used some ideas from his brother Gilbert's Vita Herluini. Gilbert is also thought to be related to Miles Crispin from Wallingford.