Herbert de Losinga facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Herbert de Losinga |
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|---|---|
| Bishop of Norwich | |
Bauchon Window of Norwich Cathedral
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| Province | Canterbury |
| Enthroned | c. 1095 |
| Reign ended | 22 July 1119 |
| Successor | Everard |
| Orders | |
| Consecration | 1090 or 1091 |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Exmes, Normandy |
| Died | 22 July 1119 |
| Denomination | Roman Catholic |
| Parents | Robert de Losinga, Abbot of New Minster, Winchester |
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Herbert de Losinga (died 22 July 1119) was a very important religious leader in England. He was the first ever Bishop of Norwich. He is most famous for starting the building of the amazing Norwich Cathedral in 1096. At that time, he was the Bishop of Thetford.
Contents
Herbert's Early Life and Education
Herbert de Losinga was born in a place called Exmes in Normandy, which is now part of France. His father was Robert de Losinga, who was also a religious leader.
Herbert grew up and went to school in Normandy. He joined a monastery called Fécamp Abbey. He worked his way up and eventually became the leader, or "prior," of that abbey.
Moving to England
Later, the King of England, William Rufus, invited Herbert to come to England. The King then made Herbert the abbot, or head, of Ramsey Abbey. This was a big and important monastery.
Becoming a Bishop
In 1090 or 1091, Herbert became the Bishop of Thetford. This was a very powerful position.
At that time, it was sometimes possible to pay money to get important jobs. Herbert paid the king a large sum of money to become a bishop. His father also got a job as an abbot as part of this deal.
A Trip to Rome
In 1094, Herbert traveled all the way to Rome to meet the Pope. He wanted to ask Pope Urban for forgiveness for how he got his bishop job. The Pope forgave him.
When he came back, Herbert moved his bishop's headquarters from Thetford to Norwich. This was because a rule had been made that bishops should have their main church in the biggest town of their area. Norwich was a much larger and more important town than Thetford.
Herbert's Great Building Projects
Herbert de Losinga was a busy builder! He didn't just start Norwich Cathedral. He also helped found several other important buildings:
- St Margaret’s Church in King’s Lynn
- The Church of St Nicholas in Great Yarmouth
- Norwich School, which was an important school for learning
More Journeys to Rome
Herbert visited Rome again in 1116. This time, he was representing the king in a disagreement with Anselm, who was the Archbishop of Canterbury.
On his way back from this trip, he became very sick in a place called Placentia (which is now Piacenza in Italy). Some people think he might have tried to go to Rome a third time but got sick again and had to wait for his friends before returning to England.
Herbert's Final Years
One of the last public events Herbert attended was the funeral of Queen Matilda in 1118.
Herbert de Losinga passed away on 22 July 1119. He was buried in front of the main altar in Norwich Cathedral, the grand church he helped create.
After his death, many of his writings were saved. We still have fourteen of his sermons and 57 of his letters today. These writings help us learn more about his life and times.
