Maurice (bishop of London) facts for kids

Maurice (died 1107) was a very important person in England during the 11th and early 12th centuries. He held two major roles: he was the King's main advisor, known as the Lord Chancellor, and he was also a significant church leader, the Bishop of London.

Who Was Maurice?

Maurice was a key figure in England during the time of William the Conqueror and his sons. He helped the King manage the country and also led the church in London. His work helped shape early English government and religious life.

Early Career and Important Roles

Before becoming famous in England, Maurice was an Archdeacon in a place called Le Mans. An archdeacon is a senior church official who helps the bishop.

Around 1078, King William the Conqueror chose Maurice to be his Lord Chancellor. This was a very powerful job. The Lord Chancellor was like the King's chief secretary and advisor. He was in charge of royal documents and the King's seal. Maurice held this important position for about seven or eight years.

Later, on December 25, 1085, Maurice was chosen to become the Bishop of London. A bishop is a high-ranking leader in the Christian church. He was officially made bishop in 1086. He continued to serve as Bishop of London until his death on September 26, 1107.

Rebuilding St Paul's Cathedral

In 1087, a big fire swept through London. It caused a lot of damage, including to the old St Paul's Cathedral. Maurice took on the huge task of rebuilding the cathedral. This new building was likely separate from the older Anglo-Saxon church.

Building a cathedral was a massive project in those days. It took many years and a lot of effort. Although the new St Paul's Cathedral was used for an important event in 1109 (the consecration of a new archbishop), it probably wasn't fully finished until around 1190. Once completed, it was one of the largest and most impressive buildings in medieval England.