Osbern FitzOsbern facts for kids

Osbern FitzOsbern was an important church leader from the Norman times. He lived a long time ago, dying in the year 1103. He was a relative of King Edward the Confessor and also served as a special helper to the king, called a royal chaplain. Later, he became the Bishop of Exeter, which is a very important job in the church.

Who Was Osbern FitzOsbern?

Osbern FitzOsbern was a churchman from Normandy. He was related to King Edward the Confessor. This made him an important person in the royal court. He also worked as a royal chaplain, which meant he was a priest who served the king directly.

Early Life and Royal Connections

During King Edward the Confessor's rule, Osbern received a church in a place called Bosham, near Chichester. This was a significant gift. He was also present at a very special event: the opening ceremony of Westminster Abbey in December 1065.

After King William I of England took the throne, Osbern became a steward for the king. A steward was someone who managed the royal household. Osbern was also a good friend of King William I. Some stories say he was even the king's chancellor, but historians today believe these stories are not true.

Becoming a Bishop

In 1072, Osbern became the Bishop of Exeter. This was a very high position in the church. He was officially made a bishop at St. Paul's Cathedral in London. This ceremony happened on May 27, 1072. The Archbishop of Canterbury, named Lanfranc, performed the ceremony.

Church Meetings and Royal Courts

Osbern attended important church meetings, called councils, in 1072 and 1075. These councils were where church leaders discussed important matters. He was also present at the first Christmas court held by King William II of England after he became king. However, Osbern was too ill to attend a church council held by Anselm, the new Archbishop of Canterbury, in 1102.

A Dispute with Monks

Osbern became involved in a disagreement with the monks from Battle Abbey. These monks had started a smaller church community, called a priory, in Exeter. The main church in Exeter, led by Osbern, did not like this.

The Bell and Graveyard Issues

The church leaders in Exeter did not want the priory to have its own graveyard. They also did not want the priory to ring its bells. Both sides asked Archbishop Anselm to help settle the argument. Anselm decided that the monks could ring their bells. However, the disagreement about the graveyard continued. In 1102, Pope Paschal II wrote to Osbern. The Pope ordered Osbern to let the priory create a graveyard for people who supported them.

Later Life and Family

Osbern FitzOsbern died in 1103. Before he passed away, he had become blind. A historian named Frank Barlow described Osbern as "unsociable."

Osbern had a brother named William FitzOsbern. William was an important person who became the Earl of Hereford. Their father was Osbern de Crépon. He was a guardian and a seneschal for the young Duke William, who later became King William I.