kids encyclopedia robot

Remigius de Fécamp facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Quick facts for kids
Remigius de Fécamp
Bishop of Dorchester
Bishop of Lincoln
Remigius' tomb in Lincoln Cathedral
Appointed 1067
Reign ended 7 May 1092
Predecessor Wulfinus
Successor Robert Bloet
Other posts Almoner of Fécamp Abbey
Orders
Consecration c. 1067
by Stigand, Archbishop of Canterbury
Personal details
Died 7 May 1092
Denomination Catholic

Remigius de Fécamp (sometimes called Remigius) was a Benedictine monk who lived in the 11th century. He was a strong supporter of William the Conqueror, who became King of England. Remigius later became an important bishop in England. He is remembered for moving his church's main office to Lincoln and starting the building of the famous Lincoln Cathedral.

Who Was Remigius?

Remigius was a monk at Fécamp Abbey in Normandy, France. We don't know his exact birth date, but he was likely born in the 1030s. This was because church rules at the time said a bishop had to be at least 30 years old. His name, Remigius, was quite unusual in Normandy back then. It might mean he was meant to have a church career from a young age. He also held a role called almoner at the abbey, which meant he was in charge of giving money and food to the poor.

Remigius was related to King William the Conqueror in some way, though we don't know exactly how. He was also related to another important person, Walter D'Aincourt. These connections likely helped him gain influence and support from the king.

Helping William the Conqueror

Many historians believe Remigius played a part in the Norman Conquest of England in 1066. Some old writings say he was at the famous Battle of Hastings. One list, called the Ship List, claims Remigius provided one ship and 20 knights (soldiers) to William's invasion force. This list was copied much later, so some historians have questioned if it's completely accurate. However, many now believe it's largely true.

Another writer, Gerald of Wales, wrote a saint's life about Remigius much later. He said Remigius was in charge of Fécamp Abbey's contribution of 10 knights. Gerald was trying to get Remigius recognized as a saint, so he might have changed some details to make him seem more holy.

Becoming a Bishop and Early Challenges

In 1067, Remigius was given the job of Mercian Bishop of Dorchester. This was a very large church area, or diocese, in England. It was the first bishop position to become open after William the Conqueror took over. Remigius was also the first Norman person to be appointed to a high church role in England after the Conquest. He got this job because he had helped the new king, especially by providing ships for the invasion.

However, Remigius faced some problems. He was consecrated (officially made a bishop) by Stigand, who was the Archbishop of Canterbury. But in 1070, church leaders from the Pope arrived and removed Stigand from his position. This made Remigius's consecration seem invalid. The Pope even took away Remigius's bishop job for a short time.

Remigius had to travel all the way to Rome to get his job back, which he did in 1071. While there, people also questioned if he had bought his church office, which is called simony. They pointed to his help with William's invasion as proof. But Remigius said he didn't know about any issues with Stigand's position when he was consecrated. Luckily, the new Archbishop of Canterbury, Lanfranc, spoke up for Remigius, and the Pope allowed him to return to his bishopric.

Leading a Large Diocese

Remigius's diocese was huge, covering a large part of England. It included three older bishoprics combined into one. The main office was in Dorchester, but this was a very small town. A much larger town in the diocese was Lincoln, which had about 6,500 people.

In 1072, a church agreement stated that bishoprics should be in cities, not small villages. So, Remigius decided to move his main office to Lincoln. He got permission from the Pope for this move. The move was a good idea because Lincoln was a wealthy town and was in a good location near a river and important roads. He finished moving his office between 1075 and 1081.

During Remigius's time, there was a long argument between the Archbishops of Canterbury and York about which one had authority over his diocese. Remigius's diocese was usually part of Canterbury, but the Archbishop of York kept trying to claim it. This argument continued throughout Remigius's time as bishop.

Remigius was often at King William I's royal court when the king was in England. He also played a big role in creating the Domesday Book, a famous survey of England's lands and wealth. He was one of the officials who collected information for this important book.

Later Years and Challenges

After William I died, Remigius was present at the first Christmas court of the new king, William II of England. A medieval writer, Henry of Huntingdon, wrote that Remigius was once accused of treason (betraying the king). But he was cleared after one of his servants passed a "trial by ordeal" using hot iron, which meant they survived without harm. The exact date of this event is not known, but it shows that Remigius's loyalty was sometimes questioned.

Remigius's final days were still marked by the argument with the Archbishop of York, who continued to claim that Lincoln was part of his area. Remigius even paid King William II a bribe to make sure all the English bishops would come to the consecration of his new cathedral, to stop the Archbishop of York from interfering.

Remigius also brought Benedictine monks to the Abbey of St Mary at Stow before 1076. He also added another abbey, Eynsham Abbey, to Stow in 1091.

Building Lincoln Cathedral

Remigius started building the grand Lincoln Cathedral in the mid-1070s. The church's design was similar to cathedrals in France, like the one in Rouen. The tower he built is still part of the cathedral's west front today, though it has been changed over time. Some historians think this tower might have even served as the bishop's home for a while.

When Remigius built the new cathedral, he also organized the clergy (church leaders) who would serve there. He chose to have "secular clergy" (priests who live among the people) instead of monks. This was a bit unusual because Remigius himself was a monk. However, his diocese was so large that he needed many clergy, and it would have been hard to find enough monks.

Death and Legacy

Remigius planned to dedicate his new cathedral on 9 May 1092. Many bishops came to Lincoln for the ceremony. However, Remigius died just before the dedication. Different old writings say he died either two days, one day, or the night before the ceremony. Most sources say he died on 8 May. The cathedral was not dedicated on the planned date. It was finally consecrated later, after the next bishop, Robert Bloet, paid another bribe to the king to settle the Archbishop of York's claims.

Even though Remigius was never officially made a saint, people tried to get him canonized in the 12th century. Gerald of Wales wrote a book about his life, listing miracles that supposedly happened at Remigius's tomb. People continued to believe in his holiness into the 13th century.

Writers from his time described Remigius as short but having a big heart and a charming personality. His bones, along with his chalice (a cup used in church services) and part of his staff, were found in Lincoln Cathedral in 1927.

Images for kids

kids search engine
Remigius de Fécamp Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.