Richard le Gras facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Richard le Gras |
|
|---|---|
| Abbot of Evesham | |
| Elected | 25 September 1236 |
| Reign ended | 9 December 1242 |
| Predecessor | Randulf of Evesham |
| Successor | Thomas of Gloucester |
| Other posts | Prior of Hunley Priory |
| Personal details | |
| Died | 9 December 1242 Gascony |
| Denomination | Catholic |
Richard le Gras (also known as Richard the Bold in French) was an important leader in England during the 1200s. He held two big jobs: he was the Abbot of Evesham, which is like the head of a large monastery, and he was also the Lord Keeper of England. The Lord Keeper was a very important government official who helped the king. Richard le Gras passed away on December 9, 1242.
Contents
Richard's Early Life and Church Role
Richard le Gras started his career in the church. Before becoming a major leader, he was the prior of Hurley Priory. A prior is a leader in a smaller monastery, a bit like a manager.
Becoming the Abbot of Evesham
On September 25, 1236, Richard was chosen to be the Abbot of Evesham. This was a very important position. An abbot is the head of a monastery, which is a community of monks. They are responsible for the monks and the monastery's land and wealth.
Richard was officially blessed by the Bishop of Coventry on November 30, 1236. He then took on his new role on December 6, 1236. This meant he was now in charge of the Evesham Abbey.
Richard's Role in Government
Besides his church duties, Richard le Gras also served the King of England.
Serving as Lord Keeper
From 1240 to 1242, Richard was the Lord Keeper of England. This was a powerful job in the king's government. The Lord Keeper was in charge of the Great Seal of England. This seal was used to make official documents, like laws and treaties, valid. It was a bit like signing important papers for the king.
Richard worked for Henry III of England, who was the king at that time. He took over the role from Ralph Neville and was later replaced by Ralph Neville again.
Later Life and Passing
In 1241, Richard le Gras was chosen to be the Bishop of Coventry. A bishop is a high-ranking church leader who oversees a group of churches. However, it's not clear if he ever officially took on this role. He might have decided not to accept it, or he might have passed away before the decision was final.
Richard le Gras died in a place called Gascony on December 9, 1242.
See also
| Catholic Church titles | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by Randulf of Evesham |
Abbot of Evesham 1236–1242 |
Succeeded by Thomas of Gloucester |
| Preceded by Hugh de Pateshull |
Bishop of Coventry and Lichfield 1241–1242 never consecrated |
Succeeded by Robert de Monte Pessulano |
| Political offices | ||
| Preceded by Ralph Neville |
Keeper of the Great Seal 1240–1242 |
Succeeded by Ralph Neville |
