kids encyclopedia robot

Richard le Gras facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
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.

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
kids search engine
Richard le Gras Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.