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Robert de Graystanes facts for kids

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Robert de Graystanes (who died around 1336) was an English monk from the 1300s. He was a Benedictine monk, which means he belonged to a religious order. Robert tried to become the bishop of Durham in 1333, but he wasn't successful. He is also believed to have written a history of the church in Durham.

Robert's Life and Election

Robert de Graystanes may have been born in a place called Greystanes. This village is about three miles southwest of Sheffield. He was known as a Doctor Theologicus, which means he had studied theology (religion) deeply.

Robert had been a sub-prior (a leader) at St. Mary's for more than 26 years. This was when Louis de Beaumont, the bishop of Durham, passed away in September 1333. On October 15, Robert was chosen to be the new bishop. This happened after King Edward III gave his permission.

A Challenging Election

William Melton, the Archbishop of York, promised to confirm Robert's election. However, things became complicated. Robert visited the king and learned that Pope John XXII had already chosen someone else. The Pope had given the bishop position to Richard de Bury, who was a clerk for the king.

Even so, the Archbishop of York decided to go ahead. After talking with his church leaders and lawyers, he made Robert a bishop. This happened on Sunday, November 14. Other bishops helped with the ceremony.

Robert's Struggle and Decision

Robert was then officially welcomed at Durham on November 18. He went back to the king to claim the church's properties and income. But the king refused to meet him. Robert was told to wait until the next parliament meeting for an answer.

Meanwhile, the king had already given the church's properties to Richard de Bury. Richard de Bury now had the Archbishop of York on his side. On January 10, 1334, the clergy (church leaders) in Durham swore loyalty to Richard de Bury.

Robert knew that his monastery was too poor to fight against both the king and the Pope. So, he decided to stop trying to become bishop.

Later Life and Legacy

It seems Robert went back to his old job as sub-prior. He likely died around 1336. Some historians say he died of disappointment, not long after giving up the bishop position.

When Richard de Bury heard of Robert's death, he was very sad. He said that Robert de Graystanes was so good, he was "better fitted to be pope" than Richard was to hold even a small church job. Robert was buried in the chapter-house of the church. His epitaph (words on his tomb) read:

De Graystanes natus jacet hic Robertus humatus,
Legibus armatus, rogo sit Sanctis sociatus.

This means: "Here lies Robert, born of Graystanes, buried. Armed with laws, I pray he be joined with the Saints."

Robert's Writings

Robert de Graystanes is believed to have continued the history of the church in Durham. This history had been started by earlier writers like Simeon of Durham. Robert's part of the story begins in 1213 and goes up to the time he gave up his claim to be bishop.

His work is very important, especially for the parts that describe events close to his own time. Robert's history, along with those of other writers, was first printed in 1691. A better version was published in 1839. Copies of his writings can be found in old libraries, like the one at York Minster and the Bodleian Library.

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