Robert of Bridlington facts for kids
Robert of Bridlington, also known as Robert the Scribe, was an important English church leader and scholar. He was the fourth leader, called a "prior," of a place called Bridlington Priory. He held this job from about 1147 to 1156. Robert wrote many books explaining parts of the Bible and other religious topics. Not all of his writings still exist today.
Robert's Life Story
Robert was a type of priest called an Augustinian canon at Bridlington Priory. He became the "prior," which means he was in charge of the priory. He was the fourth person to hold this important position. We know he was prior between 1147 and 1156. He might have left his job before he died.
A historian named Richard Sharpe believes Robert died after 1154. An old writer from the 1500s, John Leland, wrote that Robert was buried in the cloister (a covered walkway) of the priory. His tombstone supposedly said, "Robert surnamed Scribe fourth prior." Leland saw copies of Robert's books in the priory library. Robert earned his nickname "the Scribe" because he wrote so many things.
Robert's Writings
Robert wrote many books that explained parts of the Bible. These are called biblical commentaries. Some of his books are still around today, but others have been lost. Sometimes, people get him mixed up with another writer named Robert of Cricklade, who was also an Augustinian canon.
Some of Robert of Bridlington's books that we still have include:
- A commentary on the Book of Exodus (two copies exist).
- A commentary on the minor prophets (three copies exist).
- A commentary on the Pauline Epistles (two copies exist).
- A commentary on the visions in the Book of Revelation (two copies exist).
The book about Revelation might actually be by Robert of Cricklade. The book about the prophets was written for Gervase of Louth, who was a Cistercian monk. As of 2001, none of these works had been officially published.
Robert also wrote other books that are now lost. These include commentaries on the Book of Genesis, Book of Leviticus, Book of Numbers, and Book of Deuteronomy. He also wrote about the Gospel of Matthew and the Gospel of John. Other lost works include De corpore et sanguine Domini and De ecclesia catholica.
Robert is known to have written a commentary on the Book of Psalms. Some old manuscripts might be this work, but it's not certain. A book called The Bridlington Dialogue was once thought to be by Robert, but later research showed it was written after his time. Another work about the Lord's Prayer is often said to be his, but this is also likely incorrect.
A historian named Beryl Smalley thought Robert was more of a "compiler" of information. This means he gathered and organized existing knowledge in his writings. He tended to stick to traditional ideas in his studies.
