Serlo (abbot of Gloucester) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Serlo |
|
|---|---|
| Abbot of Gloucester | |
| Church | Gloucester Abbey |
| Appointed | 1072 |
| Reign ended | 1104 |
| Predecessor | Wulfstan |
| Successor | Peter |
| Personal details | |
| Died | 1104 |
Serlo (died 1104) was an important abbot of Gloucester Abbey in medieval England. An abbot is the leader of a monastery, which is a community of monks. Serlo led Gloucester Abbey for 33 years, from 1072 until his death.
Contents
Serlo: A Medieval Abbot
Early Life and Role
Serlo was from Normandy, a region in France. He first worked as a canon at Avranches Cathedral. A canon is a type of priest who works closely with a bishop. Around 1067, he became a monk at Mont Saint-Michel, a famous monastery.
In 1072, Serlo was chosen to be the abbot of Gloucester Abbey. Osmund suggested him for this important role. Serlo served as abbot for a long time, helping to guide the monks and manage the abbey's lands and activities.
Working with the King
Serlo was involved in important events during his time as abbot. He was present at King William II of England's Christmas court in 1093. This royal meeting was held in Gloucester.
In 1096, Serlo got the king to confirm many gifts to the monastery. He also helped get back lands that belonged to the abbey. These lands had been held by the archbishops of York.
A writer named Orderic Vitalis told a story about Serlo and King William II. He wrote that a monk at Gloucester had a vision. The vision suggested the king would die because God was unhappy with how he treated the church.
Serlo supposedly sent a knight with a letter about this vision to the king. The letter reached the king just before he went on a hunting trip. This trip ended in his death on August 2, 1100.
Orderic wrote that the king made fun of the message. Then he rode off to his death. It is not clear if this story is true. Some historians think it might have been a rumor. Others believe Orderic might have made it up for a more dramatic story.
Rebuilding Gloucester Abbey
During his time as abbot, Serlo rebuilt the abbey's church. The church had been destroyed in the rebellion of 1088. This new church was a very large and complex building. People have called it "one of the most ambitious churches built in post-Conquest England."
The new church was officially opened in 1100. However, it burned down in 1102 along with the city of Gloucester. Serlo also worked to make the monastery's spiritual life stronger.
