William of Wycombe facts for kids

William of Wycombe was an English church leader and writer who lived a long time ago. He was in charge of a special church called an Augustinian priory in Llanthony. William wrote a very praising book about his friend and supporter, Robert de Bethune. We know he died sometime after the year 1148.

William's Early Life

William was probably born in a place called Buckinghamshire in England. He knew Robert de Béthune from a young age. By 1127, William worked as a chaplain for Robert. A chaplain is like a personal priest or assistant. At that time, Robert was the prior (the leader) of a church called Llanthony. William also became a canon there. Canons were priests who lived together in a special religious community. When Robert became the Bishop of Hereford in 1131, William often spent time with him.

Becoming a Prior

In 1137, William became the prior of Llanthony. This was at its new location in Gloucester. Later, in 1147, the canons (the priests living there) removed him from his position. They said it was because he was too strict. However, it was probably because of pressure from a powerful person named Roger FitzMiles. Roger was angry about things William had written about Roger's father, Miles.

Writing His Book

After being removed, William went to live in a small church home, called a monastic cell, at Frome. There, he wrote his most important work. It was called Vita Domini Roberti de Betune Herefordiensis Episcopi. This means The Life of Lord Robert of Béthune, Bishop of Hereford.

This book was a hagiography. A hagiography is a special kind of biography that tells the life story of a saint or a very holy person. William's book showed Robert as a perfect canon, prior, and bishop. Even though the book praised Robert so much, it did not lead to him becoming a recognized saint.