BBC News - Nicholas Breakspear: The only English Pope Nicholas Breakspear: The only English Pope By Jon Welch BBC News Online Nicholas Breakspear became Pope Adrian IV in 1154 The 'fallible' Pope In the Vatican the preliminaries are over. Group discussions have been concluded, oaths of secrecy have been sworn and mobile phones have been handed in to ensure total secrecy. The 115 scarlet-clad cardinal-electors of the Roman Catholic Church who will choose the next Pope have shut themselves away from the outside world and started their deliberations in earnest. The conclave has begun. It could be several days before white smoke billows from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, signalling that a new Pontiff has been elected. Although it is far from clear who will be chosen to succeed Pope Benedict XVI, it is a pretty safe bet that he won't be English. We need to look back nearly 850 years to find the last - and only - English Pope, Adrian IV. In theory, any baptised male Catholic can be elected Pope. In practice, the job always goes to a cardinal. Today, just two Britons hold that rank.

One is Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O'Connor, the emeritus Archbishop of Westminster, who has not been identified as a likely contender. At 80, he is no longer eligible to take part in the voting. The other is the disgraced Cardinal Keith O'Brien, who stood down as leader of the Catholic Church in Scotland last month and faces a Vatican inquiry into his sexual conduct. He has stayed away from the conclave. But for four-and-a-half years in the 12th Century, the top job in the Roman Catholic Church was held by a man from humble beginnings in Hertfordshire. 'Rose from nothing' Born Nicholas Breakspear in about 1100 at Abbots Langley, near St Albans, he was the son of an educated but poor man. "He rose from almost nothing to become Pope, and he did it all on his talents," said historian Anne Duggan, co-editor of Adrian IV, The English Pope. "It was an extraordinary achievement for an unknown from England." Breakspear's father, Robert de Camera, was a clerk in lower orders in the service of the abbot of St Albans. He entered the monastery, probably on his wife's death, leaving Nicholas to fend for himself.

The successor to Pope Benedict XVI will be elected by cardinals in Rome Nicholas also sought admission to the abbey, but was refused, perhaps because of his lack of education. Undeterred, he went to France, studying at Arles in Provence and then joining the St Ruf monastery where he prospered, becoming abbot. Travelling to Rome on abbey business, he was noticed by the Pope, Eugenius III who kept him there, appointing him Bishop of Albano, in what is now the Province of Rome, in 1150. What are the pressures on a 21st Century Pope? Highly regarded by the Pope, he was given important jobs, including organising the Church in Catalonia after the defeat of the Saracens, and then in Scandinavia as papal legate. "If Breakspear had not become Pope, it is likely that he would still be remembered for his energetic work in Scandinavia in the early 1150s," said Fr Nicholas Schofield, archivist for the Diocese of Westminster.

"As legate, he reorganised the Swedish church, sent missionaries into Finland and set up a huge bishopric embracing Norway, Iceland, Greenland, the Faroes, Shetland, the Orkneys and Sudreys (including the Isle of Man). "He is supposed to have written catechisms in Swedish and Norwegian as well as a history of his mission, although none of these have survived. Not a bad achievement." Power struggles When he returned from Scandinavia in 1154, Eugenius had died, and Breakspear became the 170th Pope, remaining in the post until his death in 1159. His reign was short but eventful. There were power struggles in and around Rome and tension between the Church and the Holy Roman Emperor, Frederick I Barbarossa. Pope Adrian made peace with the city of Rome, resisting the emperor's attempts to secure control over the city and the papal territories in what is now central Italy. A plaque marks the site of Breakspear Farm where Nicholas Breakspear is thought to have been born He also formed an alliance with the King of Sicily.

But Prof Duggan, an expert in medieval history at King's College, London, said his most important achievement for Catholics generally was establishing the principle that serfs could freely and lawfully marry without the consent of their lords. For centuries, Pope Adrian had a bad name in Ireland because of the papal bull Laudabiliter that appeared to give Ireland in perpetuity to the English king, but Prof Duggan said a text relating to this had been falsified. But Fr Schofield said the eventual invasion of Ireland by Henry II in October 1171 fitted in with the Pope's promotion of ecclesiastical reform. 'Centuries of domination' "The Irish church was still based around the authority of powerful abbots rather than diocesan bishops," he said. They do get a sense of how important he was” End Quote Ella McCarthy Nicholas Breakspear Catholic School "Pope Adrian would have been keen to standardise its structure according to the Roman model.

"English monarchs up until the Reformation based their title of 'Lord of Ireland' on the pope's bull and, as far as many are concerned, the Hertfordshire pontiff was responsible for eight centuries of English domination in Ireland." Breakspear is thought to have been born at Breakspear Farm between Abbots Langley and Bedmond. There was a farm on the site up until the 1960s when it was demolished to make way for a development of new houses. A plaque commemorates the spot as Breakspear's birthplace. Today the village has several streets named after him, including Popes Road, Adrian Road and Breakspeare Road. 'Choked on fly' His memory lives on, too, at Nicholas Breakspear Catholic School in St Albans, where pupils undertake a unit of work on him. During the school's annual pilgrimage to Rome, they also visit his tomb and say prayers. "They do get a sense of how important he was. He came from the same place as they did, and they are in Rome where he was, so it's very nice," said Ella McCarthy, head of religious education.

Pupils at Nicholas Breakspear Catholic School have visited Pope Adrian IV's tomb in Rome She said pupils were often amused to hear stories that he died choking on a fly while drinking wine. Prof Duggan is sceptical about these claims, however. "There's a possibility that he choked - you never know - but these reports tend to be very unreliable. He certainly did die unexpectedly young," she said. As to why there had been no other British Popes, she said Italian candidates had generally been favoured because of the predominance of Italians among the cardinals. There was a line of German popes in the 11th Century, due to the influence of the Romano-German emperors. "As the papacy extricated itself from that influence and stabilised an electoral procedure that went a long way towards excluding external control, candidates from France and from Italy were again chosen," she said. "For much of the later Middle Ages, the balance oscillated between the French and the Italians." More on This Story Nicholas Breakspear. Pope Adrian IV. The only English pope What happened on this day in history. SEPTEMBER 1st On this day in history in 1159, died Pope Adrian IV.

Nicholas Breakspear, as was his original name, was the only Englishman to become pope. Breakspear was the son of a priest, an unusual but not bizarre parentage in the days of an unmarried clergy. His father had joined the priesthood as soon as he had been widowed. Nicholas applied to join his fatherï¿½s monastery but was turned down on the grounds of insufficient learning. Unperturbed by this refusal, Breakspear left for France where he became a monk in the cloister of St Rufus, near Arles, and progressed through the ranks of the friary being elected abbot in 1137. As abbot, Breakspear infuriated the local rulers by his insistence of the churchï¿½s authority over temporal matters. The pope received a series of complaints and, being conscious of the need for the church to exert a measure of political control, appointed Breakspear a Cardinal. Breakspearï¿½s assignment was to reorganise the hierarchy of Scandinavia, ensuring that there were sufficient bishops in place at important political centres.

He was so successful in this mission that he received the plaudits of the pope and the College of Cardinals and when Pope Eugenius III died, Breakspear was elected pope as Adrian IV. One of the factors, which influenced Adrianï¿½s election, was the disorder within Rome and its dependencies. Rome was subjugated by the anticlerical Arnold of Brescia and Southern Italy was dominated by a ruler known as ï¿½William the Badï¿½. Adrianï¿½s solution was to make an alliance with Barbarossa, whom he crowned as Emperor Frederick I, in return for military favours against the papal enemies. Adrian infuriated the Romans and the Senate with his alliance to a Teutonic emperor. He was obliged to leave the city for his own safety, and take the extraordinary step of placing Rome under an interdict. Adrian is said to have signed the Papal Bull Laudabiliter, granting the Lordship of Ireland to Henry II, although it is widely believed that the document was forged by Henryï¿½s secretary. Adrian used his political skills to attempt a settlement between the Western and Eastern churches but died before any agreement could be reached.

There is a long-standing anecdote about another British occupant of the papal chair, the alleged Pope John VIII. It is said that John was in fact a woman, Joan, and that she disguised herself as a monk in order to meet her paramour, a genuine monk, and that she contrived her way to becoming a Cardinal and was elected Pope. This account has the subject matter for speculation and romantic literature. Pope Joanï¿½s existence has been denied vehemently by legitimate raconteurs, denied more vehemently still by historians and denied more vehemently yet by the Catholic Church. The only English Pope - YouTube The only English Pope Want to watch this again later? Sign in to add this video to a playlist. Need to report the video? Sign in to report inappropriate content. The interactive transcript could not be loaded. Loading... Rating is available when the video has been rented. This feature is not available right now. Please try again later. Uploaded on Jul 27, 2011 Pope Hadrian IV (c. 1100 - 1st September 1159), born Nicholas Breakspear or Breakspeare, was Pope from 1154 to 1159.

Hadrian IV is the only Englishman who has occupied the papal chair. It is generally believed that Nicholas Breakspear was born at Breakspear Farm in the parish of Abbots Langley in Hertfordshire and received his early education at the Abbey School, St Albans (St Albans School). On the death of Pope Anastasius, Nicholas was elected pope on 3rd December 1154, taking the name Hadrian IV. Category Adrian, the Only English Pope - 901-1200 Church History Timeline / Church / Church History / Timeline / 901-1200 / Adrian, the Only English Pope Adrian, the Only English Pope Dan Graves, MSL Tweet Only one Englishman has ever been pope. That was Nicholas Breakspear, known to history as Adrian IV. He ascended the papal throne on this day, December 4, 1154. His reign was challenged by such serious difficulties that he wished aloud to his friend John of Salisbury that he had never left England. Nicholas was born around 1100 and reared near St. Albans in Hertfordshire, England.

He asked to be admitted to the famous abbey near his birthplace, but was turned away because of his skimpy education. Around 1125, he attended Merton Priory. A Saxon, he stood little chance of advancement in Norman-controlled England, and so he sailed to France to study in Arles. Either the abbey of St. Albans had failed to see the merits of their native son, or else the rejection spurred him to redoubled efforts. For when Nicholas visited the monastery of St. Rufus near Avignon, he was asked to stay, and in due course became its abbot. The business of the monastery took him to Rome where Pope Eugenius III also saw promise in the Saxon exile. He would not allow him to return to St. Rufus, but kept him in Rome and made him a cardinal. Among the tasks he charged him with was establishing the archbishopric in Norway. Shortly after his return to Rome, Nicholas was elected pope, taking the name Adrian IV. His troubled reign is a sobering example of why scripture commands us to pray for our leaders.

Arnold of Brescia, King William of Sicily, Frederick Barbarossa and the Italian barons gave the English pope fits. Arnold's followers took Rome. After they assassinated Cardinal Gerardus in broad daylight, Adrian broke all precedent and placed the city under interdict. Eventually it capitulated to him. Frederick Barbarossa desired that Adrian crown him emperor but Adrian insisted that the red-beard (that is what "Barbarossa" means) honor him by holding his stirrup while he mounted his horse. Frederick refused until he learned that emperor Lothair had done the same for an earlier pope. However, he purposely played his role so awkwardly that the crowd roared with laughter. Adrian crowned Frederick, a move so unpopular that battle with the Romans broke out during the ceremony. Frederick won that fight, but had to beat a hasty retreat soon afterwards. Then it was King William's turn to tussle with the pope. Victorious on the battlefield, he forced him into concessions. This in turn enraged Emperor Frederick Barbarossa, who claimed dominion over some of the lands the pope was giving to William. Adrian formed a league with the Lombards against the emperor.

Adrian's most controversial act was a bull that allowed Henry II of England to annex Ireland to his kingdom. "...[S]trive to imbue that people with good morals, and bring it to pass, as well through yourself as through those whom you know from their faith, doctrine, and course of life to be fit for such a work, that the church may there be adorned, the Christian religion planted and made to grow, and the things which pertain to the honor of God and to salvation be so ordered that you may merit to obtain an abundant and lasting reward from God, and on earth a name glorious throughout the ages," he wrote the king. That decision left an aftertaste of bitterness that lingers to this day, more than 800 years later. It resulted in misery and conflict for both Ireland and England. The pope based his authority on the Donation of Constantine, which was later shown to be a forgery. Although a few scholars deny that Adrian issued the troubling bull, the evidence is convincing that he did. Bibliography: Brusher, Joseph. Popes through the Ages. Princeton, N. J.: Van Nostrand, 1959.

"Bull of Pope Adrian IV Empowering Henry II to Conquer Ireland. A.D. 1155." The Avalon Project at Yale Law School ( Clerigh, Arthur UA. "Pope Adrian IV." The Catholic Encyclopedia. New York: Robert Appleton, 1914. "Hadrian IV." The Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church. Edited by F. L. Cross and E. A. Livingstone. (Oxford, 1997). Montor, Chevalier Artaud de. Lives and Times of the Popes. New York: Catholic Publication Society of America, 1909. Various internet and encyclopedia articles. Last updated April, 2007. Adrian IV: The English pope Nicholas Breakspear Adrian IV: The English pope Nicholas Breakspear The only English pope was born Nicholas Breakspear, c.1100, near St. Alban's, and rose from impoverished obscurity and monastic rejection to Papal Office by Alan Frost The only English pope was born Nicholas Breakspear, c.1100, near St.

Alban's, and rose from impoverished obscurity and monastic rejection to Papal Office A curious thing that you notice quickly about the only English pope is a trio of 'firsts'. Nicholas Breakspear was the first English pope, was born near the place of execution of the first English martyr, and he took his name from Pope Adrian the First. Yet, ironically, in his early years he was denied entry into the great Benedictine house at St. Alban's, by its abbot Richard d'Essai. We do not know the exact date Nicholas Breakspear was born, but there is general agreement it was in 1100. Improbably, among a clutch of modern houses in the village of Bedmond near St. Albans, is a small plaque recording the spot as his birthplace, historically in the parish of Abbots Langley. The houses were built after the destruction of the 300-year old Breakspear farmhouse, which had been a place of formal religious pilgrimage for many years, right up until the sixties. Not far away up the hill that once dominated Verulamium, was the great Benedictine Abbey of St.

Alban's (also destroyed, at the Dissolution), with its imposing cathedral church (second longest nave in the country) built by its first abbot Paul of Caen in the late 11th . Here, the teenage Nicholas tried to gain entry after his limited schooling, but was not considered able enough. His background was very poor, and the probability is he spent some time begging with his father, Robert, a clerk, who was accepted as a lay-brother, and later monk, of the abbey, abandoning his son to his own devices. Young Breakspear for some years received the alms (the original 'dole') that were given to the local poor at the Abbey gatehouse. By such desperate measures and using his wits, he survived to pursue learning in one of the major scholastic centres across the Channel. This is a time before the emergence of Oxford and Cambridge, and it was to places like Paris, Chartres, Orleans, Lieges and Arles that young Englishmen looked for learning. It has to be said at this point that scholars differ as to the history of the young Breakspear, even to disputing his father being called Robert (rather than Richard).

Though he is recorded as 'Robert' in St. Alban's Cathedral where he is buried, along with the first eleven abbots, 'Adam the Cellarer' and the surgeon to King Edward III (the remains were translated there after the original tombs were discovered in 1978), the problem lies with the fact that two important medieval sources (William of Newburgh and the 13th Century monk and chronicler of the Benedictine Abbey, Matthew Paris) are seen as relying too much on gossip, wih the latter prone to elaboration in his passionate promotion of the abbey. An earlier source from letters by a friend and contemporary of Adrian IV, John of Salisbury, is seen as important but far from comprehensive. To these we can add the respected records of Cardinal Boso (another contemporary, died 1178) and Bernard Gui (Dominican Prior in Carcassone 1297-1301), an expert in the ecclesiastical history of Provence, where Nicholas Breakspear would become known to the Curia.

Allowing for no more than the probability that Nicholas studied for a time in Paris, he later travelled to Arles, where he helped out at the House of the Augustinian canons of the Order of St. Rufus (Saint-Ruf), renowned as a learned order, and received tuition from the monks. This introduction to the order helped him to finally become a Canon Regular himself at St.-Ruf abbey near Avignon (not Valence as some state, even Gui). And soon, after such humble and difficult origins, Nicholas was impressing his confreres, so much so that they elected him first their prior, perhaps around 1140, and then, probably in 1143, their abbot. There is a reference to Nicholas as abbot of Saint-Ruf in a papal letter of January 1147. Moreover it is not unreasona Copyright © 2017 Spero Nicholas Pope Adrian (Breakspear), IV (c.1100 - 1159) - Genealogy Religious style Holy Father Posthumous style none Pope Adrian IV (Latin: Adrianus IV; c.

1100 – 1 September 1159), born Nicholas Breakspear, was pope from 4 December 1154 to his death in 1159. Adrian IV is the only Englishman to have occupied the papal throne.[1][2] It is generally believed that he was born in Bedmond[3][4] in the parish of Abbots Langley in Hertfordshire and received his early education at the Abbey School, St Albans.[5][6][7][8] Early life Nicholas' father was Robert, who later became a monk at St Albans.[9] Nicholas himself, however, was refused admission to the monastery, being told by the abbot to "wait to go on with his schooling so that he might be considered more suitable" (Abbey chronicles)[full citation needed]. In the event, he did not wait and went instead to Paris and later became a canon regular of the cloister of St Rufus monastery near Arles.

He rose to be prior and was then soon unanimously elected abbot.[2] This election has been traditionally dated to 1137,[2] but evidence from the abbey's chronicles suggests that it happened about 1145.[10] His reforming zeal as abbot led to the lodging of complaints against him at Rome; but these merely attracted to him the favourable attention of Pope Eugene III, who created him Cardinal Bishop of Albano[11] in December 1149.[12] From 1152 to 1154 Nicholas was in Scandinavia as papal legate, establishing an independent archepiscopal see for Norway at Trondheim, a place he chose chiefly in honour of St Olaf, whose relics reposed in its church.[dubious ][13] This led him to create the Diocese at Hamar, and, according to tradition, to form cathedral schools in Norway's bishopric cities. These schools were to have a lasting effect on education and Catholic spirituality in Norway (even after the Reformation in Norway).

[14] (Norway's cathedral schools persisted, although they later lost their formal ties to the church.) Nicholas made arrangements which resulted in the recognition of Gamla Uppsala (Old Uppsala) as seat of the Swedish metropolitan in 1164 (later moved to Uppsala). As compensation for territory thus withdrawn, the Danish archbishop of Lund was made legate and perpetual vicar and given the title of primate of Denmark and Sweden.[11] Nicholas was accompanied to Scandinavia by another English-born priest, Henry, Bishop of Finland (d. 1156), who would later be venerated by Catholics, Lutherans and Anglicans as Saint Henry of Uppsala. Accession as Pope On his return to Rome, Nicholas was received with great honour by Pope Anastasius IV. On the death of Anastasius, Nicholas was elected pope on 3 December 1154,[15] taking the name Adrian IV. He at once endeavoured to bring down Arnold of Brescia, the leader of the anti-papal faction in Rome.

Disorder within the city led to the murder of a cardinal, causing Adrian, shortly before Palm Sunday 1155, to take the previously unheard-of step of putting Rome under interdict.[11] This greatly affected the number of pilgrims and thereby hit the local economy. Without the Easter services the pilgrims would not visit. The Senate (City Council of Rome) thereupon exiled Arnold, and the pope, with the cooperation of Frederick I (Barbarossa), was instrumental in procuring his execution.[11] The Byzantine Alliance In 1155, Byzantine Emperor Manuel Comnenus invaded the Italian peninsula from the south, landing his forces in the region of Apulia. Making contact with local rebels who were hostile to the Sicilian crown, Greek forces quickly overran the coastlands and began striking inland. Pope Adrian IV watched these developments with some satisfaction. The Papacy was never on good terms with the Normans of Sicily, except when under duress by the threat of direct military action. For Adrian, having the Eastern Roman Empire on its southern border was preferable to having to deal constantly with the troublesome Normans. Therefore, negotiations were hurriedly carried out, and an alliance was formed between Adrian and Manuel.

Adrian undertook to raise a body of mercenary troops from Campania. Meanwhile, Manuel dreamed of restoration of the Roman Empire; this was, however, at the cost of a potential union between the Orthodox and the Catholic Church. Negotiations for union of the eastern and western churches, which had been in a state of schism since 1054, soon got under way. The combined Papal-Byzantine forces joined with the rebels against the Normans in Southern Italy, achieving a string of rapid successes as a number of cities yielded either to the threat of force or to the lure of gold. But just as the war seemed decided in the allies' favour, things started to go wrong. The Greek commander Michael Palaeologus alienated some of his allies by his arrogance, and this stalled the campaign as rebel Count Robert of Loritello refused to speak to him. Although the two were reconciled, the campaign lost some of its momentum. Worse was to come: Michael was soon recalled to Constantinople. Although his arrogance had slowed the campaign, he was a brilliant general in the field, and his loss was a major blow to the allied campaign.

The turning point was the battle for Brindisi, where the Sicilians launched a major counterattack by both land and sea. At the approach of the enemy, the mercenaries who were serving in the allied armies demanded impossible increases in their pay; when these were refused, they deserted. Even the local barons started to melt away, and soon Adrian's Byzantine allies were left hopelessly outnumbered. The naval battle was decided in the Sicilians' favour, and the Byzantine commander was captured. The defeat at Brindisi put an end to the restored Byzantine reign in Italy,[13] and by 1158 the Byzantine Army had left Italy. Hopes for a lasting alliance with the Byzantine Empire had also come up against insuperable problems. Pope Adrian IV's conditions for a union between the eastern and western churches included recognition of his religious authority over Christians everywhere; the Emperor in turn required recognition of his secular authority. Neither East nor West could accept such conditions. Adrian's secular powers were too valuable to be surrendered and Manuel's subjects could never have accepted the authority of the distant Bishop of Rome.

In spite of his friendliness towards the Roman Church, Adrian never felt able to honour Manuel with the title of "Augustus". Ultimately, a deal proved elusive, and the two churches remained divided. Adrian IV and the Norman invasion of Ireland In 1155, three years after the Synod of Kells, Adrian IV published the Papal Bull Laudabiliter, which was addressed to the Angevin King Henry II of England. He urged Henry to invade Ireland to bring its church under the Roman system and to conduct a general reform of governance and society throughout the island. The authenticity of this grant, the historian Edmund Curtis says, is one of "the great questions of history." He states that the matter was discussed at a Royal Council at Winchester, but that Henry's mother, the Empress Matilda, had protested. In Ireland however, nothing seems to have been known of it, and no provision appears to have been made to defend against the prospect of Angevin Norman aggression, despite their westward expansion throughout England and Wales.[16] Ernest F. Henderson states that the existence of this Bull is doubted by many[17] while, in noting that its authenticity has been questioned without success, P. S.

O'Hegarty suggests that the question is now purely an academic one. It is notable that decisions of Pope Alexander III, his successor, Pope Lucius III, and King Henry VIII in proclaiming the Crown of Ireland Act 1542 were predicated on this document.[18] The Normans did invade Ireland, beginning with a small landing of Norman knights in 1169, followed by Henry's landing with a much larger force in 1171. Barbarossa and the death of Adrian IV At the diet of Besançon in October 1157, the legates presented to Frederick I a letter from Adrian IV which alluded to the beneficia or "benefits" conferred upon the Emperor, and the German chancellor translated this beneficia in the feudal sense of the presentation of property from a lord to a vassal (benefice). Frederick was infuriated by the suggestion that he was dependent on the Pope, and in the storm which ensued the legates were glad to escape with their lives, and the incident at length closed with a letter from the Pope, declaring that by beneficium he meant merely bonum factum or "a good deed," i.e. the coronation.

The breach subsequently became wider, and the Emperor was about to be excommunicated when Adrian died at Anagni on 1 September 1159,[11] reputedly choking on a fly in his wine, but probably of quinsy.[6] His biography was first written by Cardinal Boso in his extension to the Liber Pontificalis.[19] Memorials in Hertfordshire Among a group of modern houses in the village of Bedmond near St Albans is a small plaque recording the spot as his birthplace, historically in the parish of Abbots Langley. Today the village has several streets named after him, including Popes Road, Adrian Road and Breakspeare Road.[20] There is a Nicholas Breakspear Catholic School in St Albans. References Mackie, John Duncan (1907). Pope Adrian IV: The Lothian Essay, 1907. Blackwell. p. 2. The English Pope by George F. Tull Clark, Clive W. (1997). "Prologue". Abbots Langley Then 1760–1960.

143 Sussex Way, Cockfosters, Herts, EN4 0BG: Clive W. Clark. p. 1. ISBN 0-9531473-0-4. St Albans Cathedral Breakspear Farm was demolished for housing redevelopment in the 1960s. It stood at 51°43′8″N 0°24′41″W Hertfordshire Genealogy Mackie, John Duncan (1907). Pope Adrian IV: The Lothian Essay, 1907. Blackwell. p. 13. He is mentioned for the first time as abbot on 29 January 1147; his predecessor Fulchier appears for the last time in 1143. See Brenda Bolton, Anne Duggan, Adrian IV, the English Pope, 1154–1159: Studies and Texts, Ashgate Publishing, Ltd., 2003, p. 25 One or more of the preceding sentences incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain: Chisholm, Hugh, ed. (1911). "Adrian".

Encyclopædia Britannica 1 (11th ed.). Cambridge University Press. This cites: Herzog-Hauck, Realencyklopädie, 3rd ed. (excellent bibliography), and Wetzer and Welte, Kirchenlexikon, 2nd ed., under "Hadrian IV." Oliver J. Thatcher, Studies concerning Adrian IV. (The University of Chicago: Decennial Publications, 1st series, vol. iv., Chicago, 1903) R. Raby, Pope Adrian IV.: An Historical Sketch (London, 1849) A. H. Tarleton, Life of Nicholas Breakspear (London, 1896) Brenda Bolton, Anne Duggan, Adrian IV, the English Pope, 1154–1159: Studies and Texts, Ashgate Publishing, Ltd., 2003, p. 26, 42 and 75 Ua Clerigh, Arthur. "Pope Adrian IV." The Catholic Encyclopedia. Vol. 1. New York: Robert Appleton Company, 1907. 13 Jun.

2013 The protestant Reformation began in Norway during the 1520s, under King Christian III of Denmark. A late example of Nicholas Breakspear's influence is Scandinavia's most creative and forceful Counter-Reformation figure, the Jesuit Laurentius Nicolai Norvegicus (born Laurids Nielsen; c. 1539–1622), who attended Oslo Cathedral School in his youth. Burke, O.P., Very Rev. Thomas N. (1873). "1". English Misrule in Ireland: A Course of Lectures in Reply to J. A Froude 1. New York: Lynch, Cole & Meehan. p. 27. Curtis, Edmund (2002). A History of Ireland from Earliest Times to 1922. New York: Routledge. pp. 38–39. ISBN 0-415-27949-6. Avalon Project, Yale O’Hegarty, P. S. (1918). "1". The Indestructible Nation 1. Dublin & London: Maunsel & Company, Ltd. p. 3.

Wikisource-logo.svg "Boso (Breakspear)" in the 1913 Catholic Encyclopedia.. This source indicates that Boso was a cardinal-nephew of Adrian IV, but more recent sources say that this is incorrect (B. Zenker, Die Mitglieder des Kardinalkollegiums von 1130 bis 1159, Würzburg 1964 p. 149). Welch, Jon. "Nicholas Breakspear: The only English Pope", BBC News, 11 March 2013 External links Wikisource has original works written by or about: Adrian IV Nicolas Brakespeare. A very British Pope @ Ward's Book of Days POPE ADRIAN IV (1100–1159) BY T.

DUNCAN MACKIE (btm format) Catholic Church titles Pietro Papareschi Bishop of Albano 1149–1154 Succeeded by Nicholas Breakspear by bradymd - issuu issuu Ye Olden Times CORONATION OF ENGLISH POPE - ADRIAN IV F ollowing the death of ninety year old Pope Anastasius IV this month, the Cardinals of the Holy Roman Empire unanimously voted the highly successful Bishop and Cardinal Nicholas Breakspear to the position of Supreme Pontif, leader of the Catholic Church, born 1100 in Bedmond, Hertfordshire, England. King Henry II of England has sent his sincere best wishes to the new Pope and his family in Abbots Langley. The proud father is local man Richard de Camera, monk at our Benedictine Abbey of St. Albans. Nicholas studied at St Albans school. The Archdeacon of Canterbury, Thomas Beckett, who some say will be the future head of the Catholic church in England, has expressed his profound delight that such an honest and accomplished diplomat has achieved such heights. Nicholas left England in 1120 for France.

He took Holy orders becoming first Canon, then Prior, and then Abbot of the Augustinian Abbey of Saint-Ruf inAvignon . It was at Saint Ruf where he adopted the Latin name Hastifragus or Breakspeare. In 1149, Pope Eugenius III invited Nicholas to Rome where he became Bishop of Albano. This made him the second English Cardinal ever. From 1152 – 1154, with the Pope’s authority, he went to Scandinavia where for the first time the Norwegian church was allowed to organise themselves independently of Germany. Messages of congratulations are forthcoming from Frederick I of Germany, William of Sicily, and Henry II of England and from all over the world. 1 Modern Times - Local History and Heritage Nicholas Breakspear was born in Bedmond in 1100 near Abbots Langley, Hertfordshire. In Bedmond a plaque (below) marks the spot where he was born – this was to become Breakspear Farm which still contained parts of the original building were Nicholas lived. It became a place for pilgrim visitors and had a Holy Well which was said to cure eye problems.

Right is a picture of Breakspear Farm; demolished in the 1960s it had hidden rooms for priests, used when Catholicicsm was outlawed by Henry VIII. The farm was 96 acres in size. Behind the Farm was a well – it came to be known as the Holy Well - and in the gardens of the present houses there are remnant water springs. Holy Well at Breakspear Farm, painted by N.Trent RA, 1906 2 Born into the parish of Abbots Langley the church of St. Lawrence the Martyr is where Nicholas Breakspear was baptised and received Holy Communion. There is a commemorative plaque inside the church. “At Bedmond in this parish about the date of the building of this present church was born Nicholas Breakspear Pope Adrian IV (1154-1159) the only English Pope This tablet is erected by the Hertfordshire Historical Association 1924” This imposing bust below is across the road in the Catholic Church of St. Saviours.

“Nicholas Breakspear Born in the parish of Abbots Langley Elected to the Papacy as Pope Adrian IV reigning from 1154 to 1159” 3 A number of roads are named after the Pope in the centre of Abbots Langley. Bedmond is 3 miles from Hemel Hempstead, and the gateway to Hemel is marked by the landmark offices of Breakspear Park. The building of St Maryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s church began in 1150. 4 But Saint Albans has special links with Nicholas Breakspear. The Abbey as it stands today was being developed and completed around the time of his youth. His father had become a monk there. Nicholas Breakspear was to grant it enormous privileges which enabled it and the parishes around to prosper. There is a statue of Nicholas Breakspear on the High AlterÂ in St Albans Abbey. On the floor nearby is a slab which marks where his father, Robert of the Chamber, is buried alongside other important Abbots and notable persons at the time.

There are informative displays about Nicholas Breakspear in the Abbey which reflect the important role Nicholas played in securing itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s position in England as one of the foremost Abbeys of its time. 5 Further afield, 13 Miles from Bedmond we have Breakspear Crematorium in Hillingdon. And we have family descendents no less at the Brakspear Brewery in Oxford. Of course Nicholas Breaskspear has his place in Rome. He is buried beneath St Peters Basilica in the Vatican City. As pope Nicholas was known as Adrian IV or Hadrian. His tomb beneath St Peters Basilica is a sarcophagus of Egyptian granite marked as: HADRIANVS PAPA IIII . 6 Adjacent to his tomb, Nicholas’s service to Norway is remembered with gratitude by a plaque placed by the Royal Norwegian Society of Science. His Story Nicholas was Pope for 4 years 8 months and 28 days . Cardinal Boso in 1170 who worked with Adrian wrote his biography, and described him as follows.

“he was very kind, mild, and patient; accomplished in English and Latin, fluent in speech, polished in eloquence, an outstanding singer, and an excellent preacher; slow to anger and swift to forgive; a cheerful giver, lavish in alms, distinguished in every aspect of his character.” William of Newburgh writes in 1196-98: “handsome of body, smiling of face, prudent in words, and swift to carry out instructions, he pleased everyone.” Born in Bedmond he attended the school at St Albans and it’s likely he later studied at least briefly at Merton Priory in Surrey founded by Gilbert the Norman, senior Sheriff to King Henry. Merton Priory was certainly the most prestigious place of learning at the time – and con7 temporaries at the Priory included Saint Thomas à Becket and John of Salisbury. He did try to join the monastics of St Albans, but was famously turned down.

The monk Matthew Paris wrote (mid 13th Century) that when the Abbot went to Rome bearing gifts, silver, gold, 3 mitres and sandals, Nicholas said: “I refuse to receive your gifts because you refused to receive me when I once sought refuge under the wings of your church and asked in charity for the monastic habit.” The Abbot replied “My Lord, we were never able to receive you; for the will of God, whose providence directed your life to higher things, opposed it.” This was Norman (French) dominated England, and Nicholas thought it necessary to move to France to pursue his ambition. He eventually joined the Augustine order of Saint Ruf in France which were unusual in that they studied Roman law. He worked his way up to the position of Abbot at Avignon where he was to visit territories in Spain being reclaimed from the Muslim Moors. The Saint Ruf order was very active in turbulent Catalonia. He was to be of further service to Spain later on when he discouraged a planned invasion by French and English combined forces.

However, as successful as he was diplomatically, he wasn’t entirely popular as Abbot, a situation which was resolved as Pope Eugene III promoted him to the position of Cardinal Bishop of Albano south of Rome. He was sent by Pope Eugene to Scandinavia where he helped create independent Catholic regions, independent from Hamburg-Bremen, Germany. This was particularly popular and successful in Norway. Nicholas’s visit to Norway is regarded as a major event in that country’s medieval history. On arrival in Norway there was a potentially 8 dangerous dispute in the ruling hierarchy which he managed to mediate successfully. Of this mission it is said that he organized the Norwegian hierarchy which created a new nobility grounded in commerce and, with the help of the popular party, the Birkebeiner, consolidated royal power. With regard to this work he has been appreciatively referred to as the ‘Apostle of the North’. On his return to Rome, the then Pope, Anastasius IV died (1154) after a short reign, and Nicholas was unanimously voted in as his successor. It was a combination of his personal skills, his success in Norway and him being kept out of politics for two years which led to Nicholas being crowned leader of the Roman Catholic Church.

We cannot underestimate the power the Church yielded, so much more than today. The Papal authority could raise armies, it was hugely wealthy, exacting tribute from scores of kingdoms, and could make or break Kings. The Coronation of Nicholas Breakspear would have been a spectacular occasion, with great Pomp and with ambassadors at least present from far and wide. Adrian never forgot his roots. He helped St Albans Abbey to become one of the foremost monasteries in the country. The Abbey became independent of the usual church hierarchy and was put on a sound financial footing. He specifically included the supporting parishes in and around: Watford, Rickmansworth, Barnet, Langley, Redbourn, Codicote and more. The first delegation from the Abbey, as mentioned, was a little tense, but Nicholas accepted the ornate gifts of slippers and mitres sent from Lady Christina of Markyate. She was a highly regarded Nun, from an aristocratic family, she was betrothed but wanted a life of chastity devoted to God. She had apparitions of the Virgin Mary and Jesus at Markyate.

Helped by Geoffery of Dunstable, another famous local man of the time, she set up a thriving convent in Markyate which survived until the reformation of Henry VIII. 9 Not surprisingly, Nicholas received particular attention from King Henry II. Newly crowned Henry was a Norman King of England with ambitions. The legitimacy of Papal authority would help him politically to achieve his aims. Through the ambassador John of Salisbury, a monk who was to become a highly valued friend of Nicholas, he petitioned Adrian for permission to take Ireland. It’s likely that this permission was granted, perhaps as the Catholic church in Ireland at the time was out of line with Papal authority. The historic legality of this claim was that Emperor Contantine had given over all islands to the papacy. The legal document made between Adrian and Henry II is referred to as The Bull Laudabiliter. John of Salisbury crossed the alps ten times in total acting as go-between. John was one of the most learned and cultured men of his day. Another important figure at this time with local connections is Thomas Becket. Thomas in 1154 became Archdeacon of Canterbury.

In 1155 he took the post of Lord Chancellor to Henry II, a very important position inside the Kings inner circle. The Castle of Berkhamstead was given over to Thomas Becket at this time and he considerably rebuilt it and extended it. You can read about this at the Castle in Berkhamsted. The twelfth century was an extremely turbulent time. It was a time of ambitious expansion of the Normans for example in England and in Sicily. The German king Frederick Barbarossa (Redbeard) was ambitious to reclaim the title of Holy Roman Emperor in Europe. The Eastern Catholic Church, led by Greek Kings, were keen to reclaim coastal territory in Italy. It was a time of crusades also. Even the city of Rome was ready to oust papal authority from civil affairs with an independence movement. This was one of the first trials of Nicholas’s reign. Arnold of Bresica was a former canon who, with the support of 56 senators, established a Roman Republic. Arnold was a very accomplished man, a student of the famous Peter Abelard (as was John of Salisbury), he was essentially a reformist along the lines of protestants – though this was of course way before the reformation.

Nicholas had to use what powers he could to recover authority, without resorting to 10 violence, and at a suitable moment he proclaimed Rome unholy. This resulted in economic sanctions as Rome was a place of pilgrimage which led to Arnold being ousted from Rome and Adrian being asserted the leader of Rome. Arnold was soon to be hanged as Frederick Barbarossa’s forces reached Rome. This immediate tussle with Republicanism likely interfered with the timing of Adrian’s Coronation. The Pope reigning shortly before Adrian was Eugene III. He had agreed the Treaty of Constance (1153) which was essentially a pact with Frederick I Barbarossa of Germany. In return for being crowned Emperor by the Pope, he was to defend the interests of the Catholic Church, in particular against the Normans of Sicily, against Republicanism in Rome, and against Byzantine powers (Greek Kings wanting to reclaim coastal territory in Italy). Frederick marched down from Germany across the Alps, taking kingdoms and territories along the way. He didn’t make many friends along the way though, and Rome’s Republican elements were not happy when Adrian crowned him Emperor. However, Adrian had very little choice in the matter and certainly did what was necessary.

As Frederick was marching towards Rome, William of Sicily was also expecting to be endorsed by Adrian, but Adrian didn’t feel this was something he could do. William took up arms and invaded the papal territory of Benevento. Adrian excommunicated him. It was expected that Frederick would assist the Papal authorities to control William’s advances but this was not to be. Frederick’s forces were tired and spent in the heat of summer and had to retreat shortly afterwards. Adrian raised an army from Papal states and worked with Byzantine forces against William but quite soon they lost and Adrian had to make a truce that recognised Williams authority as King of Sicily and grant him rights over territory in Italy. It may seem strange that the pope worked with Byzantine forces, but Adrian hoped for a reunification of the east and western Christian churches (they had split in 1053), something that was not possible without giving away too much Papal au11 thority. Anyway, Adrian preferred to have the Greek Kings in the South than the Normans. The Byzantine forces were only interested in coastal towns. But with William I of Sicily soundly defeating the combined forces, Adrian had to acquiesce and endorse William’s position.

This was done with the Concordat of Benevento. At this time Adrian was under enormous pressure. Caught between the powers of Frederick I and William I and Republicans. Frederick was becoming more resentful and awkward in his dealings with Rome. There was also a fall-out were Frederick was accused by Adrian of not providing safe passage to Norwegian Bishops as they were trying to pass through Germany towards home. Frederick was also resentful of the new relationship with William of Sicily. There was talk of ex-communicating Frederick and it was at this point that Adrian unexpectedly died. Some say from a fly in wine, but more likely swollen tonsils (quinsey). Of course there is speculation. Mathew Paris writes: “A few days later, because the same Pope Adrian refused to create and consecrate as bishop the unworthy on of a certain powerful Roman citizen, he was ambushed, held, poisoned, and killed.” We can learn from his brief term as Pope that Adrian must have been a highly skilled diplomat and politician. We know he was fluent in English and Latin. He was brave, leading armies into battle at times. He was very courageous and not afraid of making difficult decisions.

An anecdote often recounted which sheds light on the character of Nicholas was when he met with Emperor Frederick the first time 9th June 1155. Frederick refused to submit to a protocol whereby he was to hold Adrian stirrups as he dismounted. Adrian refused to crown Frederick until he submitted. The cardinals fled in fear leaving Adrian unattended. After two days, 11th June, Frederick submitted and held the Pope’s stirrup. This gives us the measure of the determined and courageous nature of Nicholas Breakspear to carry out the authority bestowed on him. Although preoccupied by regional politics and the interests of the 12 Church during his short reign, Nicholas did manage to support Christian communities for peace wherever he could. He left a legacy which allowed for serfs (workers tied to the land by debt) to marry without the permission of their lord. This was passed into Church law. Hertfordshire and England is duly proud of the achievements of their son Nicholas Breakspear. Chronology of Significant Events 1053 - East-West schism in the Catholic Church. 1066 – The Norman Conquest of England.

1070 – Papal Legates of Pope Alexander confirm the legitimacy of William I of England. Norman Bishops replace English clergy. 1086 - Domesday book. 1100 Nicholas Breakspear born in Bedmond, near Abbots Langley. 1130 - Joins order of Saint Rufus (Saint Ruf) near Arles. 1145 - Promoted to Abbot of Saint Ruf monastery at Avignon. Visits to Catalonia to support church during conflicts with Moors. 1145 - Treaty of Constance between Pope Eugene and Frederick Barbarossa. 1150 - Pope Eugene III makes Nicholas Bishop of Albano in Rome. 1152 - Sent as Legal ambassador (legate) to the Pope in Scandinavia. 1154 - William I (the Bad) becomes King of Sicily 1154 - December 3rd - Elected Pope on his return from Scandinavia.

1154 - Thomas Becket became Archdeacon of Canterbury 1155 - January - Thomas Becket becomes Lord Chancellor 1155 - Palm Sunday, just before Easter - Rome under interdict against Republican forces 1155 - June - Arnold Bressica hanged and his remains burned at the stake 1155 - 18th June - Adrian crowns Frederick I Barbarossa Emperor of Holy Roman Empire in St Peters Basilica 1155 - Frederick’s army are spent and cannot pursue William of Sicily. 1155 - Papal Bull Laudabiliter granting control of Ireland to Henry II of England. 1156 - June - peace made with William of Sicily after defeat of combined Byzantine and Papal forces. Concordat of Benevento. 13 1157-59 - General deterioration in relations between Pope Adrian IV and Emperor Frederick. 1157 - September – mild rebuke to Frederick for inaction over the detention of Archibishop Eskil of Lund by a robber baron. Frederick did not like the ecclesiastical changes detaching Scandinavia from Hamburg-Bremen.

1159 – Wrote to strongly discourage Louis VII and Henry II from a joint crusade in Spain. He asked them to seek the advice of the princes and people of the area first – in other words to act on invitation, which they clearly were not. 1159 - September 1st - Nicholas Breakspear, Pope Adrian IV dies at Anagni. The Emperor Frederick sends an emissary to the funeral 1215 - Magna Carta References Adrian IV, the English Pope, 1154-1159: Studies and Texts edited by Brenda Bolton, Ann Dugan.(2003) Nicholas Breakspear: The Pope from England by Simon Webb (2009) - Available £3.99 at St Albans Abbey shop. Adrian IV by Richard Raby (1849) - Available from Project Gutenberg. Thank-you to Abbots Langley Local History Society for pictures of the Well and Farm. Compiled by M. and F.

Brady summer 2013 14 Election of Pope Adrian IV | History Today Election of Pope Adrian IV The only Englishman ever to be Pope, Nicholas Breakspear was elected on December 4th, 1154. Pope Adrian IV Nicholas Breakspear spent most of his life outside England. Born in humble circumstances at Abbots Langley in Hertfordshire, perhaps about 1100, he studied in Paris and became a canon regular of St Rufus near Avignon. He rose to be abbot and his abilities attracted the notice of Pope Eugenius III, who made him a cardinal and sent him to reorganise the church in Scandinavia. He was strikingly successful and was chosen to be pope in succession to Anastasius IV. It was not an easy time. In Rome itself the Vicar of Christ had to contend with a revolt led by Arnold of Brescia, demanding an end to the temporal power of the papacy. The new Pope laid the city under an interdict and Arnold was hanged. There were problems with the Normans in the south and with the Holy Roman Emperor, Frederick Barbarossa.

Adrian crowned him in 1155, but Frederick left the Pope in no doubt that as Emperor of Rome he intended to control Rome, and when they first met he ostentatiously refused the usual courtesy of holding the Pope’s stirrup. From an English or Irish point of view, however, the principal interest of Adrian’s papacy is the bull Laudabiliter, which apparently gave Henry II of England papal approval for the conquest of Ireland. In 1155 or 1156 an old friend of the Pope’s, named John of Salisbury, who was secretary to the Archbishop of Canterbury, Theobald of Bec, arrived in Rome on a mission for his master. Canterbury had lost its former jurisdiction over Irish bishops and it was in Canterbury’s interest to depict the Irish as savages in need of a firm, correcting hand.

‘In response to my petition,’ John later reported, ‘the Pope granted and donated Ireland to the illustrious king of England, Henry, to be held by him and his successors’ and ‘sent the king a gold ring, set with a magnificent emerald, as a sign that he had invested the king with the right to rule Ireland.’ Henry’s conquest of Ireland had to wait until the 1170s, but the story was repeated in the following decade by Gerald of Wales, who provided the flowery text of the papal bull in his Expugnatio Hibernica (‘The Conquest of Ireland’). ‘Laudably and profitably does your magnificence contemplate extending your glorious name on earth,’ it began, and went on to commend Henry’s intention ‘to enlarge the boundaries of the Church’ and ‘to expound the truth of the Christian faith to ignorant and barbarous peoples’. The Pope was pleased to agree that ‘you may enter that island and perform therein the things that have regard to the honour of God and the salvation of that land...’Whether the document was genuine or a forgery has been hotly disputed, but most authorities tend to accept that Rome issued it or something like it.

Adrian meanwhile had died at Anagni, near Rome, in 1159. Breakspear, Nicholas - definition of Breakspear, Nicholas by The Free Dictionary Breakspear, Nicholas - definition of Breakspear, Nicholas by The Free Dictionary (Biography) original name Nicholas Breakspear. ?1100–59, the only English pope (1154–59) Adrian n. (Nicholas Breakspear), c1100–59, pope 1154–59: the only English pope. Want to thank TFD for its existence? Tell a friend about us , add a link to this page, or visit the webmaster's page for free fun content . Link to this page: Copyright © 2003-2017 Farlex, Inc Disclaimer All content on this website, including dictionary, thesaurus, literature, geography, and other reference data is for informational purposes only. This information should not be considered complete, up to date, and is not intended to be used in place of a visit, consultation, or advice of a legal, medical, or any other professional.

Question: What papal name was taken by Nicholas Breakspear, the only English Pope?
Answer: ADRIAN IV