Biography
Biography
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Adrian (IV, Pope)

 Born1100   Born AtAbbots Langley, England
 Died1 September 1159  Buried AtSt. Peter's Rome
 Born1100 / Abbots Langley, England
 Died1 September 1159 / St. Peter's Rome
Adrian IV was the Pope from 1154 to 1159. He was the only English Pope and his real name was Nicholas Breakspear. Adrian was born in England but went to Arles in France to perform his religious studies. Adrian became an Augustinian monk at a monastery at St. Rufus near Avignon in the southern France. He remained there for some time and became its abbot. His skills were recognised and was elevated to the position of bishop at Albano, a small distance from Rome. Adrian became a papal legate, a deputy who represented the Pope and sent on missions as an ambassador or messenger. It was on a mission to Scandinavia that Adrian's talents as a negotiator and organiser were also recognised. In 1154 Adrian was elected to the position of Pope. A Papal Bull issued by Adrian allowed King Henry II to attack and rule Ireland. After his death in 1159 an argument caused a schism, or split with the Church, as to who should become the next Pope.

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Fantasy image of Henry (II, King of England 1154-1189)
Henry (II, King of England 1154-1189)
Fantasy image of Baldwin (III, King of Jerusalem 1143-1162)
Baldwin (III, King of Jerusalem 1143-1162)
Fantasy image of Stephen (of Blois, king of England 1135-1154)
Stephen (of Blois, king of England 1135-1154)
Fantasy image of Malcolm (IV, Scottish King 1153-1165)
Malcolm (IV, Scottish King 1153-1165)
Fantasy image of Louis (VII, The Young, King of France, 1137-1180)
Louis (VII, The Young, King of France, 1137-1180)
Fantasy image of Adela (of Champagne)
Adela (of Champagne)

 

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 Adrian (IV, Pope) (b.1100 - d.1159)
 Adrian (IV, Pope) (b.1100 - d.1159)

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Timeline

1137(Age: 37yrs)

After leaving Paris and the Arles, Breakspear travelled to Avignon where he joined the abbey of St. Ruf or Rufus. After a short time he was elected has abbot. But Breakspear's rigid adherent to his principles led him to become unpopular with the monks. Pope Eugenius III was informed and so Breakspear was promoted to the post of Bishop of Albano. [1]

1152(Age: 52yrs)

Breakspear advanced quickly in reputation and was chosen as the papel Legate to Scandinavia, giving him the authority to settle the affairs of the Church in Norway and Sweden.  [1]

1154(Age: 54yrs)

After the death of Pope Eugenius III, Nicholas Breakspear was chosen as the new Pope and chose the name Adrian.

1155(Age: 55yrs)

A plan to conquer Ireland was approved by Pope Adrian IV in a Papal Bull (a formal proclamation issued by the Pope) called Laudabiliter.

Barbarossa was crowned as emperor by Pope Adrian IV in Rome. [1]

1159(Age: 59yrs)

Alexander III was elected to the position of Pope after the death of Adrian IV. Alexander was supported by the English and the French, but the Germans supported and elected a second Pope known as Octavian.

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Selection of references used:

  • 1: None, Church Quarterly Review, April 1897

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