Theobald of Bec

Theobald of Bec, French Thibaut du Bec OSB (* around 1090 in Thierville, † 18 April 1161 in Canterbury) was Archbishop of Canterbury from 1138 to 1161. He was of Norman descent.

He entered the Benedictine Abbey of Le Bec early, where he became a priest in 1127 and an abbot ten years later. In 1138 King Stephan, as Archbishop of Canterbury, placed him in the highest English church office.

Obviously, he owed this vocation to his gentle character. As an archbishop, he showed a moderate leadership that stood in striking contrast to that of his rival, Henry of Blois, the bishop of Winchester. During the battles between King Stephan and Empress Matilda, it was Bishop Henry who fought for the privileges of the Church. Theobald, however, took sides for the de facto ruler, Stephan.

In the Treaty of Winchester, King Stephan recognized the succession of Henry, the son of Empress Mathilde, so that Theobald crowned King of England in 1154 after Stephen's death. Theobald then became his trusted chancellor, but could not fully exert his influence because of his vulnerable health. He placed the interests of the Church in the hands of his Archdeacon Thomas Becket, whom he also recommended to Henry as Chancellor.

After the death of Theobald, Heinrich Becket appointed Archbishop.

The church of St-Thibault de Saint-Thibault, the cathedral of Thann, or the Theobaldic chapel was consecrated to him. Single-level Edit source text Standard data (person): GND: 100961916 (PICA, AKS) | VIAF: 290499571 Wikipedia People Search

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