Difference between revisions of "Nigel Of Ely"

Nigel Of Ely <ref name="term_53244" />  

<p> an English ecclesiastic of the 12th century, was a native of Normandy. His uncle [[Roger]] was bishop of [[Salisbury]] and chancellor of England, while his brother [[Alexander]] was bishop of Lincoln. He is said to have studied under [[Anselm]] of Laon. Appointed treasurer of king [[Henry]] I, he gained the favor of that prince, who at the death of Hervey presented him with the bishopric of Ely. Nigel was subsequently elected by the clergy, but not caring to assume the charge of governing his diocese he remained at court. English ecclesiastical writers give an unfavorable account of his morals. In order to live in grand style he despoiled the churches and convents, and his conduct drew severe rebukes from Thomas, archbishop of Canterbury. After the death of Henry, [[Stephen]] ascended the throne, and he showed himself less partial to Nigel, who then took part in various conspiracies of the lords against Stephen. His goods were sequestered, and he himself was banished from the kingdom. Being allowed to return he resumed his office, but was interdicted by [[Adrian]] IV for new excesses, and died May 30, 1169. Nigel had a natural son named Richard, who was afterwards bishop of London. It is known that one of the great cares of [[Gregory]] VII had been the reform of the manners of the English episcopate. What is related to us of Nigel proves sufficiently that this reform had not then been effected. See Hist. litter. de la France, 13:403; Anglia Sacra, 1:97; Angl. hist. script. 1:266; Piper, Monumental Theology, 78; Inett, Hist. of the Eng. Ch. Vol. ii, bk. ix, 10,16, and 19. </p>

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