Roman Catholic figure. Although little is known about his youth, he was apparently a clerk before the death of his wife, which led to his application to the monastery of St Albans in Hertfordshire where he was accepted as a lay-brother in the abbey, at which time he effectively abandoned his young son, Nicholas, who was supported for several years by the receipt of alms which were given to the local poor at the abbey gatehouse. Eventually, Breakspear took his vows becoming a monk while his son, then in his late teens, also applied to the abbey and was refused due to his lack of education. While Breakspear, remained in the abbey, his son, undeterred, traveled to the continent to study, eventually taking holy orders himself. Breakspear died about 1110, his son, however, rose in the church, eventually becoming the first and, to date, only English born Pope, serving from 1154 to 1159 as Adrian IV. Their name has also been spelled Brekespear and Brakespear.
Roman Catholic figure. Although little is known about his youth, he was apparently a clerk before the death of his wife, which led to his application to the monastery of St Albans in Hertfordshire where he was accepted as a lay-brother in the abbey, at which time he effectively abandoned his young son, Nicholas, who was supported for several years by the receipt of alms which were given to the local poor at the abbey gatehouse. Eventually, Breakspear took his vows becoming a monk while his son, then in his late teens, also applied to the abbey and was refused due to his lack of education. While Breakspear, remained in the abbey, his son, undeterred, traveled to the continent to study, eventually taking holy orders himself. Breakspear died about 1110, his son, however, rose in the church, eventually becoming the first and, to date, only English born Pope, serving from 1154 to 1159 as Adrian IV. Their name has also been spelled Brekespear and Brakespear.
Bio by: Iola
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