Hildebert of Lavardin

Hildebert of Lavardin (1056–1133), poet and canonist. Elected Bp. of Le Mans in 1096, he continued the building of his cathedral (consecrated in 1120), expelled Henry of Lausanne from his diocese, and probably took part in the First Lateran Council of 1123. In 1125 he became Abp. of Tours. He is famous chiefly for his literary works, which were regarded as a model of elegant style in the Middle Ages. Not all those attributed to him are genuine.

Hildebert of Lavardin , c.1056-1133, French churchman, bishop of Le Mans (1096-1125), and archbishop of Tours (1125-33). He was taken prisoner when Le Mans was captured (1099) by William II of England and was carried away to England, where he spent a year. When he was at Tours he came into conflict with Louis VI of France over the king's supposed right to present the deanery of Tours. Hildebert attended the First Lateran Council. He completed the cathedral at Le Mans. He was one of the most prolific writers of his period; especially noteworthy are his Latin hymns and poems. He wrote several elegies, a mythological poem on the destruction of Troy, lives of St. Hugh of Cluny and St. Mary of Egypt, and miscellaneous works, such as an interpretation of the Mass.