Richard of Dover

Richard of Dover was a significant figure in the English Church, serving as the Archbishop of Canterbury from 1173 until his death in 1184. A Benedictine monk, Richard's tenure was characterized by both administrative challenges and notable contributions to ecclesiastical law and diplomacy.

Life and Historical Context

Born in Normandy, Richard became a monk at Canterbury and served as a chaplain to Archbishop Theobald of Bec. He was a colleague of Thomas Becket and, immediately before Becket's death, was tasked with an unsuccessful diplomatic mission. Following Becket's martyrdom, Richard took charge of his body and ensured his burial in Canterbury Cathedral. His own election as archbishop in 1173 was contentious, involving appeals to Rome to address charges of simony and illegitimate birth, which were ultimately dismissed. He was consecrated by Pope Alexander III in 1174.

Key Contributions and Disputes

Richard's archiepiscopacy was marked by significant disputes. He clashed with Roger de Pont L'Evêque, the Archbishop of York, over the primacy of the English Church, leading to a violent incident at a council in London. He also engaged in a jurisdictional dispute with the abbot of St. Augustine's Abbey, which was eventually settled by the papacy. In contrast to Becket's more confrontational stance, Richard maintained better relations with King Henry II and was frequently employed on diplomatic missions, including escorting Henry's daughter Joan to her marriage in Sicily and undertaking business in Flanders.

Legacy

Richard of Dover is particularly remembered for his patronage of canon lawyers, attracting figures like Gerard la Pucelle and Peter of Blois to his household. His engagement with legal matters led to four of his questions to Pope Alexander III being incorporated into the influential Decretals and other 13th-century canon law collections, thereby advancing the study of canon law in England. Although some historians have described him as a "feeble and ineffective person" or a "blameless mediocrity," his efforts in promoting canon law and his diplomatic service were substantial. He was also known for his capable stewardship of Canterbury's estates and was considered a pious and gentle man.