Gilbert of Sempringham
Gilbert of Sempringham was an English Catholic who founded the Gilbertine Order, the only medieval English order. He is remembered for establishing this unique double monastery, which housed both canons regular and nuns, a practice contrary to canonical norms. Despite initial resistance from Cistercian abbeys, he successfully organized his order and established numerous convents.
- Feast Day
- 4 February
- Century
- 12th century
- Country Or Region
- England
Key Facts
- ›Gilbert was born in Sempringham, Lincolnshire, the son of an Anglo-Norman lord and an Anglo-Saxon mother.
- ›He studied theology in France, possibly at the University of Paris, and later became a clerk in the household of the Bishop of Lincoln.
- ›In 1131, he founded the Gilbertine Order and established a dwelling and cloister for nuns at Sempringham.
- ›He approached the Cistercians for assistance in 1148, but they refused due to the inclusion of women in his order.
- ›Gilbert was found innocent of charges of aiding Thomas Becket in 1165.
- ›He resigned his office due to blindness and died at Sempringham around 1190.
Gilbertines
About Gilbert of Sempringham
Gilbert of Sempringham (c. 1085 – 4 February 1189) was an English Catholic priest and the founder of the Gilbertine Order. He holds the distinction of being the only medieval Englishman to establish a conventual religious order. His life and work were dedicated to creating a unique monastic community that accommodated both men and women.
Life and Historical Context
Born at Sempringham in Lincolnshire, Gilbert was the son of an Anglo-Norman lord and an Anglo-Saxon mother. His father, Jocelin, steered him away from a military career, sending him to study theology in France, possibly at the University of Paris or under Anselm of Laon. Upon his return in 1120, he became a clerk in the household of Robert Bloet, Bishop of Lincoln, and later founded a school. He was ordained by Bloet's successor, Alexander, but famously refused the archdeaconry of Lincoln, viewing it as a path to perdition. His father granted him the churches of Sempringham and West Torrington, and in 1129, Gilbert became vicar of both.
The Gilbertine Order
Following his father's death in 1130, Gilbert inherited the lordships of Sempringham and West Torrington. In 1131, he founded the Gilbertine Order. With the support of Bishop Alexander, he established a dwelling and cloister for nuns at Sempringham, north of St Andrew's Church. He later sought assistance from the Cistercians in 1148 to organize his group of nuns and lay brothers and sisters, but they refused due to his inclusion of women in the order. Eventually, he established twenty-six convents, monasteries, and missions. A custom known as "the plate of the Lord Jesus" developed, where the best portions of meals were shared with the poor.
Later Life and Veneration
In 1165, Gilbert was accused of aiding Thomas Becket but was ultimately found innocent. He received the backing of Pope Alexander III in 1174 when some of his lay brothers revolted. Gilbert resigned his office late in life due to blindness and died at Sempringham around 1190. He was canonized by Pope Innocent III in 1202. His feast day is observed on February 4th. The Gilbertine Order, his sole legacy, thrived until its dissolution under King Henry VIII. While influenced by continental models, it did not maintain a foothold in Europe. Several primary schools in England bear his name, including those in Pointon, Stamford, and Winton.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Gilbert of Sempringham?
Gilbert of Sempringham was an English Catholic who lived from approximately 1085 to 1189. He is best known as the founder of the Gilbertine Order, the only religious order of English origin established during the Middle Ages.
What was the Gilbertine Order?
The Gilbertine Order was a unique religious order founded by Gilbert of Sempringham. It was a double monastery, meaning it housed both canons regular (male clergy) and nuns (women). This structure was unusual and contrary to canonical practice at the time.
Why is Gilbert of Sempringham significant?
Gilbert is significant because he was the only medieval Englishman to found a conventual order. He successfully organized and established a chain of twenty-six convents, monasteries, and missions, creating a distinct English religious tradition.
When was Gilbert of Sempringham canonized?
Gilbert of Sempringham was canonized in 1202 by Pope Innocent III. His feast day is celebrated on February 4th.
What happened to the Gilbertine Order?
The Gilbertine Order thrived until the dissolution of the monasteries under King Henry VIII in the 16th century. Although influenced by continental models, it did not maintain a foothold in Europe.
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