Book Series Medieval Church Studies, vol. 17

Law and Practice in the Age of Reform

The Legatine Work of Hugh of Die (1073-1106)

Kriston R. Rennie

  • Pages: 246 p.
  • Size:156 x 234 mm
  • Illustrations:3 tables b/w.
  • Language(s):English
  • Publication Year:2010

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  • ISBN: 978-2-503-53190-8
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  • ISBN: 978-2-503-57221-5
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Offering a rare and first-hand account of law and practice in the late eleventh century, this book examines the legatine work of the most active, itinerant, and influential members of the eleventh-century church reform movement in France: Hugh (Hugo), bishop of Die (1073-82), archbishop of Lyons (1082-1106), and papal legate to Gregory VII (1075-85) and Urban II (1094-99).

Review(s)

"(...) the general narrative that Rennie offers about Hugh of Die/Lyon contains valuable information." (Robert Somerville, in: Journal of Ecclesiastical History, Vol. 64/1, January 2013, p. 144-146)

Summary

In reconstructing Hugh of Die’s legatine and conciliar activity, this book offers intriguing new arguments about the many relevant and often confused issues surrounding eleventh-century legates, councils, and the law – three inextricable components of church reform and administration. Hugh’s efforts in promulgating and disseminating reform in France in the 1070s, 1080s, and 1090s were shaped significantly by his council activity. The manner in which he conducted this business sheds light on every aspect of his work, revealing not only his personal interpretation and application of the law, but also his vigour in suppressing clerical marriage, the selling of church offices, lay investiture, and the gravity with which he conducted his duties as legate. New light is cast on Hugh’s personality and achievements by looking at the nature and influence of his legatine and legal activity in France, qualities that can only be appreciated in light of the ferment of activity during Gregory VII’s pontificate. The dialectical relationship between reform and law in eleventh-century France is a recurring theme throughout this investigation, illustrating in more demonstrable terms the flow of ecclesiastical business between the papal court in Rome and France and vice versa.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

CONTENTS

Acknowledgements ix

List of Abbreviations xi

Chapter 1: Introduction 1

Chapter 2: Hugh of Die: Bishop, Archbishop, and Legate 23

Chapter 3: The Legatine Office under Gregory VII 53

Chapter 4: Law and Reform: Theory and Practice 87

Chapter 5: Legatine Education and Training 105

Chapter 6: Towards Reform in France 123

Chapter 7: Conclusion 199

Appendix 1: Hugh of Die’s Legatine Councils 209

Appendix 2: Hugh of Die’s Correspondence 211

Appendix 3: Reforming ‘Gregorian’ Legates 219

Bibliography 223

Index 241