Theobald, Archbishop of Canterbury

Theobald, archbishop of Canterbury was born in Normandy, the year of his birth not being known. He was the third archbishop supplied to the Church of England by the celebrated abbey of Bee. He was appointed prior in 1127, and ten years afterwards was elected abbot. In 1138 he was invited to England by king Stephen and his queen, Matilda. He was consecrated archbishop of Canterbury in 1139. It reflects credit upon the character of Theobald that in that rude and boisterous age, his residence became the centre of all the learning and ability of the kingdom. "For two generations several of the most distinguished men in the country could refer to the happy hours they had passed at Tleobald's court." He appears to have been banished by the king at one time, but lie returned to England, and matters were again set right. The last time Theobald appeared in public was at the consecration of Richard Peche, bishop of Lichfield. He was to infirm to officiate, but witnessed the consecration. He died April 18, 1161. See Hook, Lives of the Archbishops of Canterbury, 2:322 sq.