Ralph d'Escures, archbishop of Canterbury (d.1122)
- Biography
- Ralph d'Escures (sometimes as 'de Turbine) was the son of Seffrid d'Escures and his first wife, Rascendis. He had at least one sister, who had at least one son. They may have been related to the lords of Bellême and held lands in Alençon. Ralph became a monk of St Martin of Sées around 1078, allegedly at the age of ten years old. He became sub-prior there, becoming prior in 1088. The following year he became abbot and remained in that office for sixteen years. He was in England in 1102 and again in September 1104. He seems to have been back in England in 1107, appearing in the household of Archbishop Anselm of Canterbury (d. 1109). On 9 August 1108, he was consecrated as bishop of Rochester. He was installed as archbishop of Canterbury on 16 May 1114, being enthroned on 27 June 1115, after which he appointed his nephew, John, as archdeacon. In September 1116, he left for Rome, spending Christmas at Lyons, and finally reaching Rome in March 1117. He remained on the continent until 4 January 1120. He died on 20 October 1122 and was buried in Canterbury Cathedral on 23 October.
M. Brett, 'Ralph d'Escures', ODNB, xviii, 592-95; [http://www.oxforddnb.com/view/articleHL/23047]
- Floruits
- 1120 × 1121
- Related Place
- Canterbury