Osbert of Clare, prior of Westminster (d.c.1158)
- Biography
- Osbert of Clare described himself of being of noble ancestry, being related to Athelwold, canon of Nostell and first bishop of Carlisle, and Henry, a monk at Westminster. He had two nieces, Cecilia and Margaret, daughters of his sister, who were nuns at Barking (Essex). He also described himself as having been born at or of the castle of Clare, which would connect him to Count Gilbert of Brionne. He probably was educated at Westminster as a child and was elected prior of Westminster after 1117 or 1118, following the death of Abbot Gilbert, and later was elected abbot. This election though was disputed in 1121 by Henry I, who preferred Herbert, almoner of Westminster. Osbert was thus exiled to Ely and was back in Westminster by 1134. He is last recorded in 1158. Between 1127 and 1134, he was involved in the foundation of a house of canonesses at Kilburn (Middlesex). http://www.oxforddnb.com/view/article/5442
- Related Place
- Westminster