Pope Adrian IV
?–1159 CE · Abbots Langley, near St Albans
Nicholas Breakspear, born near St Albans in England, remains the only Englishman to become pope. After studying in France he rose through the abbey of Saint-Ruf in Provence to become its abbot, then cardinal-bishop of Albano and a papal legate to Scandinavia, where he reorganized the northern church. Elected in 1154, Adrian IV confronted the Roman commune, executing Arnold of Brescia, and crowned Frederick Barbarossa emperor amid disputes over precedence that foreshadowed bitter conflict. The contested document Laudabiliter, purportedly granting Ireland to Henry II of England, is attributed to him though its authenticity is debated. He died at Anagni in 1159.
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Abbots Langley, near St Albans
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About Abbots Langley, near St Albans
Abbots Langley, a village in Hertfordshire near St Albans, England. It was the birthplace of Nicholas Breakspear, who became Pope Adrian IV—the only English pope.
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