Odo of Bayeux

Timeline

1. c. 1030–1049Normandy · NormandyOdo was the son of Herleva, Duchess of Normandy, and half-brother of William. In his youth he received an ecclesiastical education in preparation for his future role as bishop.
2. 1049–1082Bayeux · CalvadosHe became Bishop of Bayeux in 1049, also holding secular authority over the county. In 1066 he led Norman forces at the Battle of Hastings, and after the conquest he was granted English estates including the Earldom of Kent. During this period he may have sponsored the production of the Bayeux Tapestry to commemorate the conquest.
3. 1082–1097Bayeux · CalvadosIn 1082 he was imprisoned by William on charges of treason and released after William's death in 1087. In 1096–1097 he planned to join the Crusades but fell ill near Palermo and died en route. Despite being imprisoned in the 1080s, he remained an important figure in Norman political memory.