← Explore on the interactive map

Stephen Harding

Type Figure Region England Time c. 1060–1134 Also known as Étienne Harding

Stephen Harding (c. 1060–1134), an Englishman from Sherborne, was the third abbot of Cîteaux (c. 1108–1133).…

Timeline

  1. c. 1060–1097Sherborne · DorsetHarding was educated at the Benedictine house of Sherborne in Dorset, then traveled to Scotland, France, and Italy, encountering Cluniac reform and new monastic ideals, before finally arriving in Burgundy.
  2. 1098–1118Cîteaux · BurgundyIn 1098 he followed Robert of Molesme and others to Cîteaux to establish a separate reform monastery; after Robert and Alberic successively died, he became third abbot around 1108/09, insisting on a strict interpretation of the Rule of Saint Benedict.
  3. 1119–1134Cîteaux · BurgundyAround 1119 the Charter of Charity was confirmed by Pope Callixtus II, regulating motherhouse visitation and general chapters. Bernard joined in 1113 and founded Clairvaux in 1115. Harding stepped down in 1133 and died on March 28 the following year.

Sources