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Adrian IV

Type Figure Region Rome Time c. 1100–1159 Also known as Nicholas Breakspear

Adrian IV (c. 1100–1159), born Nicholas Breakspear, was the only English pope, reigning from 1154 to 1159 and crowning Frederick Barbarossa.

Timeline

  1. c. 1100–1146England · EnglandBreakspear came from humble origins in England, was educated at a French monastery and rose to become abbot, known for strict discipline and laying the basis for his later employment by the papacy.
  2. 1147–1150Scandinavia · ScandinaviaSent by Pope Eugene III, Breakspear went to northern Europe as papal legate to reform church order, mediate succession disputes and strengthen ties between the Scandinavian churches and the Roman curia, earning the trust of the papacy.
  3. 1151–1154Rome · LazioAfter returning to Rome he was made cardinal bishop and took part in curial government; elected pope in 1154, he took the name Adrian IV, becoming the first and so far only English pope.
  4. 1154–1159Rome · LazioDuring his reign Adrian IV crowned Frederick I Holy Roman Emperor, handled affairs with the Kingdom of Sicily, Byzantium and the northern churches, and issued a bull concerning missionary rights in Ireland; he died at Anagni in 1159.

Sources