Robert Grosseteste (~1170 AD – October 9, 1253 AD) was an English bishop, philosopher, theologian, and scientist. He is considered one of the most important intellectuals of medieval England and a key figure in the development of Western scientific thought. And before we go any further, his name means ‘Robert Bighead’ due to his large head and smallish body, so get your thinking straight. He is also known as Robert of Lincoln.
Born in Suffolk, England, (northeast of London), Grosseteste came from humble beginnings but studied at Oxford and possibly Paris, where he became deeply involved in theology, natural philosophy, and the study of optics, mathematics, and astronomy.
Before becoming a bishop, Grosseteste had a life. He was a teacher at the University of Oxford, where he played a key role in advancing the study of Aristotle and other Greek philosophers, by translating their works from Greek (which hardly anyone knew by then) into Latin, particularly their works on natural philosophy. Grosseteste was one of the first medieval scholars to emphasize the importance of empirical observation and mathematics in studying the natural world. One of Grosseteste’s significant scientific contributions was in optics, using mathematics to explain the rainbow.
One of his most important theological writings was his commentary on the biblical ‘Hexaëmeron’ - the six days of creation in the Book of Genesis. In this work, Grosseteste argued that light was the first and most fundamental element of creation, reflecting the divine nature of God. He wrote a treatise called De Luce (‘On Light’), which examined the nature of light and its role in the creation of the universe, integrating science and theology. He believed that the universe began with a flash of light that expanded and then solidified into matter, a concept strikingly similar to modern Big Bang theory.
Finally, in 1235, when he was sixty five years old, Grosseteste was appointed Bishop of Lincoln, the largest diocese in England at the time. This was quite a position for someone who had not really ‘grown up’ in the Church. He didn’t understand politics but he did understand science, order and process. He used his position to reform the clergy and advocate for moral and administrative reform within the Church. He insisted on stricter discipline for priests and bishops, focusing on the need for clergy to live pious lives and be adequately educated. He issued detailed regulations aimed at improving the behavior and spiritual practices of his clergy. He believed bishops should be deeply involved in the spiritual lives of their congregations, setting an example of moral and pastoral leadership. Grosseteste was known for visiting parishes throughout his diocese to ensure the quality of preaching, the administration of sacraments, and the spiritual well-being of his flock. Basically he came down like a ton of bricks.
Grosseteste’s reform efforts were not just focused on the clergy but also extended to defending the autonomy of the English Church from both royal and papal overreach. He insisted on the freedom of the Church to govern its own affairs, particularly in appointments and discipline, and was critical of external interference, whether from secular or papal authorities. This was bound to make waves because, if you remember your Thomas Becket, the crimes of/to/by members of the Church were Church business. Mind your manners. Hands off.
He also was personally involved with some events that tarnish his image. He was involved in enthusiastically driving out the Jews in Leicester, forcing them into ghettos and controlling their livelihood (an approved practice of the 13th century papacy). He drove the prostitutes out of Lincoln, and used his ‘visitations’ to condemn plays, drunken parties, close Sunday markets (much like Jesus throwing out the vendors from the Temple), and generally making life for the average person either a little more miserable or a lot more miserable. He tried to make juries swear about the sins of their neighbors under oath so that the sinners could be punished. This was stopped but it has the air of Inquisition about it.
Patron Saint!
Well, no. He was put up for sainthood a couple times but to no avail. He is often remembered for his deep faith, commitment to church reform, and intellectual rigor. Although Grosseteste was a loyal servant of the Church, he was also a vocal critic of certain papal practices. His outspoken opposition to papal abuses, particularly the practice of appointing unqualified foreigners to high positions in the English Church, may have hindered his canonization.
Fun Facts!
All during Robert’s life, England was in turmoil. King John’s disputes with the barons resulted in the Magna Carta but it was not truly enacted by the monarchy. Bad blood continued. Battles were fought. King John corks off and his son, Henry III, a minor, continues the battling on the advice of his advisors. There is a huge battle near Lincoln, descriptively called the Battle of Lincoln, that finally kicks out Prince Louis of France, who was trying to snatch the throne. Other bad stuff happened all the time. The life of Robert Grosseteste and the people of England at the time was full of strife, war, conflict between Rome and London, competing rivals for the throne of England, the works.
The average life expectancy for boys born to landowning families in medieval England was 31.3 years. However, men who survived to age 25 could expect to live until they were about 51 years old. Robert lasted until he was 78. Females and babies, not so much.