Pope Adrian IV

NAME: Pope Adrian IV, also known as Hadrian IV or Nicholas Breakspear

WHAT FAMOUS FOR: The only Englishman to have been pope and the issuer of the controversial bull Laudabiliter, which granted Ireland to Henry II of England

BIRTH: Around 1100 in Abbots Langley, Hertfordshire, England

FAMILY BACKGROUND: Son of Robert Breakspear, a clerk in the service of the abbot of St Albans. There is limited information available about his mother and siblings.

CHILDHOOD: Little is known, but Nicholas was rejected by the monastery of St Albans when he applied to become a monk

EDUCATION: Nicholas studied law in Arles and theology at the Abbey of St Ruf near Avignon, where he became a canon regular and later an abbot.

CAREER RECORD: Appointed cardinal bishop of Albano by Pope Eugenius III in 1150

Sent as papal legate to Scandinavia in 1152, where he reformed the church and gained popularity

Elected pope on 4 December 1154 after the death of Pope Anastasius IV. Pope Adrian IV faced challenges maintaining papal authority in Rome against internal struggles and external pressures from Holy Roman emperors.

APPEARANCE: No contemporary portraits exist, but he was described as tall, handsome and dignified. 

Pope Adrian IV cameo. By PHGCOM - self-made, photographed at Notre-Dame de Paris,

FASHION: Pope Adrian IV wore the traditional papal vestments and tiara

CHARACTER: Pope Adrian IV was described as intelligent, ambitious, and determined. He showed diplomatic acumen and pragmatism in navigating complex political situations.

SENSE OF HUMOUR: Limited references. Pope Adrian IV likely possessed wit and charm, given his ability to navigate delicate political situations.

RELATIONSHIPS: He maintained close ties with the Augustinian canons of Saint-Rufand had a close friendship with John of Salisbury, his secretary and biographer. Pope Adrian IV had a strained relationship with Frederick I Barbarossa, the Holy Roman emperor, over the rights and territories of the papacy.

MONEY AND FAME: As pope, he had considerable wealth and influence, but he also faced challenges from the Roman commune, the Normans of Sicily and the German emperor.

Pope Adrian IV avoided personal wealth, focusing on securing financial stability for the papacy. 

FOOD AND DRINK: No specific details are known, but he likely followed the monastic diet of the Augustinians, characterized by simplicity and moderation.

MUSIC AND ARTS: No evidence of any personal involvement or patronage, but he supported the building and restoration of churches and monasteries

LITERATURE: No surviving writings of his own, but he was well-versed in canon law and theology; he was praised by John of Salisbury as a learned and eloquent man.

NATURE: No particular interest or appreciation is recorded, but he likely enjoyed time spent in the rural setting of the Abbey of Saint-Ruf.

HOBBIES AND SPORTS: No information is available, but he may have enjoyed hunting, riding and chess, which were common pastimes for medieval clergy

SCIENCE AND MATHS: No indication of any proficiency or interest, but he was aware of the advances made by Arab scholars in these fields

PHILOSOPHY & THEOLOGY: Pope Adrian IV adhered to Catholic theology and philosophy of his time. He was a staunch defender of the Catholic faith and doctrine and condemned heresy and schism. The pope promoted the crusades and missionary work and sought to unify and reform the church. 

SCANDAL: He was accused by some of being ambitious, arrogant and nepotistic and was involved in several conflicts and controversies with secular rulers

Pope Adrian IV issued the bull Laudabiliter, which gave Ireland to Henry II of England on condition that he pay an annual tribute to Rome and reform the Irish church; this bull was later disputed and rejected by many Irish historians and nationalists. 

MILITARY RECORD: Pope Adrian IV never personally fought in any battles or wars, but he supported the crusades against the Muslims.

He excommunicated William I of Sicily for invading papal lands.

HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FITNESS: Pope Adrian IV was generally healthy and vigorous until his last years, when he suffered from gout and fever.

HOMES: He lived in various places throughout his life, including Arles, Avignon, Albano, Rome, Anagni and Viterbo. Pope Adrian IV also stayed in several monasteries during his travels.

TRAVEL: He travelled widely across Europe as a papal legate and pope; he visited France, Spain, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Germany and Italy; he never returned to England after leaving it as a young man

DEATH: He died on September 1, 1159 in Anagni, near Rome after choking on a fly in his wine. Pope Adrian IV was buried in the cathedral there; his tomb was later destroyed by French soldiers in 1798.

APPEARANCES IN MEDIA: He has featured in historical documentaries and fictional portrayals, though not widely depicted in popular culture. Books include Pope Adrian IV: The Lothian Essay by John Duncan Mackie (1907) and Breakspear: The English Pope, by RAJ Waddingham (2023)

ACHIEVEMENTS: He was the first and only English pope

Pope Adrian IV reformed the church in Scandinavia and Ireland, asserted the papal authority over secular rulers and supported the crusades and the expansion of Christianity

Please note: Due to the limited historical information available, some details in this biography are based on educated guesses and may not be entirely accurate.