Westminster Abbey, King Stephen, and the Failure to Canonize King Edward in 1139

Abstract

In 1139, Pope Innocent II denied Westminster Abbey’s request to obtain canonization for King Edward (reigned 1042–1066), later known as “the Confessor.” Modern scholars usually explain this failure in relation to the disruption of the early years of King Stephen’s reign, 1135–1154, when he and Empress Matilda clashed over who should wear England’s crown. While the contemporary political situation was an important influence on Pope Innocent’s decision, other factors were equally significant, in particular the fragility of Westminster Abbey’s own position within the kingdom. Although established as the site of English coronations, Westminster was yet to assert itself as the kingdom’s premier royal church, and its financial position was challenged by competition from London. The Abbey’s attempt to obtain Edward’s canonization was central to its campaign, headed by Osbert of Clare, to secure its political and financial position. Westminster’s weakness caused the Abbey to tie the canonization request to Stephen’s fortunes, which ultimately did not help the cause, when shifting papal politics strengthened Innocent’s independence and correspondingly weakened his support for the king. The intersection of these factors, rather than the civil conflict alone, resulted in the denial of the canonization request in 1139.

Keywords

• westminster abbey
• osbert of clare
• edward the confessor
• king stephen
• canonization
• pope innocent ii