Arnulf of Lisieux

Arnulf of Lisieux[1] (1104/1109[2] – 31 August 1184) was a medieval French bishop[3] who figured prominently as a conservative figure during the Renaissance of the 12th century, built the Cathedral of Lisieux, which introduced Gothic architecture to Normandy, and implemented the reforms of Bernard of Clairvaux.

He was born in Normandy, the second son of Hardouin de Neuville,[2] and was educated there by his elder brother, Jean, Bishop of Sées.

[4] By 1133 he was a clerk in the household of Geoffrey of Leves, Bishop of Chatres and was studying Roman Law in Bologna.

[4] He accompanied Louis VII on his crusade (1147), was faithful to Pope Alexander III at the Council of Tours (1163) during the schism,[7] and encouraged his brother bishops to defend the cause of ecclesiastical liberty against Henry II of England.

He then resigned his see, claiming age and feebleness, and retired to the Abbey of St. Victor, Paris, where he died.