Matthew of Ajello

Matthew of Ajello[1] (Italian: Matteo d'Aiello) was a high-ranking member of the Norman court of the Kingdom of Sicily in the 12th century.

After the rebellions of the later years of William's reign, Matthew compiled from memory a vast catalogue of records lost in the revolts.

He was first appointed vice-chancellor (1169), in which capacity he constantly advised Margaret against interfering in the crisis between church and state in England, where Margaret supported Thomas Becket and Pope Alexander III, and Matthew firmly supported King Henry II, believing his cause was similar to that of the previous monarchs of Sicily.

Though racked with gout, which the poet Peter of Eboli states he tried to cure by washing his feet in the blood of children.

Nicholas son of Matthew who had been made archbishop of Salerno was hostile to Germans, and at then he was at Naples to help the defense there.

In addition Matthew wrote to Aligerno ordering him to "ut imperatricem in Castro Salvatoris ad mare benè custodiat" (guard the empress in Castle of the Savior (i. e. Castel dell'Ovo) in the sea properly).