Hugh of Lincoln

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Hugh of Lincoln, also known as Hugh of Avalon, was a noble-born monk who became the Bishop of Lincoln and is venerated as a saint. He lived from around 1140 to 1200.

Early life and call to religious life
Hugh was born in Avalon, in the area of Burgundy (now part of France). His father, Guillaume, was a knight; his mother, Anne de Theys, was known for her kindness. After his mother died when he was a child, Hugh was sent to the Canons Regular of St. Augustine at Villarbenoît for religious education. He became a Canon Regular at 15 and was ordained a deacon at 19. He helped at the parish of Saint-Maximin and lived under the rule of the Canons Regular, who cared for churches, education, and the sick.

Seeking a more contemplative life, Hugh joined the Carthusian order at the Grande Chartreuse near Grenoble in 1163. He spent many years in prayer, study, and solitude, progressing to priesthood and eventually serving as procurator of the monastery.

Move to England and founding work
Hugh’s reputation for patience, charity, and leadership reached England, where King Henry II heard of him through the Count of Maurienne. In 1179, Hugh became the third prior of Witham Charterhouse in Somerset. He faced many challenges there—poor buildings, scarce supplies, and unhappy monks—but he helped the community and earned the king’s support.

Bishop of Lincoln
In 1186 Hugh was elected Bishop of Lincoln and was consecrated on September 21, 1186. As bishop, he lived a disciplined life, cared for the poor, promoted education, and defended the Jews from rising persecution. He rebuilt Lincoln Cathedral in the Gothic style and also rebuilt St Mary Magdalen’s Church in Oxford.

Hugh also acted as a diplomat for the English kings. He helped resist the king’s demand for knights to fight in France, and he traveled to France on behalf of kings Richard I and John.

Death and legacy
In 1199 he undertook a diplomatic trip to France that severely affected his health. He died on November 16, 1200, in London and was buried in Lincoln Cathedral.

Canonization and patronage
Hugh was canonized by Pope Honorius III on February 17, 1220. His feast is observed on November 16 by Catholics and on November 17 by Anglicans. He is the patron saint of sick children, sick people, cobblers, and swans. His emblem is a white swan, drawn from the story of a loyal swan that accompanied him at Lincoln.

Legacy and remembrance
Hugh’s life left a lasting impact: he rebuilt churches and schools, protected vulnerable people, and served as a model of pastoral care and piety. His memory is kept in St Hugh’s Church in Lincoln, St Hugh’s College, Oxford, and various churches and places named in his honor. The swan figure and other symbols continue to remind people of his kindness and faith.