Robert of Melun | |
|---|---|
| Bishop of Hereford | |
| Appointed | 1163 |
| Term ended | 27 February 1167 |
| Predecessor | Gilbert Foliot |
| Successor | Robert Foliot |
| Orders | |
| Consecration | 22 December 1163 by Thomas Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury |
| Personal details | |
| Born | c. 1100 |
| Died | 27 February 1167 |
| Buried | Hereford Cathedral |
Robert of Melun (c. 1100 – 27 February 1167) was an English scholastic Christian theologian who taught in France, and later became Bishop of Hereford in England. He studied under Peter Abelard in Paris before teaching there and at Melun, which gave him his surname. His students included John of Salisbury, Roger of Worcester, William of Tyre, and possibly Thomas Becket. Robert was involved in the Council of Reims in 1148, which condemned the teachings of Gilbert de la Porrée. Three of his theological works survive, and show him to have been strictly orthodox.
Robert returned to England in 1160, and was appointed Bishop of Hereford in 1163. King Henry II of England appointed him to the see, or bishopric, and was influenced in his decision by Pope Alexander III and Thomas Becket. Following his consecration, Robert became involved in the dispute between Becket and the king, during which he generally took the king's side. He also served as a papal and a royal judge.