Leofgar | |
|---|---|
| Bishop of Hereford | |
| Appointed | before March 1056 |
| Term ended | 16 June 1056 |
| Predecessor | Æthelstan |
| Successor | Ealdred |
| Orders | |
| Consecration | March 1056 |
| Personal details | |
| Died | 16 June 1056 |
| Denomination | Christian |
Leofgar (or Leovegard; died 1056) was a medieval Bishop of Hereford.
Leofgar was consecrated in March 1056.[1] He had previously been the chaplain to Harold Godwineson,[2] and it was probably Harold who persuaded King Edward the Confessor to appoint him to the bishopric. The appointment was disapproved of by the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, mainly for the warlike character of Leofgar. However, because of the Welsh raids, and the damage the diocese had taken in the previous year, it was felt that a more martial man was needed to help protect the area.[3] Significantly, while a bishop he retained his moustache, a symbol of a warrior.[4]
Leofgar was killed by Gruffydd ap Llywelyn[5] on 16 June 1056[1] at Glasbury-on-Wye during a battle with the Welsh.[3] Along with Leofgar, many English were killed, which set back the English efforts to pacify the Welsh frontier.[6][7] After Leofgar's death, the diocese of Hereford was administered by Ealdred, who was Bishop of Worcester, until Walter of Lorraine was elected in 1060.[8]