Robert of Ghent | |
|---|---|
| Dean of York | |
| See | Diocese of York |
| Appointed | spring 1147 |
| Term ended | after October 1154 |
| Predecessor | William of St. Barbara |
| Successor | Robert Butevilain |
| Other post(s) | Provost of Beverley (unlikely) Lord Chancellor |
| Personal details | |
| Born | c. 1085 |
| Died | after 1154 |
| Lord Chancellor | |
| In office 1140–1154 | |
| Monarchs | |
| Preceded by | Philip de Harcourt |
| Succeeded by | Thomas Becket |
Robert of Ghent,[1] also called Robert de Gant,[2] (c. 1085–after 1154) was Lord Chancellor of England and Dean of York in the 12th century. The younger son of a nobleman, Robert was probably a member of the cathedral chapter of York before his selection as chancellor by King Stephen of England in the mid-1140s. He is not mentioned often in documents from his time as chancellor, but why this is so is unknown. He became dean at York Minster around 1147. Robert was slightly involved in the disputes over who would be Archbishop of York in the late 1140s and 1150s, but it is likely that his chancellorship prevented his deeper involvement in diocesan affairs. He was no longer chancellor after the death of Stephen, but probably continued to hold the office of dean until his death around 1157 or 1158.