At time of writing there have been seven popes during my lifetime. The only other pope that I know much about was Pope Paul V, because he features in Fire and Earth, the second book in the Sir Anthony Standen Adventures. But there was an English Pope and his relatives brew a very nice beer.
Nicholas Breakspear (circa 1100–1159) was an Englishman who rose to become Pope Adrian IV, the only English pope in history. His story is remarkable, reflecting a humble beginning and an extraordinary ecclesiastical career. Nicholas Breakspear was born near St Albans, Hertfordshire, England. Little is known about his early years, but he came from modest circumstances. Tradition suggests he was the son of a poor man and may have studied at St Albans Abbey, though this is unverified. Breakspear left England to pursue a religious life, eventually joining the Augustinian monastery of Saint-Ruf near Avignon, France. His talent and dedication earned him rapid advancement, and he became abbot of the monastery. However, his strict reforms led to opposition from some monks, prompting his departure.
Recognized by Pope Eugenius III, Breakspear entered papal service and became a cardinal in 1146. In 1152, he was sent as a papal legate to Scandinavia, where he reorganized the church, establishing an independent archbishopric in Uppsala, Sweden. His success in this mission enhanced his reputation. On 4th December 1154, Nicholas Breakspear was elected pope, taking the name Adrian IV. His election was significant, as he was the only Englishman to ever hold the papacy. His pontificate was marked by political and diplomatic challenges.
Breakspear faced the challenge of the radical reformer Arnold of Brescia, who opposed church wealth and corruption. Arnold was eventually captured and executed, restoring papal authority in Rome. He worked to balance relations with the Holy Roman Emperor Frederick I (Barbarossa), granting him imperial coronation in exchange for recognition of papal supremacy. Their relationship was uneasy and fraught with tension over authority. Adrian negotiated this treaty with King William I of Sicily, securing papal territories and stabilizing relations with the Sicilian kingdom.
Breakspear is traditionally (though controversially) associated with issuing the papal bull Laudabiliter, which allegedly granted Henry II of England the right to invade and govern Ireland. This document remains debated among historians. Breakspear died on 1st September, 1159, possibly of quinsy (a throat infection). His papacy is remembered for its political complexity and his remarkable journey from humble beginnings in England to the highest office in the Catholic Church.