HUGH, hit, Saint, of AVALON, bishop of Lincoln: b. about 1140; d. London, 16 Nov. 1200. When Hugh was a young child, about eight years old, his father, Lord of Avalon, re tired with him to the monastery at Villard Benoitt near Grenoble. Here he received his early training; and when he became 19, under took the duties of deacon. In 1160 Hugh be came attracted to the Carthusian order, and joined their ranks at the Grande Chartreuse. He was appointed procurator of that order, and in this capacity gave evidence of that fine administrative ability and tact which induced Henry II to request him to undertake the estab lishment of a Carthusian monastery at Witham, Somerset. His great success in this work secured his elevation to the bishopric of Lincoln at the favor of the same monarch. However, in spite of the king's patronage, Hugh remained fearless and independent, often opposing his ruler on matters which seemed to him worthy of his championship. He attended rigidly to
his ecclesiastical duties, avoiding participation in secular affairs. His benevolence and kind liness endeared him to the people of his see, and made him an object of universal respect and admiration. On his return from a visit to his native monastery, he became ill and died. He was buried in Lincoln Cathedral, and his tomb became a shrine for pilgrims. Hugh was canonized on 17 Feb. 1220. His day in the Roman Catholic calendar is 17 November. His 'Life' in Latin, doubtless written by Adam, the bishop's chaplain, was edited by Dimock (London 1864; Eng. trans. by Perry, ib. 1879). Consult