The Writings of St. Odo of Canterbury

Odo of Canterbury, also known as Odo Cantianus or Odo of Kent, was a theologian and abbot of Battle. Odo was known as an ardent lover of the written word, and a great theologian in his own right who preached in French, English, and Latin. There is some uncertainty regarding the origin of his writings, owing to confusion with Odo of Cheriton and Odo of Murimund. Odo was a monk of Christ Church, who later became a sub-prior later in life. He was sent by his friend Thomas Becket in 1163 to attend an appeal with Pope Alexander III against the Archbishop of York, stemming from the tensions between Becket and King Henry II. In 1173 a great fire broke out at Christ Church. After the church burned down, Odo went to the Council of Woodstock on 1 July 1175, to renew the charters of the church. Instead, he was elected abbot of Battle on 19 July 1175.