Aelred was born at Hexham, Northumberland, and
grew up at the court of King David of Scotland, where he later
served
as an administrator. On one occasion when Aelred was in Yorkshire
on the business of the royal court he heard of the ‘angelic
men’ of
Rievaulx and, after visiting the community, decided to enter monastic
life there. Aelred soon rose to prominence; he became novice-master
of Rievaulx and was then sent to lead a new foundation at Revesby,
Lincolnshire. In 1147 Aelred returned to Rievaulx and
presided as abbot until his death in 1167. Aelred’s charisma
and devotion encouraged many to join the community and the number
of monks and lay-brothers rose
considerably during his abbacy. He played a prominent role in affairs
outside the Order, offering advice to rulers and religious
communities, and arbitrating in disputes. Aelred’s writings
were highly regarded by contemporaries and are still greatly valued.
These include his treatises On Spiritual Friendship and The
Mirror of Charity, his Rule for the Recluse, various
sermons and a life of Edward the Confessor. Shortly after Aelred’s
death in 1167 an account of his life was written by his pupil,
Walter
Daniel.(2)
A contemporary, Jocelin of Furness, gives the
following account of Aelred in his Life of St Waldef:
He was a man of fine old English stock. He
left school early and was brought up from boyhood in the court
of
King David with Henry, the kings son, and Waldef. In the
course of time he became a monk, afterwards abbot of Rievaulx.
His school
learning was slight, but as a result of careful discipline in the
exercise of his acute natural powers, he was cultured above many
who had been thoroughly trained in secular learning. He drilled
himself in the study of the Holy Scripture and left a lasting
memorial
behind him in writings distinguished by their lucid style, and
wealth of edifying instruction, for he was wholly inspired by
a spirit
of wisdom and understanding. Moreover, he was a man of the highest
integrity, of great practical wisdom, witty and eloquent, a pleasant
companion, generous and discreet. And, with all these qualities
he exceeded all his fellow prelates of the Church in his patience
and tenderness. He was full of sympathy for the infirmities, both
physical and moral, of others. (3)