born 0441; 1175, Suffolk, Eng.
died Oct. 9, 1253, Buckden, Buckinghamshire
English bishop and scholar.
He introduced Latin translations of Greek and Arabic writings in philosophy and science to Europe. After serving as chancellor of the University of Oxford ( 0441; 121521), he served as first lecturer in theology to the Franciscans, whom he greatly influenced. As bishop of Lincoln from 1235, he promoted a belief in the importance of the cure of souls, a centralized, hierarchical view of the church, and a belief in the superiority of the church over the state.