Saint Osmund

Bishop, chancellor; d. Dec. 3–4, 1099. Osmund, or Osmer, was a Norman noble who went to England with his uncle, william i the Conqueror, for whom he served as chaplain and then chancellor (c. 1072–78). He was consecrated bishop of Salisbury in 1078. Prominent in civil as well as ecclesiastical affairs of the realm, he is believed to have directed a large portion of the Domesday survey. As bishop he completed the cathedral of Old Sarum (not the present cathedral of Salisbury) and established there a cathedral chapter of secular canons. Emulation of this example gradually brought the English cathedral system into conformity with Continental practice. He also organised the liturgical services for his diocese and the compilation provided the basis of the later "Sarum Use" that was widely adopted throughout the British Isles. He was canonised by Pope callistus iii, Jan. 1, 1457, the last canonization of a saint from England until that of Sir Thomas more in 1935. On July 23, 1457, his remains were translated from Old Sarum to the Lady Chapel in Salisbury.