Benedict Wiedemann - Papal Overlordship and European Princes, 1000-1270

Both St Paul and Pope Innocent III claimed to be debitores omnibus, sapientibus et insipientibus debtors to all, both to the wise and to the unwise. Authors of first books must say much the same. The UK Arts and Humanities Research Council, University College London, the Institute of Historical Research, London and Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge were all unwise enough to fund either post-graduate, doctoral or post-doctoral research. This book would not be possible without them. I am deeply grateful to all.

The British Library, Institute of Historical Research Library and Cambridge University Library provided essential space and resources for research, and the BLs access to the Registra Vaticana database made a London-based study of the medieval papacy practical. Audiences at the Ecclesiastical History Society, the International Medieval Congress in Leeds and the Institute of Historical Research (twice) provided useful feedback on several parts of this book and the overall interpretation.

David dAvray supervised the thesis from which this book originated, read through the entire typescript, probably suggested the original topic (history does not recall) and taught, supervised and mentored me from undergraduate to doctoral student and beyond. He has ever been a supportive teacher who encouraged me to my potential. No expression of thanks quite does justice to what is owed him.

John Sabapathy was the perfect second supervisor offering up his store of knowledge whenever asked. To John Watts, thanks are owed both as external examiner and series editor two hurdles cleared with his aid. Alice Taylor was insightful internal examiner and uncomplaining source of unpublished material on all matters homage-related. At UCL, Antonio Sennis and Sophie Page introduced me to medieval history as an undergraduate; I never looked back. Further afield, Graham Loud and Barbara Bombi have offered advice, aid and copies of their publications. Brett Whalen and Bjrn Weiler read the entire typescript for Oxford University Press and made many improvements.

In Cambridge, Patrick Zutshi and John Arnold read through chapter five and provided feedback, as well as support, references and a well-timed drink. Joe Canning and Rosemary Horrox provided not just historical insight but more importantly tales from the Cambridge History Faculty and Fitzwilliam College, respectively. The conversation and company (virtual and otherwise) of Jean-Michel Johnston and Matt Neal were essential in preserving my sanity during the first UK covid-19 lockdown, when most of this book was written. Again, I offer my apologies for arriving late whenever I had just found a fascinating canon law manuscript online.

The Cambridge medieval crowd especially Emily Ward, Sam Ottewill-Soulsby, Lesley Abrams, Mike Humphreys and Felicity Hill (now sadly dispersed) managed to combine education, entertainment and (a degree of) wit whenever two or three gathered together. In London, Agata Zielinska, Alex Lee and the UCL medieval crowd offered a welcome return to the old stomping ground, not to mention company at conferences, seminars and pubs. Thanks are owed to James Manton and Georgina Wilson for their advice on the cover image, and their pretence of interest. At OUP, Cathryn Steele and Stephanie Ireland shepherded me through the various stages needed to realize this book.

The greatest thanks go to my family who have supported me through the last ten years of historical research, in both failure and success.

Finally, Fitzwilliam College provided a wonderful setting to write this book, despite the limitations on research during 2020. The fellowship, students and staff made the college a home. To the spouse of one of the college fellows, however, who said to me on our first meeting: Oh, I know who you are; youre Benedict. Youre quite interesting, but your research is very boring, I hope this book convinces you that you were mistaken, one way or another.

Benedict Wiedemann

Cambridge, on the feast of St Majolus of Cluny, being the second year of the covid -19 Plague