We’re joined in the studio by senior properties historian Dr Michael Carter and interpretation assistant Nick Collinson to discover the story of the most important churchman in 12th century England.

At the time of his death in 1167, Aelred of Rievaulx Abbey in North Yorkshire was immediately regarded as a saint. During his life, he accomplished many things, serving as a royal steward, an emissary to the Pope and abbot of Rievaulx, as well as demonstrating his talent as an author, preacher and spiritual mentor to his monks.

And today, as we will discover, he is also starting to be considered a medieval gay icon. To learn more about Rievaulx Abbey, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/rievaulx

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Episode 94 - The life and work of St Aelred of Rievaulx