Gilbert the Great (died 17 October 1167) was anEnglish monk and theologian who served as the ninthabbot of Cîteaux from 1163 until his death.[1]
Prior to coming to Cîteaux, Gilbert served as the abbot ofOurscamp Abbey [fr] from 1143. In 1164, he wrote the statutes of theOrder of Calatrava. In 1165, he received fromPope Alexander III the exemption of the Cistercians from episcopal jurisdiction. When, in 1166, the dispute between KingHenry II of England and ArchbishopThomas Becket embroiled the Cistercians, Gilbert asked Becket to leavePontigny Abbey, where he was staying.[1]
Gilbert was nicknamed "the Great" in his own time, but the reason is unknown. Of his writings, three letters to KingLouis VII of France are preserved. A biblical commentary and some works on theological distinctions have been attributed to him, but these attributions are uncertain.John Bale credited him with a commentary on theSong of Songs.[1]