HE lived an austere life of secluded devotion, spurned the attention of kings and lived for decades in a spartan riverside cave.

In his time, he was renowned across Europe and his home became a place of pilgrimage for thousands of people, but over the centuries, his name faded into obscurity.

However, almost 800 years after he died, St Robert of Knaresborough could take his place in history as the official patron saint of Yorkshire.

He is up against some stiff competition -other saints from the county include Wilfrid of Ripon, Hilda of Whitby and Alkeld of Middleham, to name a few.

But a Yorkshire vicar is calling for the 13th Century recluse, whose feast day is today, to be formally given the role of his county's patron saint.

The campaign by the Reverend Bob Shaw, of Hunslet Moor, Leeds, follows a day trip he made to Knaresborough with his wife, Anita.

He was amazed to find so little information about the man who drew pilgrims in their thousands from across Europe, putting the town on the tourist map.

He said: "I find it truly astonishing that (St Robert) has been relegated to the small print of the official brochure for the town where he stayed for so long.

"The current tourist information brochure gives only a few lines about St Robert, and these are tucked away in the recommended circular walk."

Robert, who lived from 1160 to 1218, was the son of a prominent York resident, but joined the Cistercian community in Northumberland at an early age.

Soon after, he chose a secluded life of devotion, living in the cave at Knaresborough, teaching a holy way of life, healing people and accepting alms for the poor and the release of prisoners.

On one occasion he was visited by King John, but refused to be disturbed while at prayer.

Mr Shaw said: "St Robert of Knaresborough was renowned across Europe throughout the Middle Ages, and the cave where he lived brought pilgrims in great numbers.

"St Robert's life surely has much to teach the present generation."

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