Gregory VII. "Hildebrand." Born in 1020. A man of modest birth, who became monk of Clugny and Arch-deacon of Rome. Exercised great influence over Leo IX and succeeding popes, until he was himself appointed, in 1073, to succeed Alexander II. He attacked simony and concubinage in the church, and carried the power of the papacy to a high pitch, declining to submit to ratification of election from the emperor, and attempting to enforce spiritual control over the sovereigns of Europe. He was firmly opposed by William I of England and Philip I of France. He was deposed by Henry IV of Germany, whom he afterward excommunicated and compelled to do penance in 1077. He died in Salerno in 1085, where he had been taken after his rescue from the castle of St. Angelo by the Normans of Apulia.

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