Otbert of Liège

Otbert of Liege, also Obert or Obbert, († January 31, 1119 in Liège ) was from 1091 to 1119 Bishop of Liege. He was one of the most important bishops of Liège in the period of 11th and 12th century.

About its origin nothing more is known, he probably came from the diocese of Liege. Otbert was a canon in the cathedral chapter of St. Lambert and provost at Holy Cross pen to Liege. In 1091 he was invested by Emperor Henry IV in Upper Italy, and received on February 1, 1092 by Archbishop Hermann of Cologne Hochstaden his consecration.

He was able to consolidate its position as bishop quickly through prudent management. Otbert sought in Liege contacts with leading patrician families and acquired for his diocese in 1095 and in 1096 the mansion and castle of Bouillon, Couvin and Clermont. But his appointment led to tensions with the various monasteries in the diocese, as he appointed new abbots. Because of a dispute with Saint Lawrence and his uncompromising support of Emperor Henry in the Investiture Controversy, he was excommunicated by Pope Urban II. Due to its strong position in Liege this remained without consequences. An attempt by Pope Paschal II and the clergy of Liège Otbert military to defeat, could be through the intervention of the Emperor Henry IV prevented. 1106 Otbert was banned again by Paschalis, but received into the Church after the submission again. His loyalty to Henry, he also proved, as he took the deposed and excommunicated emperor in 1106 and after his death in his cathedral provisionally buried. Later, he supported Henry's son and heir, Henry V, to whom he remained loyal even after Henry's break with the Roman Church in 1112.