Soon after Breakspear had become Pope, Robert and three bishops from the
foreign dominions of Henry II. went as envoys to him from the King; the
Abbot hoped that the Pope's connection with St. Albans, for his father
had become late in life a monk there, would induce him to enlarge its
privileges. Knowing that the dignitaries at Rome and the members of the
Pope's household were wellnigh insatiable, he distributed valuable gifts
among them to secure their good offices with the Pope. Robert complained
of the intolerable oppression of the Bishop of Lincoln, and the
insolence of his agents, and obtained from Adrian complete exemption
from episcopal supervision. The Abbey henceforth was to be subject to
Rome alone. When the Pope's letter granting this exemption was exhibited
at a council in London, the greatest indignation was expressed. An
agreement was, however, at last signed between the Bishop of Lincoln and
the Abbot, three bishops intervening in the interest of peace. Abbot
Robert then sent two of his nephews, monks, to Rome with still more
presents, and as a result of their mission further privileges and
liberties were granted to the Abbot; he was, among other things, allowed
to wear pontifical robes.
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