Roger Niger

Roger Niger (died 1241) was a thirteenth-century cleric who became Bishop of London. He is also known as Saint Roger of Beeleigh.

Roger Niger
Bishop of London
Elected	1228
Term ended	29 September 1241
Predecessor	Eustace of Fauconberg
Successor	Fulk Basset
Other post(s)	Archdeacon of Colchester
Orders
Consecration	10 June 1229
Personal details
Born	c. 1173 probably Maldon, Essex
Died	29 September 1241 London
Denomination	Catholic

Life

A plan of Beeleigh Abbey in Essex, showing the location of the shrine that housed Saint Roger's heart

In 1192 Niger was named a canon of St Paul's Cathedral, London, and he held the prebend of Ealdland in the diocese of London. In 1218 he was promoted to Archdeacon of Colchester.^[1] He was elected Bishop of London in 1228, and was consecrated bishop on 10 June 1229.^[2][3]

Niger died on 29 September 1241^[2] or on 2 October 1241^[3] and during his burial in Old St Paul's Cathedral, there was an eclipse of the sun. There was a tomb memorial to him in the quire there.^[4] His heart was taken to Beeleigh Abbey near Maldon in Essex. Both sites became places of pilgrimage and he was referred to as a saint, although no formal canonisation has been located. He was, however, called a saint by at least one Pope. In 1391, Pope Boniface IX granted relaxation to penitents visiting and giving alms to Beeleigh Abbey on the anniversary of his death.^[5]