Peter Abelard

French scholastic philosopher and theologian Peter Abelard (1079-1142) studied under the French realist philosopher William of Champeaux (c. 1070–1121) in the school of the cathedral of Notre-Dame. They fell out because Abelard challenged some of his ideas, and William thought Abelard was too arrogant.

In 1113 Abelard moved to Laon in  northern France to attend the lectures of Anselm on Biblical exegesis and Christian doctrine at the cathedral school there. Unimpressed by Anselm's teaching, Abelard began to offer his own lectures on the Old Testament book of Ezekiel. Anselm forbade him to continue this teaching, and Abelard returned to Paris where, in around 1115, he became master of the cathedral school of Notre Dame.

As the master of the cathedral school, Abelard he found himself falling in love with Héloïse, a pupil of his, who was 20 years his junior. Héloïse got pregnant and they married covertly but their secret was discovered after the birth of a son, whom they named Astrolabe (fl. 1118–50).

Abelard persuaded Héloïse to take holy vows at the Benedictine Abbey of Saint-Argenteuil. Her uncle Canon Fulbert of Notre Dame, decided that Abelard had abandoned Héloïse at the abbey and had him castrated.

Abelard and Heloïse in a manuscript of the Roman de la Rose (14th century)

Abelard decided to become a monk at the monastery of St Denis, near Paris, where he continued his controversial teaching. Héloïse reluctantly became a nun at Argenteuil.

Abelard's lectures on theology and logic were heard by crowds of students. Using his studies of the Bible and the writings of the leaders of the church as his basis, he wrote Sic et Non (Yes and No), which discussed the relationship between faith and reason,

After being cited for heresy, Abelard moved to a deserted place near Nogent-sur-Seine in Champagne. He built a cabin of stubble and reeds, where he lived as a hermit. Students flocked there from Paris so he began to teach again there. Abelard also founded an oratory at Nogent-sur-Seine, there called the Paraclete.

In 1125 Abelard was elected abbot of the monastery at Saint-Gildas-de-Rhuis. Héloïse, who meanwhile had become prioress at Argenteuil, was called to the Paraclete as abbess of the convent established there

Abelard's autobiographical Historia Calamitatum (known in English as "Story of His Misfortunes" or "A history of my Calamities") was written in 1132 or soon after. One of the first autobiographical works in medieval Western Europe, it  presents a remarkably honest self-portrait of a man who could be arrogant and often felt persecuted.

Correspondence began between Abelard and Héloïse around the time that Historia Calamitatum began to circulate. The famous exchange of letters between the two former lovers became a classic of romantic correspondence.

In his philosophical treatise Ethics, Peter Abelard argued that infidels who sincerely believe themselves to be honouring God are not guilty of sin 

Peter Abelard spent his final months at the priory of St. Marcel, near Chalon-sur-Saône. He passed away from a combination of fever and a skin disorder, most likely scurvy on April 21, 1142. He is said to have uttered the last words "I don't know", before expiring.

Abelard was first buried at St. Marcel, but his remains were soon carried off secretly to the Paraclete,  Héloïse was laid by his side in 1164.

Statue of Abelard at Louvre Palace in Paris by Jules Cavelier

Abelard was later recognized as one of the major Christian thinkers of his day. His scholastic text, Sic Et Non (Yes And No) was read by learned men throughout western Europe,.

The story of Abelard and Héloïse was sung by the Medieval minstrels and troubadours of the Middle Ages.

It was Josephine Bonaparte, so moved by their story, who ordered that the remains of Abelard and Héloïse be entombed together at the Pere Lachaise cemetery in Paris.