Peter of Poitiers (secretary)

Peter of Poitiers (secretary), also known as Peter Pictaviensis the Younger, was a 12th-century French theologian and administrator who served as the chancellor and secretary to the Archbishop of Canterbury, Thomas Becket. He is not to be confused with Peter of Poitiers (theologian), a contemporary who was a prominent theologian and chancellor of the University of Paris.

While details of his early life and education are scarce, Peter of Poitiers (secretary) played a significant role in the events leading up to and following the assassination of Thomas Becket in 1170. As Becket's secretary, he was a close confidante and advisor, intimately involved in the archbishop's disputes with King Henry II of England regarding the rights and privileges of the Church.

Peter's correspondence and writings provide valuable insights into the complex political and ecclesiastical landscape of the period, particularly concerning the Becket controversy. He documented Becket's exile in France, his return to Canterbury, and the events that culminated in his martyrdom. His accounts, though often partisan in favor of Becket, offer a firsthand perspective on the motivations and actions of the key figures involved.

Following Becket's death, Peter of Poitiers (secretary) continued to serve the Church, working to promote Becket's sainthood and preserve his legacy. He is considered an important source for understanding the life and times of Thomas Becket and the broader context of the Investiture Controversy in England. He is remembered for his administrative skills, his loyalty to Becket, and his contribution to the historical record of this tumultuous period.