Son of Henry, count of Seez, Normandy, France. He received a good education, and became count of Seez in his own turn. Companion of William the Conqueror, and part of the force that invaded England in 1066.
Following the Battle of Hastings, he was made royal chaplain and Earl of Dorset. Helped prepare the Domesday Book, an analysis of the resources of England. Chancellor of England in 1072. Between his duties of chaplain and chancellor, he received a great education in administration and management.
Bishop of Salisbury, England in 1078. He took his duties seriously, concerned for the good of his diocese, even if many considered it conquered territory. His cathedral administration became a model for cathedrals throughout England. Believed to have initiated the Sarum Rite in England. May have written a biography of Saint Aldhelm of Sherborne, which has not survived, and approved his beatification in 1078. Knew and sought the guidance of Saint Anselm. Enjoyed copying and binding books.
- at Seez, Normandy, France
- 4 December 1099 at Salisbury, England of natural causes
- buried in his cathedral at Old Sarum
- relics translated to Salisbury in 1226
- relics later translated to the new cathedral and deposited in the chapel of Our Lady in the church in 1457
- shrine was destroyed in the reign of King Henry VIII
- bones still interred in the same chapel, covered with a marble slab
- against insanity
- against mental illness
- against paralysis
- against ruptures
- against toothache
- mentally ill people
- paralysed people
- “Saint Osmund“. Saints.SQPN.com. 9 July 2014. Web. 15 September 2014. <>