Background
He was born at Canterbury and brought up by Godric, who was dean from 1058–1080.
He was born at Canterbury and brought up by Godric, who was dean from 1058–1080.
He is sometimes confused with Osbert de Clare, alias Osbern de Westminster. He is known as "the monk Osbern" or just "Monk Osbern". He became a monk, and later precentor of Christ Church, and was ordained by Archbishop Lanfranc of Canterbury (d 1089).
He died probably between 1088 and 1093.
He was very skilful in music and is said to have written two treatises De re musica and De vocum consonantiis. But he is known best as translator of saints" lives from the Anglo-Saxon and as an original writer
William of Malmesbury praises the elegance of his style.