Hugh of Cluny was a prominent Benedictine abbot who led the Cluniac order from 1049 until 1109. Born into a noble Burgundian family, he entered the novitiate at Cluny at age fourteen and took his vows the following year. As a powerful religious and political figure, he oversaw the construction of the massive third abbey church at Cluny and expanded the order's reach into England and Flanders. His significant influence extended to the papacy and various European monarchs during the late 11th century.