Odo of Canterbury

Odo of Canterbury (died 1200), also known as Odo Cantianus or Odo of Kent, was a theologian and abbot of Battle.

Odo was a monk of Christ Church, who later became a subprior. He was sent by his friend Thomas Becket in 1163 to attend an appeal with Pope Alexander III against the Archbishop of York, stemming from the tensions between Becket and King Henry II.

After his church burned, Odo went to the Council of Woodstock to renew the charters of the church. Instead, he was elected abbot of Battle on 19 July 1175.

Odo was known as an ardent lover of books, and a great theologian who preached in French, English, and Latin. There is some uncertainty as to his writings, owing to confusion with Odo of Cheriton and Odo of Murimund, but a list of thirteen works, chiefly writings on the Old Testament and sermons, can be ascribed to him.

Odo died on 20 January 1200, and was buried in the lower part of the church at Battle. He was venerated at Battle as a saint. The relic list at Canterbury Cathedral mentions "a tooth of the Ven. Odo Abb. Of Battle".