Hugh was born into nobility in the Dauphiné region of southeastern France and entered the Carthusian order while young, embracing the order's demanding contemplative and ascetic discipline. His reputation for holiness, spiritual wisdom, and austere devotion attracted ecclesiastical notice. In 1186, King Henry II appointed him Bishop of Lincoln, one of England's largest and most important sees. Hugh initially resisted, preferring to remain in monastic contemplation, but accepted the appointment as obedience to authority. As bishop, he proved a forceful reformer and courageous defender of both ecclesiastical independence and human dignity. During the violent anti-Jewish pogroms that erupted following the Third Crusade, Hugh directly intervened to protect Jews in his diocese from massacre. He sheltered them in Lincoln Castle, used his authority as bishop to threaten excommunication against rioters, and stood against the tide of crusading violence with moral clarity. This act was historically remarkable and atypical for the period—a bishop actively protecting a religious minority against popular violence. Hugh also stood firm against the secular authority of both Henry II and Richard I on matters of conscience, refusing to compromise ecclesiastical independence. He was known for directness and sometimes blunt speech with kings and nobles, which his biographer notes occasionally caused him difficulty but earned respect. One of Adam of Eynsham's most memorable anecdotes describes Hugh's pet swan at Stowe Park, which reportedly followed him everywhere—a detail that illustrates his reputation for gentleness and his spiritual authority over creation. Despite his episcopal station and political influence, Hugh maintained rigorous personal asceticism throughout his life, wearing a hair shirt, maintaining strict fasts, and living with minimal comfort. He died on November 16, 1200, after a brief illness. He was canonized in 1220, only twenty years after his death. Hugh remains the patron saint of sick children and animals, reflecting both his gentleness and his moral courage in defending the vulnerable.

Hugh's reputation as a holy bishop and defender of the oppressed developed organically during and immediately after his lifetime. Adam of Eynsham records miracles at his tomb and through intercession. Post-canonization miracles were documented and compiled, contributing to his cult's development. His reputation for defending Jews was preserved in both ecclesiastical and Jewish historical memory, making him unusual among medieval bishops. His reverence for creation (reflected in the swan story) became part of his spiritual legacy.