Charles III King of the West Franks granted land around Rouen to Viking raiders in [911], the territory evolving over the following century into the duchy of Normandy. The Viking leader Rollo accepted baptism with the name Robert. He and his descendants are shown in the document NORMANDY DUKES. The present document shows other noble families who developed in the duchy of Normandy.

The earliest counties in Normandy were granted by dukes as appanages to junior members of their family: Robert Bishop of Evreux, younger son of Richard I Duke of Normandy, was invested with the county of Evreux in the late 10th century by his father (see Chapter 10); the counties of Eu and Hiémois were granted to Robert´s illegitimate half-brothers Geoffroy and Guillaume by their other half-brother Duke Richard II (Chapter 9); and the county of Talou was granted in the mid-11th century by Duke Guillaume II to his uncle Guillaume, who transformed the territory into the county of Arques after constructing the castle of that name on his land, although no further counts are recorded as he died childless. The Norman counties were not co-extensive with the earlier pagi into which the territory of the future Norman duchy had previously been divided. It is assumed that this was due to the strong central authority of the early Norman dukes who granted small landholdings to their followers, rather than creating counties, and thereby established a network of direct vassals which was a precursor to the fully fledged feudal system which Duke Guillaume II applied in England after the conquest. Several chapters in this document group these Norman viscountships and lordships geographically: Arques (Chapter 3), Avranches (Chapter 5), Caux (Chapter 7), Cotentin (Chapter 8), and Rouen (Chapter 14). Many of these minor Norman fief-holders found fortune in England after Guillaume II Duke of Normandy rewarded them with land grants. The Vicomtes d'Avranches received the earldom of Chester; the head of the Giffard family was created earl in Buckinghamshire; Guillaume FitzOsbern became earl of Hereford; Roger de Montgommery was created earl of Shrewsbury in 1074; and William de Warenne was created earl of Surrey in 1088. This process was pursued during the first half of the 12th century, with William d'Aubigny being created earl of Arundel in [1138/39] and Robert de Ferrières earl of Derby in 1138. The descendants of these families established themselves principally in England (they are hyperlinked from this document to the corresponding ENGLISH NOBILITY documents) and finally cut all ties with their Norman properties when the duchy of Normandy was acquired by the Capetian kings in the early 13th century.

The other Norman counties developed close to the borders of, or even outside, the territory of the duchy of Normandy. The county of Alenço n (Chapter 2) was located in the south of the duchy, close to the border with Maine. It evolved into a county, in an apparently accidental way, in the second half of the 12th century when the inheritance of Guillaume Comte de Ponthieu was divided between his sons. His eldest son Jean received his father´s Norman lands, including the lordship of Alençon which came into the family from his paternal great-grandmother. He retained his father´s comital title and applied it to Alençon, presumably with the acquiescence of his suzerain Henry II King of England, although no reference to a formal re-grant of the lordship as a county has been found. The county of Aumâle (Chapter 4), in the extreme north-east corner of the duchy, just south of the county of Eu, developed in a similar way. Adelais, half-sister of Duke Guillaume II, was married to the count of Montreuil, whose main territory was located to the north of Normandy but included the lordship of Aumâle just within the Norman borders. After the death of her husband, she retained his comital title which she applied to Aumâle, again it would seem without any formal regrant. She brought the new “county” to her third husband Eudes Comte de Troyes, who was disinherited of his paternal inheritance and sought refuge in Normandy where he and his descendants were accepted as counts of Aumâle as direct vassals of the dukes. The county of Bayeux (Chapter 6) was an anomalous case. Raoul d´Ivry, uterine half-brother of Richard I Duke of Normandy, seems to have been recognised with the title count by his half-brother and to have applied it to the castle of Ba yeux which he constructed. The title did not survive his death and no further comtes de Bayeux are recorded. The county of Meulan (Chapter 11) developed outside Norman territory in the Vexin near Paris. It is shown in this document because the counts were vassals of the Norman dukes by the end of the 11th century, presumably in respect of territories which were granted to them in Normandy itself. The counties of Mortain and Corbeil developed together (Chapter 12). Corbeil was located south of Paris, well outside Norman territory, but was inherited by Mauger, younger son of Richard I Duke of Normandy on his marriage. Corbeil became closely associated with the county of Mortain, which was located in the south-west corner of the duchy of Normandy close to the border with Brittany and was granted to Mauger´s son. Corbeil was incorporated into the domaine royale under Louis VI in the early 12th century[1]. The counties of Mortagne and Perche (Chapter 13) were located in the south of Norman territory close to the border with Maine, and first developed as such in the mid-11th century.

By the time these counties had evolved within the duchy of Normandy, Norman central administration was so firmly established in the heart of the duchy that the original pagi had, in most cases, become something of an irrelevance in the establishment of county boundaries. The following information relating to the pagi in Normandy has been extracted from Auguste Le Prévost´s study written in the mid-19th century[2].

The diocese of Rouen, in the north-eastern part of the duchy, included four pagi: (1) the pagus Tellau (Talou) was located to the north-east of Rouen, bordered by the pagus Vimnau (Vimeu) to the north-east, the sea to the north-west, the pagus Caletensis (Caux) to the west, and the pagus Rotomagensis to the south-east. As noted above, it was granted as a county to Guillaume, younger son of Richard II Duke of Normany, in [1040] and shortly afterwards evolved into the county of Arques; (2) the pagus Caletensis (pays de Caux) lay west of the pagus Tellau, and later included the territory of the Warenne family; (3) the pagus Rotomagensis (Roumois), centred on the city of Rouen, was located south of the pagi Tellau and Caletensis, north of the diocese of Evreux, and extended to the west as far as the river Risle; and (4) the western part of the pagus Vilcassinus (le Vexin), west of the river Epte, also lay within the territory of the future duchy of Normandy.
The diocese of Evreux, south of Rouen, included two pagi: (1) the pagus Ebroicinus extended to the south as far as the river Avre and the pagi Durcassinus and Carnotinus, and was bound on the west by the river Charentonne and the pagus Lexoviensis, and (2) the western extension of the pagus Madriacensis (le pays de Madrie), the river Eure forming the boundary between the two.
The diocese of Lisieux contained only the pagus Lexoviensis (le Lieuvin), bound on the north by the river Charentonne and the sea, on the east by the river Risle, and on the west by the river Dive. It included the lands later granted to Giroie and his family, and the doyennés of Gacé and Montreuil.
The diocese of Bayeux comprised only the pagus Bajocassinus (le Bessin).
The diocese of Coutances occupied the Cherbourg peninsula and comprised the pagus Constantinus (Cotentin), bound on the north and west by the sea and on the east by the river Vire, and the pagus Coriovallensis which existed briefly in the north around the town of Cherbourg.
South of the Cotentin, lay the diocese of Avranches, which included the pagus Abricantinus (Avranchin), next to the duchy of Brittany.
Finally, the diocese of Séez, to the south of Bayeux and Lisieux, included, approximately from west to east, the pagus Oximensis (Hiémois), the pagus Sagiensis (Séez) where the county of Alençon later evolved, the pagus Epicensis, and the pagus Corbonensis (Corbonnais) which developed into the county of Perche.

In addition to the prominent noble families in Normandy which are shown in this document, there was a multititude of nobles of a lower order in Normandy, and even non-nobles, whose descendants emerged as powerful forces in the overseas territories which the Normans later conquered, in particular England and southern Italy. In most of these cases, the surviving records are insufficient to trace their ancestry in Normandy for more than a single generation. It is therefore difficult to generalise about the precise status of these families in the duchy before they emigrated. Examples of such families who settled in England after the Norman conquest are Briouse, Lacy, Malet, Peveril, Say and Taillebois (see UNTITLED ENGLISH NOBILITY), about whom next to nothing is known in Normandy. In the case of the emigrants to southern Italy, the prominent Hauteville family (see SICILY/NAPLES, Counts & Kings) left no trace in Normandy. Considering the impact of the Normans on the development of southern Italy and Sicily in the 11th and 12th centuries, it is surprising that so few of the emigrating noble families can be traced to the Norman nobility set out in this document. The only examples are Armand de Mortain, of the family of the Comtes d'Eu (see Chapter 9) who was ancestor of the Conti di Montescaglioso (extinct in the male line in the mid-12th century, see SICILY/NAPLES NOBILITY), and the various members of the Grantmesnil family (see Chapter 2.E) who left no traceable male descents in southern Italy after the first generation. An obvious conclusion is that the armies who accompanied the Norman leaders to southern Italy were, like their leaders the Hauteville family, composed almost exclusively of lower nobility or even non-nobles. A parallel can be drawn with the majority of the western European settlers who were rewarded with lordships in the kingdom of Jerusalem and the other crusader principalities and counties after participating in the First Crusade, few of whose families were prominent among the nobility in their countries of origin.

Chapter 1. EARLY NORMAN FAMILIES of VIKING ORIGIN

A. FAMILY of GUNNORA, mistress of RICHARD I Comte de NORMANDIE

Four sisters and one brother, parents not known, presumably of Viking origin:

1. SAINSFRIDA [Senfrie] . She and her three sisters, as well as their husbands, are named by Robert de Torigny[3]. The Chronicle of Alberic de Trois-Fontaines names "Seufriam" as sister of "Gunnor uxor…Richardi Normannis ducem"[4]. Guillaume de Jumièges records that "la femme d'un sien forestier…Sainfrie" rejected the advances of Richard I Comte [de Normandie] and sent her sister Gunnor to his bed in her place[5]. m ---. The name of Sainsfrida's husband is not known. Sainsfrida and her husband had one child:

a) JOSCELINE . The Chronicle of Alberic de Trois-Fontaines names "Iosceline" as daughter of "Seufriam"[6]. Josceline, her husband and her mother are named in a letter of Ives Bishop of Chartres to Henry I King of England dated 1114 which explains the consanguinity between the king and Hugues de Châteauneuf, who wanted to marry one of the king's illegitimate daughters[7]. m ROGER [I] Seigneur de Montgommery, son of --- (-before [1048]).

2. GUNNORA ([950]-5 Jan 1031). She and her three sisters, as well as their husbands, are named by Robert de Torigny[8]. It appears from Dudo de Saint-Quentin and Robert de Torigny[9] that Gunnora was Richard I's mistress before she married him. According to William of Jumièges, she was "of noble Danish origin"[10]. According to Robert de Torigny, the marriage took place to legitimise Richard and Gunnora's son Robert to permit his appointment as Bishop of Rouen[11]. The necrology of Saint-Père-en-Vallée records the death "Non Jan" of "Gonnoridis…comitissa Normannie"[12]. m ([before 989]) as his second wife, RICHARD I “Sans Peur" Comte [de Normandie], son of GUILLAUME Comte [ de Normandie] & his first wife Sprota --- (Fécamp [932]-Fécamp 20 Nov 996, bur Fécamp).

3. HERFAST . Guillaume de Jumièges names "Herfast, frère de la comtesse Gunnor" when recording the murder of his son Osbern[13]. m ---. The name of Herfast's wife is not known. Herfast & his wife had two children:

a) OSBERN de Crépon (-murdered Vandreuil 1038). "Duke Richard [II]" donated property to the abbey of Mont Saint-Michel by charter dated to [1026], subscribed by "…Osbernus filius Arfast, Ranulfus frater eius"[14]. "…Osbe filius Herfasti…" witnessed the charter dated to [1030] under which Robert II Duke of Normandy confirmed rights of Mont Saint-Michel[15]. Steward (dapifer) of Robert II and Guillaume II Dukes of Normandy. "Rotberti comitis, Osberni dapiferi…" witnessed the charter dated to [1030/35] under which "Erchembaldus vicecomes" donated "prata de Salhus et…in Sarlosvilla jure hereditario" to the abbey of Sainte-Trinité de Rouen[16]. An undated charter, recording a donation to Sainte-Trinité de Rouen, records that "Osbernus dapifer" was killed "a suis hostibus"[17]. He is named "Osberni cognomento Pacifici" in the charter dated to [1035/60] which records the donation by his widow and two sons to Rouen Sainte-Trinité for his soul[18]. Guillaume de Jumièges records that "Osbern, intendant de la maison du prince [Guillaume II Duke of Normandy] et fils d'Herfast" was murdered at Vandreuil in the early years of the duke's reign by "Guillaume fils de Roger de Montgomeri"[19]. m EMMA d'Ivry, daughter of RAOUL d'Ivry Comte de Bayeux & his wife --- (-after [1067]). "Willelmus et frater eius Osbernus" donated "terram…Herchembaldus vicecomes et Turoldus, comitissæ Gunnoris camerarius" and revenue from land received by "Croco et Erchembaldus filii eiusdem Erchembaldi vicecomitis" to the abbey of Sainte-Trinité at Rouen, with the consent of "matre eorum Emma", for the soul of "patris sui Osberni cognomento Pacifici", by charter dated to [1035/60][20]. "Emma Osberni dapiferi uxore" is named as "dominis mei" with her two sons in the undated charter of Ansfredus[21]. "Erchenbaldo filio Erchenbaldi vicecomitis", on the point of leaving "ultra mare", donated property to Sainte-Trinité de Rouen, with the consent of "rege Anglorum et duce Normannorum Guillelmo", by undated charter, signed by "…Willelmi filii Osberni, Emmæ matris eius, Ansfredi filii Athlæ…"[22]. "Ansfredus, Osberni de Ou vicecomitis, postea…Hierosolimitani monachi, filius…cum conjuge mea Emma" offered "unicum filium meum…Goiffredum" as a monk at Sainte-Trinité de Rouen, with the consent of "dominis meis Emma, Osberni dapiferi uxore et filiis eius Willelmo et Osberno…Willelmo…principe Normannorum", by undated charter[23]. Osbern & his wife had three children:

i) GUILLAUME FitzOsbern (-killed in battle Cassel, Flanders 22 Feb 1071, bur Abbaye de Cormeilles). Guillaume de Jumièges names "Guillaume fils d'Osbern, proche parent du duc Guillaume", recording that he built the monasteries at Lire and Corneilles[24]. "Willelmus et frater eius Osbernus" donated "terram…Herchembaldus vicecomes et Turoldus, comitissæ Gunnoris camerarius" and revenue from land received by "Croco et Erchembaldus filii eiusdem Erchembaldi vicecomitis" to the abbey of Sainte-Trinité at Rouen, with the consent of "matre eorum Emma", for the soul of "patris sui Osberni cognomento Pacifici", by charter dated to [1035/60], signed by "…Godeboldi, Daneboldi, Ansfredi filii Osberni, Gisleberti filii Turgisii…"[25]. "…Guillelmi filii Osberni…" witnessed the charter dated 1054 under which Guillaume II Duke of Normandy confirmed the donation of "terram…Sancta Columba…dedit Niellus clericus" to the abbey of Mont-Saint-Michel[26]. "…Willelmi filii Osberti, Rotgerii de Monte Golmerii, Richardis vicecomitis Abrinchensis…" witnessed the charter dated [1055/56] under which Guillaume II Duke of Normandy "in pago…Constantino, villam…Flotomannum" to Saint-Florent de Saumur[27]. "…Guillelmus filius Osberti…Guillelmus filius Guillelmi filiii Osberti…" witnessed the charter dated to [1060] under which Guillaume II Duke of Normandy granted "Brenerias" to the abbey of Bayeux[28]. "Ansfredus, Osberni de Ou vicecomitis, postea…Hierosolimitani monachi, filius…cum conjuge mea Emma" offered "unicum filium meum…Goiffredum" as a monk at Sainte-Trinité de Rouen, with the consent of "dominis meis Emma, Osberni dapiferi uxore et filiis eius Willelmo et Osberno…Willelmo…principe Normannorum", by undated charter[29]. "Willelmus filius Osberti…" witnessed the charter dated 29 Aug 1060 under which "milite…Richardo…fratribus Willelmo…atque Balduino" donated "Gausberti Villa" to Chartres Saint-Père[30]. The Chronique de Normandie, based on le Roman de Rou, records that William I King of England made "le Conte Rogier de Montgomery et Guillaume le filz Osber" his two "Marechaulx d´Engleterre" after the conquest of England[31]. The Brevis Relatio de Origine Willelmi Conquestoris records that "Willelmo dapifero filio Osberni" contributed 60 ships towards the invasion of England in 1066[32]. "Erchenbaldo filio Erchenbaldi vicecomitis", on the point of leaving "ultra mare", donated property to Sainte-Trinité de Rouen, with the consent of "rege Anglorum et duce Normannorum Guillelmo", by undated charter, signed by "…Willelmi filii Osberni, Emmæ matris eius, Ansfredi filii Athlæ…"[33]. "Willelmus comes filius Osberni dapiferi" donated rights in "totius silvæ Longum Bothel" to Sainte-Trinité de Rouen by charter dated 1068, which states that later "Willelmus…filius eius" confirmed the donation[34]. He was rewarded for his part in the conquest of England with estates in the Isle of Wight and county of Hereford, thereby becoming Earl of Hereford.

- EARLS of HEREFORD.

ii) OSBERN (-1101). "Willelmus et frater eius Osbernus" donated "terram…Herchembaldus vicecomes et Turoldus, comitissæ Gunnoris camerarius" and revenue from land received by "Croco et Erchembaldus filii eiusdem Erchembaldi vicecomitis" to the abbey of Sainte-Trinité at Rouen, with the consent of "matre eorum Emma", for the soul of "patris sui Osberni cognomento Pacifici", by charter dated to [1035/60][35]. "Osberni frater eius [Willelmi]" witnessed a charter dated 1038 or after[36]. "Ansfredus, Osberni de Ou vicecomitis, postea…Hierosolimitani monachi, filius…cum conjuge mea Emma" offered "unicum filium meum…Goiffredum" as a monk at Sainte-Trinité de Rouen, with the consent of "dominis meis Emma, Osberni dapiferi uxore et filiis eius Willelmo et Osberno…Willelmo…principe Normannorum", by undated charter[37]. Chancellor of England. Bishop of Exeter 1072[38].

iii) EMMA . "Willelmus Vernonensis filius Hugonis eiusque conjux Emma" donated property at "castrum Vernonense" to Sainte-Trinité de Rouen, with the consent of "Willelmo rege Anglorum et duce Normannorum", by undated charter[39]. Guillaume de Vernon, his son Hugues and his wife Emma donated property to Rouen Holy Trinity, confirmed in the charter dated to [1067][40]. Her parentage is confirmed by a charter of Carisbrooke Priory, Isle of Wight which names “Johannem et Ricardum” as the two sons of “Willielmum filium Osberni marescallum…comitem Herefordiæ” who predeceased their father, and records that their inheritance went to “Ricardo de Rivers, nepoti prædicti Willielmi filii Osberni, tunc comiti Exoniæ”[41]. m GUILLAUME de Vernon, son of HUGUES de Vernon & his wife --- (-[4 Jun ----]).

b) RAINULF . "Duke Richard [II]" donated property to the abbey of Mont Saint-Michel by charter dated to [1026], subscribed by "…Osbernus filius Arfast, Ranulfus frater eius"[42].

4. WEWA . She and her three sisters, as well as their husbands, are named by Robert de Torigny[43]. Guillaume de Jumièges names "Gueuve et Aveline" as two sisters of Gunnor, recording that the former married "Turulfe de Pont-Audemer, son of Torf"[44]. The Genealogia Fundatoris of Tintern Abbey, Monmouthshire records that the (unnamed) sister of ”Gunnora comitissa Normanniæ” married “Turulpho de Ponte-Adomaro”[45]. m THOROLD de Pont-Audemer, son of [TORF & his wife ---] (-after 1040).

5. [AVELINE] . She and her three sisters, as well as their husbands, are named by Robert de Torigny[46]. Guillaume de Jumièges names "Gueuve et Aveline" as two sisters of Gunnor, the latter married to Osbern de Bolbec[47]. On the other hand, the Genealogia Fundatoris of Tintern Abbey, Monmouthshire names ”Turketillus…frater…Turulphi, cuius filius Hasculfus d´Harcourt” married “aliam sororem…comitissæ Gunnoræ” by whom he was father of “duos…filios…Walterum de Giffard primogenitum…”[48]. As noted under Giffard, another primary source indicates that the wife of "Osbernus Giffardus" (assumed to refer to Osbern de Bolbec given that his son used the name Giffard) was named Hawise[49]. It is not known whether Osbern was married twice or whether all the sources cited refer to the same person, one or other mistaking the name. m [as his first wife,] OSBERN de Bolbec, son of ---.

6. [--- . It is not known which brother or sister of Gunnor was the parent of Beatrice.]

a) BEATRIX . Guillaume de Jumièges records that one of the nieces of Gunnor, mistress of Richard I Comte [de Normandie], married "le père du premier Guillaume de Warenne"[50]. An undated charter records an agreement between Sainte-Trinité de Rouen and "Rodulfo Warethnæ" to buy land "in Blovilla…apud villam…Merdeplud…et terram prati Sottevillæ", with the consent of "dominum nostrum Willelmum Normannorum ducem…et Rotomagensis archiepiscopi Malgerii", by undated charter (dated to [1037/55]), signed by "…ejusdem Rodulfi de Guarethna., Beatricis uxori eius, Rogerii filii episcopi, Huberti filii Turoldi…"[51]. m as his first wife, RODULF de Warenne, son of --- .

Two brothers, parents not known. This family was closely related to the family of Gunnora, as is seen from the common references in charters referred to.

1. ARCHAMBAUD [Erchembaldus] . "Erchembaldus vicecomes" donated "prata de Salhus et…in Sarlosvilla jure hereditario" to the abbey of Sainte-Trinité de Rouen, by charter dated to [1030/35], signed by "Rotberti comitis, Osberni dapiferi, eiusdem Erchembaldi, Franconis fratris eius, Gisleberti senescalli, Normanni de Herolcurt…"[52]. "Willelmus et frater eius Osbernus" donated "terram…Herchembaldus vicecomes et Turoldus, comitissæ Gunnoris camerarius" and revenue from land received by "Croco et Erchembaldus filii eiusdem Erchembaldi vicecomitis" to the abbey of Sainte-Trinité at Rouen, with the consent of "matre eorum Emma", for the soul of "patris sui Osberni cognomento Pacifici", by charter dated to [1035/60], signed by "…Godeboldi, Daneboldi, Ansfredi filii Osberni, Gisleberti filii Turgisii…"[53]. m ---. The name of Archambaud's wife is not known. Archambaud & his wife had three children:

a) GILBERT (-1038 [or after]). An undated charter records that "Osbernus dapifer" was killed "a suis hostibus" (dated to 1038) and "Gulbertus filius Erchembaldi vicecomitis fidelis eius" seriously wounded and donated "prata de Reduil" to Sainte-Trinité de Rouen for his recovery, with the consent of "fratribus eius Crocone et Erchembaldo" and confirmed by "Willelmus comes Normannorum"[54].

b) CROCO . An undated charter records that "Osbernus dapifer" was killed "a suis hostibus" (dated to 1038) and "Gulbertus filius Erchembaldi vicecomitis fidelis eius" seriously wounded and donated "prata de Reduil" to Sainte-Trinité de Rouen for his recovery, with the consent of "fratribus eius Crocone et Erchembaldo" and confirmed by "Willelmus comes Normannorum"[55]. "Willelmus et frater eius Osbernus" donated "terram…Herchembaldus vicecomes et Turoldus, comitissæ Gunnoris camerarius" and revenue from land received by "Croco et Erchembaldus filii eiusdem Erchembaldi vicecomitis" to the abbey of Sainte-Trinité at Rouen, with the consent of "matre eorum Emma", for the soul of "patris sui Osberni cognomento Pacifici", by charter dated to [1035/60][56]. "…Croci, Erchembaldi…" witnessed a charter of "Ricardus vir potens de Bernay" dated 1047, together with "Emmæ ipsius dominæ" and her two sons Guillaume and Osbern[57], although the relationship between the two is not specified. "Croco" witnessed a charter of "Huelino fratre Osmundi de Franca Villa" dated 1058[58].

c) ARCHAMBAUD (-after 1067). An undated charter records that "Osbernus dapifer" was killed "a suis hostibus" (dated to 1038) and "Gulbertus filius Erchembaldi vicecomitis fidelis eius" seriously wounded and donated "prata de Reduil" to Sainte-Trinité de Rouen for his recovery, with the consent of "fratribus eius Crocone et Erchembaldo" and confirmed by "Willelmus comes Normannorum"[59]. "Willelmus et frater eius Osbernus" donated "terram…Herchembaldus vicecomes et Turoldus, comitissæ Gunnoris camerarius" and revenue from land received by "Croco et Erchembaldus filii eiusdem Erchembaldi vicecomitis" to the abbey of Sainte-Trinité at Rouen, with the consent of "matre eorum Emma", for the soul of "patris sui Osberni cognomento Pacifici", by charter dated to [1035/60][60]. "Erchenbaldo filio Erchenbaldi vicecomitis", on the point of leaving "ultra mare", donated property to Sainte-Trinité de Rouen, with the consent of "rege Anglorum et duce Normannorum Guillelmo", by undated charter, signed by "…Willelmi filii Osberni, Emmæ matris eius, Ansfredi filii Athlæ…"[61].

2. FRANCO (-after [1030/35]). "Erchembaldus vicecomes" donated "prata de Salhus et…in Sarlosvilla jure hereditario" to the abbey of Sainte-Trinité de Rouen, by charter dated to [1030/35], signed by "Rotberti comitis, Osberni dapiferi, eiusdem Erchembaldi, Franconis fratris eius, Gisleberti senescalli, Normanni de Herolcurt…"[62].

B. FAMILY of THURSTAN HALDUP

1. THURSTAN [Richard] Haldup (-after 1079). "Ricardus qui vocatur Turstinus Haldup cum Anna uxore sua, Eudoque filius eorum" founded the abbey of Essay by undated charter, dated to [1079/87][63]. Henry I King of England confirmed the possessions of Holy Trinity, Lessay, including the donations by "Ricardus qui vocatus est Turstinus Haldup et Eudo filius eius", by charter dated 1126[64]. Henry II King of England confirmed the possessions of the abbey of Lessai, including donations by "Turstini Haldup et Eudonis filii eius" confirmed by "Roberti de Haia et Murielis uxoris sue et Richardi et Radulfi filiorum eorum", by charter dated [1185/Jan 1188][65]. m ANNE, daughter of --- (-after 1079). "Ricardus qui vocatur Turstinus Haldup cum Anna uxore sua, Eudoque filius eorum" founded the abbey of Essay by undated charter, dated to [1079/87][66]. Thurstan & his wife had four children:

a) EUDES (-after [1081]). "Ricardus qui vocatur Turstinus Haldup cum Anna uxore sua, Eudoque filius eorum" founded the abbey of Essay by undated charter, dated to [1079/87][67]. Henry I King of England confirmed the possessions of Holy Trinity, Lessay, including the donations by "Ricardus qui vocatus est Turstinus Haldup et Eudo filius eius", by charter dated 1126[68]. Henry II King of England confirmed the possessions of the abbey of Lessai, including donations by "Turstini Haldup et Eudonis filii eius" confirmed by "Roberti de Haia et Murielis uxoris sue et Richardi et Radulfi filiorum eorum", by charter dated [1185/Jan 1188][69]. [Vicomte de Contentin. "…Eudo vicecomes Constantini…" witnessed the charter dated to [1060] under which Guillaume II Duke of Normandy granted "Brenerias" to the abbey of Bayeux[70]. Delisle suggests that Eudes was the son of Thurstan Haldup. However, it appears more likely that he was the younger brother of Vicomte Néel [II].] "Eudo filius Turstini" donated his part of "villa…Helville" to the abbey of Marmoutier by charter dated to [1081][71].

b) EMMA (-[1090/95]). She is named by Orderic Vitalis, who also names her father, and as children of her marriage, Guillaume, Reginald, Petronilla, Geva and "several other sons and daughters"[72]. Orderic Vitalis records that, after the murder of her husband, she took refuge with her brother Eudo "steward of the Duke of Normandy" (with which title he must be distinguished from Eudes de Rie, son of Hubert de Rie, see UNTITLED ENGLISH NOBILITY), and passed "almost 30 years of honourable widowhood there"[73]. m ARNAUD d'Echaffour, son of GUILLAUME & his first wife Hiltrude --- (-I Jan [1065]).

c) daughter . Her parentage and marriage are confirmed by the foundation charter of the priory in which her son Robert de La Haye names himself "son of Ranulf the seneschal of Robert de Mortain" and "nephew of Eudo dapifer" [son of Thurstan Haldup][74]. m RANULF, son of ---. Seneschal of Robert de Mortain.

d) ADELAIDE . Henry II King of England confirmed the possessions of the abbey of la Trinité de Caen, including the donation by "Adelaidis filie Tustini Haldup" of "alteram medietatem ville de Carpiquet", by charter dated to [1180/82][75].

Chapter 2. ALENÇON

Bellême was a fief held directly from the French crown[76]. The Seigneurs de Bellême acquired the lordship of Alençon, located in the south of the duchy of Normandy close to the border with the county of Maine. The process whereby the lordship of Alençon evolved into the county of Alençon appears to have been accidental, occurring in the second half of the 12th century when the inheritance of Guillaume Comte de Ponthieu was divided between his sons. His eldest son Jean received his father´s Norman lands, including the lordship of Alençon which had been brought into the family by his paternal great-grandmother, and had retained his father´s comital title and applied it to Alençon, presumably with the acquiescence of his suzerain Henry II King of England (no reference to a formal regrant of the lordship as a county has been identified).

A. SIRES d'ALENÇON (SEIGNEURS de BELLÊME)

1. FULCON . m ROTHAIS, daughter of ---. "Ivo…in castro meo Bellismo" founded the chapel of l'Abbayette for the souls of "patris mei Fulconii et matris meæ Rothais" by charter dated 12 Oct 997[77]. Fulcon & his wife had three children:

a) IVES de Creil (-1005 or after). "Ivo…in castro meo Bellismo" founded the chapel of l'Abbayette, with the consent of "duarum…sororum mearum Billehendis atque Eremburgis…duorum avunculorum, Seinfredi episcopi et Guillelmi, atque cognatorum Guillelmi clerici, Roberti, Sutsardi, rursusque Guillelmi laïci", for the souls of "patris mei Fulconii et matris meæ Rothais" by charter dated 12 Oct 997, witnessed by "Hugonis comitis, Radulfi vicecomitis"[78]. Seigneur de Bellême {Mortagne, Orne}, du Saosnais, du Passais et de Sées. Guillaume de Jumièges names "Yvon père de Guillaume de Belesme" when recording that he advised Osmond on how Richard I Comte [de Normandie] could escape his captivity after his accession[79]. "Ivo" founded Notre-Dame de Bellême, for the souls of himself "conjugisque mee Godehildis, sive filiis meis vel genitoribus meis", by undated charter[80]. m GODEHILDIS, daughter of ---. "Ivo" founded Notre-Dame de Bellême, for the souls of himself "conjugisque mee Godehildis, sive filiis meis vel genitoribus meis", by undated charter, confirmed after his death by "Willelmus et Godehildis mater mea"[81]. Ives & his wife had five children:

i) GUILLAUME de Bellême (-[1031]). Guillaume de Jumièges records that "Guillaume de Belesme, fils d'Yves, qui tenait le château d'Alençon à titre de bénéfice" rebelled against Robert II Duke of Normandy[82]. Seigneur de Bellême. Sire d'Alençon.

- see below.

ii) IVES de Bellême (-after [1031]). "Avesgaudus…Cenomannensium presul, meusque frater Ivo" donated property to Saint-Vincent du Mans by charter dated to [995/1032][83]. "Rotberti filii Wilelmi, Ivo suus avunculus" donated property to Notre-Dame de Bellême by undated charter[84]. Abelin lists his donations of property at Le Mans to Marmoutier by charter dated [1064/10 May 1065], naming "Ivonis de Belismo [et] filiis illius Guilelmo, Avesgaudo præsule atque Ivone"[85].

iii) AVESGAUD de Bellême (-Verdun 27 Oct 1035). Abelin lists his donations of property at Le Mans to Marmoutier by charter dated [1064/10 May 1065], naming "Ivonis de Belismo [et] filiis illius Guilelmo, Avesgaudo præsule atque Ivone"[86]. Bishop of Le Mans. The Actus pontificum Cenomannis records the installation of "Avesgaudus, nepos ipsius" as Bishop of Le Mans after the death of "Segenfrido" (in [997])[87]. "Avesgaudus…Cenomannensium presul, meusque frater Ivo" donated property to Saint-Vincent du Mans by charter dated to [995/1032][88]. Bishop Gervais names "avunculi mei Avesgaudi…genitoris cum genetrice mea Haimonis et Hildeburga" in his testament dated [1040/47], which also specifies that "avunculi mei domini Avesgaudi episcopi" died "apud Verdunis VI Kal Nov" on returning from Jerusalem, that "sororis eius, matris mee Hyldeburge" died the same day that "patris mei Haimonis" died "XVIII Kal Feb", and that he was ordained "XIV Kal Jan"[89].

iv) HILDEBURGIS de Bellême (-27 Oct ----). Avesgaud Bishop of Le Mans gave the church of Parigné-l'Evèque and Loué to "unam Hildeburgi sorori suæ primogenitæ et alteram Godehilde germanæ suæ secundæ" by charter dated [1000][90]. The primary source which confirms her marriage has not yet been identified. Bishop Gervais names "avunculi mei Avesgaudi…genitoris cum genetrice mea Haimonis et Hildeburga" in his testament dated [1040/47][91]. m (1006 or before) HAIMON Seigneur d'Argentré [Château-du-Loir], son of --- (-15 Jan [1030]).

v) GODEHILDIS de Bellême . Avesgaud Bishop of Le Mans gave the church of Parigné-l'Evèque and Loué to "unam Hildeburgi sorori suæ primogenitæ et alteram Godehilde germanæ suæ secundæ" by charter dated [1000][92]. The primary source which confirms her first marriage has not yet been identified. "Rodulfus…Cenomannus vicecomes…mee bone coniugis Godehelt…filio Rodulfo" donated property to the abbey of Saint-Victeur du Mans by charter dated to [994][93]. No direct proof has been identified that this is the same Godehildis, but it appears likely that this is correct. m [firstly] ALBERT [I] de la Ferté-en-Beauce {la Ferté-Vidame, Eure-et-Loir}, son of ---. [m secondly RAOUL [II] Vicomte du Maine, son of --- (-before 1014).] Godehildis & her [first] husband had one child:

(a) ALBERT [II] de la Ferté-en-Beauce . Motey names Albert as son of Godehildis and her first husband, stating that he became a monk at Jumièges after his wife died and was elected abbé de Saint-Etienne et de Saint-Mesmin near Orléans[94]. m ---. The name of Albert's wife is not known. Albert & his wife had one child:

(1) ARNOUL de la Ferté-en-Beauce (-1052). "Arnulphus ex nobili Alençoniorum et Bellismensium comitum genere, nepos Avesgaudi et consobrinus Gervasii" was elected archbishop of Tours[95]. Archbishop of Tours 1023.

b) BILEHENDIS (-after 12 Oct 997). "Ivo…in castro meo Bellismo" founded the chapel of l'Abbayette, with the consent of "duarum…sororum mearum Billehendis atque Eremburgis…" by charter dated 12 Oct 997[96].

c) EREMBURGIS (-after 12 Oct 997). "Ivo…in castro meo Bellismo" founded the chapel of l'Abbayette, with the consent of "duarum…sororum mearum Billehendis atque Eremburgis…" by charter dated 12 Oct 997[97].

GUILLAUME [I] de Bellême, son of IVES de Creil Seigneur de Bellême & his wife Godehildis --- (-[1031]). Guillaume de Jumièges records that "Guillaume de Belesme, fils d'Yves, qui tenait le château d'Alençon à titre de bénéfice" rebelled against Robert II Duke of Normandy, commenting that he was "infiniment cruel et ambitieux", dying soon after the defeat of his sons Foulques and Robert[98]. [1000]. Sire d'Alençon. "Ivo" founded Notre-Dame de Bellême, for the souls of himself "conjugisque mee Godehildis, sive filiis meis vel genitoribus meis", by undated charter, confirmed after his death by "Willelmus et Godehildis mater mea"[99]. He founded the abbey of Dame-Marie [1023/26][100]. Europäische Stammtafeln[101] inserts an additional generation between "Guillaume de Belesme, fils d'Yves" and the four brothers who are reported by Guillaume de Jumièges as his sons: "Guillaume [I] "Talvas" "princeps" de Bellême, Sire d'Alençon, 1004-1013 iuvenis, erbaut Domfront, gründet um 1020 abbaye de Lonlay (-Domfront [1031], bur Notre-Dame-sur-l'Eau" recording his wife as "Mathilde, [1020]". From a chronological point of view, this appears unlikely to be correct, especially if the two brothers Ives Bishop of Sées and Robert were sons of the older Guillaume as shown in the same table of Europäische Stammtafeln (see below). The primary sources on which this is based have not yet been identified, but until more information emerges it appears preferable to show this family as reported by Guillaume de Jumièges. La Chronique Manuscrite de Normandie records that Robert II Duke of Normandy granted Alençon to "à Belesme ung seigneur nommé Guillaume" who rebelled against the duke who besieged the castle and captured Guillaume[102].

m MATHILDE Dame de Condé-sur-Noireau, daughter of ---. The primary source which confirms her marriage has not yet been identified. La Chronique Manuscrite de Normandie states that the mother of the sons of "à Belesme ung seigneur nommé Guillaume" was "Mehault du lignaige de Guennelon"[103].

Guillaume & his wife had five children:

1. WARINUS [Guérin] de Bellême (-murdered 1026). Guillaume de Jumièges names (in order) "Guérin, Foulques, Robert et Guillaume" as the four sons of "Guillaume de Belesme, fils d'Yves", commenting that they were perfectly similar to their father in character and recording that Guérin was strangled by the devil before the eyes of his companions[104]. Seigneur de Domfront. m ---. The name of Guérin's wife is not known. Guérin & his wife had one child:

a) ADELISE de Bellême . Her parentage is suggested by Orderic Vitalis who records that the great-grandfather of Rotrou [III] Comte du Perche was Guerin "quem dæmones suffocaverunt"[105]. 1060. m ROTROU [I] Vicomte de Châteaudun, son of GEOFFROY Vicomte de Châteaudun & his wife Helvis [Elisabeth] de Corbon (-1 Mar [1080]). Comte de Mortagne 1058.

Guérin had one illegitimate child by an unknown mistress:

b) RAOUL de Bellême (-after 28 May 1053). Yves Bishop of Sées confirmed the sale of the church of Courgains, with the consent of "fratre episcopi Willelmo, et Oliverio et Warino et Rodulfo episcopi nepotibus", by charter dated 28 May 1053[106]. A later charter of Abbé Avesgaud summarises the sale, stating that it was made with the consent of "episcopi Sagiensis, Ivonis nomine, et Willelmi fratris predicti Sagiensis episcopi…etiam Warino et Willelmo filiis Roberti, Olivario Willelmi filio, Radulfi filio Warini, et Seginfredo filio Willelmi de Bellisimo"[107].

2. FOULQUES de Bellême (-killed in battle forest of Blavon [1027/35], bur Notre-Dame de Bellême). Guillaume de Jumièges names (in order) "Guérin, Foulques, Robert et Guillaume" as the four sons of "Guillaume de Belesme, fils d'Yves", commenting that they were perfectly similar in character to their father. Their father sent his two sons Foulques and Robert to pillage Normandy but they were defeated in battle in the forest of Blavon where Foulques was killed[108].

3. ROBERT de Bellême (-murdered Château de Ballon [1031/35]). Guillaume de Jumièges names (in order) "Guérin, Foulques, Robert et Guillaume" as the four sons of "Guillaume de Belesme, fils d'Yves", commenting that they were perfectly similar in character to their father. Their father sent his two sons Foulques and Robert to pillage Normandy but they were defeated in battle in the forest of Blavon where Foulques was killed[109]. Sire de Bellême. Guillaume de Jumièges records that Robert "héritier du pouvoir et de la cruauté de Guillaume de Belesme" was captured by the men of Le Mans, imprisoned for two years in the château de Ballon, and murdered by the sons of Gauthier de Sordains in reprisal for the death of their father[110], dated to the early 1030s from the context of the passage. "Rotberti filii Wilelmi, Ivo suus avunculus" donated property to Notre-Dame de Bellême by undated charter[111]. Robert had two illegitimate children by an unknown mistress:

a) GUERIN (-after 1067). Yves Bishop of Sées confirmed the sale of the church of Courgains, with the consent of "fratre episcopi Willelmo, et Oliverio et Warino et Rodulfo episcopi nepotibus", by charter dated 28 May 1053[112]. A charter of Abbé Avesgaud summarises the sale, stating that it was made with the consent of "episcopi Sagiensis, Ivonis nomine, et Willelmi fratris predicti Sagiensis episcopi…etiam Warino et Willelmo filiis Roberti, Olivario Willelmi filio, Radulfi filio Warini, et Seginfredo filio Willelmi de Bellisimo"[113]. "Warino et Willelmus nepotibus Ivonis episcopi…" subscribed the charter dated 6 Dec 1067 which recorded that the church of Saint-Martin de Bellême was granted to Marmoutier[114].

b) GUILLAUME (-after 1067). A charter of Abbé Avesgaud summarises the sale, stating that it was made with the consent of "episcopi Sagiensis, Ivonis nomine, et Willelmi fratris predicti Sagiensis episcopi…etiam Warino et Willelmo filiis Roberti, Olivario Willelmi filio, Radulfi filio Warini, et Seginfredo filio Willelmi de Bellisimo"[115]. "Warino et Willelmus nepotibus Ivonis episcopi…" subscribed the charter dated 6 Dec 1067 which recorded that the church of Saint-Martin de Bellême was granted to Marmoutier[116].

4. GUILLAUME [II] "Talvas" de Bellême (-after [1050/54]). Guillaume de Jumièges names (in order) "Guérin, Foulques, Robert et Guillaume" as the four sons of "Guillaume de Belesme, fils d'Yves", commenting that they were perfectly similar to their father in character[117]. Guillaume de Jumièges records that Guillaume Talvas succeeded after the death of his brother Robert[118], commenting that he was "plus mauvais encore que tous ses frères". "Guillelmus de Belismo" founded the church of Saint-Léonard de Bellême by charter dated to [1023/27][119]. Sire d'Alençon. Guillaume de Jumièges records that Robert and Raoul avenged the mutilation of their brother Guillaume by devastating the lands of Guillaume [II] "Talvas" Sire d'Alençon[120]. "…Willelmus filius Guillelmi…" witnessed the charter dated to [1042] under which Guillaume II Duke of Normandy donated "nostras insulas Serc et Aurrene, propter medietatem Grenere" to the abbey of Mont-Saint-Michel, supported by "Rannulfo filio Anschitilli"[121]. Guillaume de Jumièges records his being sent into exile by his son Arnoul[122]. m firstly HILDEBURGE, daughter of ARNOUL & his wife ---. Guillaume de Jumièges names "Hildeburge fille d'Arnoul" as wife of Guillaume Talvas, recording that her husband had her strangled on her way to church[123]. m secondly --- de Beaumont, daughter of RAOUL [V] de Beaumont Vicomte du Maine & his first wife Emma de Montevrault Dame de Lude. Guillaume de Jumièges records that the second wife of Guillaume Talvas was the daughter of "Raoul vicomte de Beaumont" but does not name her[124]. Guillaume [II] & his first wife had two children:

a) ARNOUL de Bellême (-murdered). Guillaume de Jumièges names "Arnoul et Mabille" as children of Guillaume Talvas and Hildeburge, recording in a later passage his revolt against his father whom he forced into exile, and his being strangled in his bed[125].

b) MABILE (-murdered Bures 2 Dec 1079, bur 5 Dec 1079 Troarn). Guillaume de Jumièges names "Arnoul et Mabille" as children of Guillaume Talvas and Hildeburge[126]. According to Orderic Vitalis, Mabile was "a forceful and worldly woman, cunning, garrulous and extremely cruel"[127]. Guillaume de Jumièges records that her father arranged her marriage to "Roger de Montgomeri" after his exile[128]. "Rogerius comes…et sua uxor Mabilia atque suus filius Rotbertus" donated property to Notre-Dame de Bellême by charter dated to [1070/79][129]. She was murdered by Hugh Bunel, son of Robert "de Jalgeio" from whom she had taken his castle, who found her "relaxing in bed after a bath [and] struck off her head with his sword"[130]. "Roger ex Northmannis Northmannus son of Roger" donated property to St Martin, Troarn for the soul of "his wife Mabel lately deceased" by charter dated to [1079/82], subscribed by "Rogerii comitis, Rotberti filii eius, Hugonis, Rogerii, Philippi, Arnulfis [filiorum eius]"[131]. m ([1050/54]) ROGER [II] de Montgommery, son of ROGER [I] de Montgommery Seigneur de Montgommery and Vicomte de l'Hiémois & his wife Josceline --- (-Shrewsbury 27 Jul 1094, bur Shrewsbury Abbey). Sire d'Alençon. He was created Earl of Shrewsbury in 1074.

Guillaume [II] had one illegitimate child by an unknown mistress:

c) OLIVIER de Mesle (-after 28 May 1053). Guillaume de Jumièges names Oliver as brother of Arnoul, recording that he was suspected of murdering his brother and later became a monk at Bec[132]. It is assumed that he was illegitimate as the same source in another passage names the two children of Guillaume [II] by his first wife. Yves Bishop of Sées confirmed the sale of the church of Courgains, with the consent of "fratre episcopi Willelmo, et Oliverio et Warino et Rodulfo episcopi nepotibus", by charter dated 28 May 1053[133]. A later charter of Abbé Avesgaud summarises the sale, stating that it was made with the consent of "episcopi Sagiensis, Ivonis nomine, et Willelmi fratris predicti Sagiensis episcopi…etiam Warino et Willelmo filiis Roberti, Olivario Willelmi filio, Radulfi filio Warini, et Seginfredo filio Willelmi de Bellisimo"[134]. He left descendants known as "Oison"[135], but the primary source which confirms their existence has not yet been identified.

5. IVES de Bellême (-5 Apr 1070, bur Sées). Guillaume de Jumièges records that "Ives évêque de Seès" was paternal uncle of Arnoul, after whose murder he took possession of the château de Bellême. According to Europäische Stammtafeln[136], he was the son of Guillaume de Bellême, son of "Guillaume de Belesme, fils d'Yves", the table specifying that he was "Sagiensis episcopus Wilhelmi scilicet domini de Bellismo filius" and "avunculus Rodberti filii Guillelmi". From a chronological point of view, this appears unlikely to be correct. Bishop of Sées 1035. Guillaume de Jumièges also records that "Richard, Robert et Avesgot, fils de Guillaume surnommé Soreng" devastated the country around Seès and were besieged by Ives at the church of Saint-Gervais[137].

Guillaume [I] had one illegitimate son by an unknown mistress:

6. SIFRIDUS de Bellême . A charter of Abbé Avesgaud summarises the sale of the church of Courgains, stating that it was made with the consent of "episcopi Sagiensis, Ivonis nomine, et Willelmi fratris predicti Sagiensis episcopi…etiam Warino et Willelmo filiis Roberti, Olivario Willelmi filio, Radulfi filio Warini, et Seginfredo filio Willelmi de Bellisimo"[138]. Seigneur d'Escures, du Bouillon, de la Chapelle-près-Sées et de Congé.

B. FAMILY of SEINFRED Bishop of Le Mans

Two "Maternal uncles" of Ives de Bellême (assuming that "avunculorum" is translated with its strict sense in the charter quoted below):

1. SEINFRED [Sigefroi] (-Abbaye de la Couture [12 Oct 997/1005], bur Abbaye de la Couture). "Ivo…in castro meo Bellismo" founded the chapel of l'Abbayette, with the consent of "…duorum avunculorum, Seinfredi episcopi et Guillelmi…" by charter dated 12 Oct 997[139]. Bishop of Le Mans 971. m HILDEBURGE, daughter of ---. The Gesta Sigenfridi Episcopi records the marriage of Bishop Seinfred and "mulierem…Hildeburgam"[140]. Seinfred & his wife had --- children:

a) AUBRY [Alberic] . Motey names Albéric as son of Bishop Seinfred and his wife, and states that his father gave him the villages of Sarcé and Coulongé, property of the abbey of Saint-Vincent du Mans, later restored to the abbey by his son and grandson[141]. m HILDIARDE, daughter of ---. Aubry & his wife had one child:

i) HERBERT de la Milesse (-after [1060]). "Herbert de la Milesse chevalier, fils d'Alberic et d'Hildiarde" returned the church of Coulongé to the abbey of Saint-Vincent du Mans, and in [1060] the churches of Sarcé and Maule[142]. m ---. Herbert & his wife had one child:

(a) AUBRY de la Milesse (-after 2 Mar 1091). "Aubry de la Milesse, fils d'Herbert" returned other properties to the abbey of Saint-Vincent du Mans by charter dated 2 mar 1091[143].

b) other children (-young). Motey states that Bishop Seinfred and his wife had several children who died young[144].

2. GUILLAUME . "Ivo…in castro meo Bellismo" founded the chapel of l'Abbayette, with the consent of "…duorum avunculorum, Seinfredi episcopi et Guillelmi…" by charter dated 12 Oct 997[145]. Bishop of Le Mans 971.

3. GODEHILDIS (-after 1005). "Ivo" founded Notre-Dame de Bellême, for the souls of himself "conjugisque mee Godehildis, sive filiis meis vel genitoribus meis", by undated charter, confirmed after his death by "Willelmus et Godehildis mater mea"[146]. m IVES de Creil Seigneur de Bellême, son of FULCON & his wife Rothaïs --- (-1005 or after).

C. SIRES d'ALENÇON, COMTES d'ALENÇON, MONTGOMMERY-PONTHIEU

ROBERT de Montgommery "de Bellême", son of ROGER [II] de Montgommery Sire d'Alençon, Earl of Shropshire and Shrewsbury & his wife Mabile d'Alençon ([1052/56]-[Wareham Castle] 8 May [1131 or later], bur [Wareham Castle]). Guillaume de Jumièges names (in order) "Robert et Hugues, Roger le Poitevin, Philippe et Arnoul, et les filles Emma, Mathilde, Mabille et Sibylle" as the five sons and four daughters of "Roger de Montgomeri" and his wife Mabile[147]. He is referred to as his mother's "first-born son" by Orderic Vitalis, who says his "name is now a byword for his cruelty to the wretched peasantry"[148]. Sire de Bellême et Sire d'Alençon. 3^rd Earl of Shropshire and Shrewsbury.

1. GUILLAUME "Talvas" de Ponthieu (-30 Jun 1171). He is named, and his parentage given, by Orderic Vitalis[149]. He succeeded his father [4 Mar 1106/1110][150] as Comte de Ponthieu.

a) JEAN [I] de Ponthieu (-24 Feb 1191). Robert of Torigny records that Henry II King of England granted "castrum Alenceium et Rocam Mabiriæ" to "Willermus Talavacius comes Sagiensis et filius eius Johannes et iterum Johannes nepos eius filius Guidonis primogeniti sui comitis Pontivi" in 1166[151]. Comte d'Alençon.

- see below.

b) other children: see PONTHIEU.

2. other children: see PONTHIEU.

JEAN [I] de Ponthieu, son of GUILLAUME [I] "Talvas" Comte de Ponthieu & his wife Hélie de Bourgogne [Capet] (-24 Feb 1191). Robert of Torigny records that Henry II King of England granted "castrum Alenceium et Rocam Mabiriæ" to "Willermus Talavacius comes Sagiensis et filius eius Johannes et iterum Johannes nepos eius filius Guidonis primogeniti sui comitis Pontivi" in 1166[152]. Comte d'Alençon. Robert of Torigny records the death in 1171 of "Guillermus Talavercius comes Pontivi" and the succession of "Johannes comes filius eius" in the lands which he held from the English king "in Normannia et in Cenomannensi pago"[153]. "Johannes filius Willelmi comitis Pontivi" donated property to the abbey of Saint-Martin, Troarn with the consent of "filiis meis Johanne et Roberto et Willelmo" by charter dated 1190[154].

m BEATRIX du Maine, daughter of HELIE d'Anjou Comte du Maine & his wife Philippa du Perche . Robert of Torigny records the marriage of "Guillermus Talavercius comes Pontivi…Johannes comes filius eius" and "filiam comitis Heliæ fratris comitis Gaufridi Andegavorum et ducis Normannorum"[155]. "Johannes filius Willelmi comitis Pontivi et Beatricia uxor mea atque Johannes filius meus" donated property to Notre-Dame de la Trappe by charter dated [1158/71][156].

Comte Jean & his wife had six children:

1. JEAN [II] d'Alençon (-6 May 1191, bur Perseigne). "Johannes filius Willelmi comitis Pontivi et Beatricia uxor mea atque Johannes filius meus" donated property to Notre-Dame de la Trappe by charter dated [1158/71][157]. "Johannes filius Willelmi comitis Pontivi" donated property to the abbey of Saint-Martin, Troarn with the consent of "filiis meis Johanne et Roberto et Willelmo" by charter dated 1190[158]. He succeeded his father in 1191 Comte d'Alençon.

2. ROBERT d'Alençon (-Morteville 8 Sep 1217, bur Perseigne). "Johannes filius Willelmi comitis Pontivi" donated property to the abbey of Saint-Martin, Troarn with the consent of "filiis meis Johanne et Roberto et Willelmo" by charter dated 1190[159]. He succeeded his brother in 1191 as Comte d'Alençon. A manuscript genealogy of the Lords of Beaumont records the death of “Robertum comitem Alencheii…apud…manerium suum…Morteveille prope La Val”[160]. m firstly MATHILDE, daughter of ---. The primary source which confirms her marriage has not yet been identified. m secondly (after 1191) as her second husband, JEANNE de Preuilly Dame de la Guerche et de Bouchet, widow of HUGUES [V] "Callidus" Vicomte de Châteaudun, daughter of GAUSBERT de Preuilly Seigneur du Bouchet & his wife Adela de Preuilly [Vendôme] (-[1211]). "G comes Castriduni et A uxor mea" donated property to the abbey of Bécheron by charter dated 1212 in which he names "dominus Jobertus de Guerchia avus meus et Johanna mater mea filia ipsius, comitissa d'Alençon"[161]. A manuscript genealogy of the Lords of Beaumont records the marriage of “Robertum comitem Alencheii” and “Joanna…filia domini Josberti de Guirchia”[162]. m thirdly (before 1215) as her first husband, EMMA de Laval, daughter of GUY [V] Sire de Laval & his wife Avise de Craon ([1197/98]-27 Apr 1264, bur Abbaye de Clermont). "Guido dominus sextus de Lavalle" donated property to Olivet priory, for the soul of "Ozannæ filiæ meæ", by charter dated to [1205], witnessed by "Haoys uxore mea, Guido filius meus, Emma filia mea"[163]. A manuscript genealogy of the Lords of Beaumont record the marriage of “Robertum comitem Alencheii” and “Emmam filiam Guidonis domini de La Val” after the death of his wife “Joanna…filia domini Josberti de Guirchia”[164]. "Robertus comes d´Alencon et dominus Lavallis et Emma uxor eius filia Guidonis de Lavalle et hæres Lavallis" exchanged property with "Yvoni Franco et dominæ Haoys uxori suæ" by charter dated Feb 1216[165]. She married secondly (before 1215) as his second wife, Mathieu [II] "le Grand" Sire de Montmorency, and thirdly (1231) Jean Sire de Toucy. "Matheus de Montemorenciaco, conestabularius Franciæ et Emma, eius uxor, comitissa de Alanconio et domina Lavallensis" ratified a donation by "dominus Ivo Francus et uxor eius Advisia de Lavalle" to Bellebranche, for the salvation of "domini Guydonis de Lavalle" and for "Hugonis filii sui", by charter dated 1218[166]. "Ama comitissa de Alenceon" donated property to Notre-Dame, Paris for the soul of "domini Mathei de Monte Morenciaco mariti mei defuncti" by charter dated 1230[167]. "Joannes dominus de Toceio miles" confirmed commitments made for his marriage to "Emmam comitissam de Alenchon et dominam de Lavalle" by charter dated 1231[168]. Comte Robert & his second wife had two children:

a) JEAN [III] d'Alençon (-8 Jan 1212, bur Perseigne). A manuscript genealogy of the Lords of Beaumont names “Joannem et Matildam” as the children of “Robertum comitem Alencheii” and his wife “Joanna…filia domini Josberti de Guirchia”[169]. He succeeded his father as Comte d'Alençon. m (1205) as her first husband, ADELA [Alix] de Roye, daughter of BARTHELEMY de Roye & his wife Petronille --- (-before May 1220). A manuscript genealogy of the Lords of Beaumont records that “Joannem”, son of “Robertum comitem Alencheii”, married “Aaliz filiam domini Bartholomæi de Roye” but died childless[170]. The primary source which confirms her second marriage has not yet been identified. She married secondly (before 1214) Raoul de Nesle Seigneur de Falvy.

b) MATHILDE d'Alençon . A manuscript genealogy of the Lords of Beaumont names “Joannem et Matildam” as the children of “Robertum comitem Alencheii” and his wife “Joanna…filia domini Josberti de Guirchia”, adding that Matilda married “comiti Blesensi Theobaldo”[171]. m (before 19 Sep 1213) as his first wife, THIBAUT VI Comte de Blois et de Clermont, son of LOUIS Comte de Blois & his wife Catherine Ctss de Clermont-en-Beauvaisis (-16 or 22 Apr 1218).

Comte Robert & his third wife had one child:

c) ROBERT d'Alençon (posthumously 1217-before Jan 1220). A manuscript genealogy of the Lords of Beaumont names “Robertus” as the posthumous son of “Robertum comitem Alencheii” by his wife “Emmam filiam Guidonis domini de La Val”[172].

3. GUILLAUME d'Alençon (-1203). "Johannes filius Willelmi comitis Pontivi" donated property to the abbey of Saint-Martin, Troarn with the consent of "filiis meis Johanne et Roberto et Willelmo" by charter dated 1190[173]. Seigneur de la Roche-Mabile. m CECILE, daughter of ---. The primary source which confirms her marriage has not yet been identified.

4. ALIX d'Alençon (-after 1220). The primary source which confirms her parentage and two marriages has not yet been identified. Dame de Montgommery et de Sonois. m firstly as his second wife, HUGUES [II] Vicomte de Châtellerault, son of AIMERY [I] Vicomte de Châtellerault & his wife Amauberge [Dangeureuse] --- (-before 1176). m secondly ROBERT [I] Malet Seigneur de Granville (-after 1220).

5. HELIE [Ela] d'Alençon (-after May 1233). The primary source which confirms her parentage and marriage has not yet been identified. [174]m ROBERT FitzErneis .

6. PHILIPPA d'Alençon (-before 1223). The primary source which confirms her parentage and three marriages has not yet been identified. m firstly as his second wife, WILLIAM de Roumare Earl of Lincoln, son of WILLIAM de Roumare & his wife Agnès d'Aumâle (-[1198], bur [Revesby]). m secondly GUILLAUME Malet de Granville. m thirdly (before Oct 1215) as his [first] wife[175], GUILLAUME de Préaux (-1223).

D. FAMILY of GIROIE

ABBO "le Breton", son of ---.

m ---. The name of Abbo's wife is not known.

Abbo & his wife had one child:

1. ARNOLD "le Gros" . Orderic Vitalis names "Ernaldi Grossi de Corte Sedaldi Abonii Britonis filii filio"[176]. m ---. The name of Arnold's wife is not known. Arnold & his wife had [three] children:

a) GIROIE [Geroius] . Orderic Vitalis names "Ernaldi Grossi de Corte Sedaldi Abonii Britonis filii filio"[177].

- see below.

b) HILDIARD . Orderic Vitalis names her as sister of Giroie, stating that she became the mother of 3 sons and 11 daughters[178]. m ---.

c) [---. m ---.]

i) [---. m ---.]

(a) GUY "Bollein" . "Pronepos" of the elder Giroie according to Orderic Vitalis, who also names his wife and four sons[179]. The precise relationship is not known. It is possible that he was descended from Hildiard, known sister of Giroie. m HODIERNA, daughter of ---. Orderic Vitalis names Hodierna as wife of Guy "Bollein" and their four sons[180]. Guy & his wife had four children:

(1) NORMAN . Orderic Vitalis names Hodierna as wife of Guy "Bollein" and their four sons[181].

(2) GAUTHIER . Orderic Vitalis names Hodierna as wife of Guy "Bollein" and their four sons[182].

(3) GEOFFROY . Orderic Vitalis names Hodierna as wife of Guy "Bollein" and their four sons[183].

(4) GUILLAUME dit Gregory . Orderic Vitalis names Hodierna as wife of Guy "Bollein" and their four sons[184].

GIROIE [Geroius], son of ARNAUD "le Gros" & his wife --- (-1050 or after). Son of Arnold according to Orderic Vitalis, he fought with Guillaume de Bellême against Herbert Comte du Maine[185]. Seigneur d'Echauffour et de Montreuil[186], although it is not clear whether Giroie retained these properties after the death of his betrothed whose dowry they were. Guillaume de Jumièges records that Giroie was "issu de deux nobles familles de Francs et de Bretons" and went with Guillaume de Bellême to the court of Duke Richard who granted him the castles of Montreuil et d'Echauffour[187]. Guillaume de Jumièges records that in 1050 Giroie founded the monastery of Saint-Evroul with his grandsons Robert and Hugues de Grantmesnil[188].

Betrothed to ---, daughter of HEUGON. Orderic Vitalis records this betrothal, stating that her dowry was Montreuil and Echauffour, and that she died before the marriage could take place[189].

m GISLA, daughter of THURSTAN de Bastembourg & his wife ---. Guillaume de Jumièges records the marriage of Giroie and Gisela daughter of "Toustain de Montfort" and names their seven sons and four daughters, in order, "Ernauld, Foulques qui périt avec le comte Gilbert, Guillaume, Raoul Male-Couronne, Robert, Hugues et Giroie et les filles Heremburge, Emma, Adelaide et Hadvise"[190]. Orderic Vitalis names her and her father, as well as her seven sons and four daughters[191].

Giroie & his wife had eleven children:

1. ARNAUD de Montreuil . Orderic Vitalis names him and gives his parentage, saying that he was "accidentally thrown against the sharp corner of a step during a friendly wrestling match with another young athlete at Montreuil…and after breaking three ribs, died within three days"[192]. m ---. The name of Arnaud's wife is not known. Arnaud & his wife had one child:

a) GUILLAUME . Son of Arnaud de Montreuil, he gave the church and tithes of Giverville to the monks of La-Trinité-du-Mont at Rouen in [1050/56][193].

2. GUILLAUME (-5 Feb ----). Guillaume de Jumièges records that "Guillaume fils de Giroye" fought the comte du Mans[194], dated to the early 1030s from the context of the passage. Son of Giroie according to Orderic Vitalis, who recounts that he was "unjustly and cruelly mutilated" by Guillaume "Talvas" son of Guillaume de Bellême who "blinded and emasculated him and cropped his ears"[195]. In another passage, Orderic Vitalis records that "Guillaume fils de Giroie et…ses neveux Hugues de Grentemenil et Robert don frère" restored the monastery of Ouche de Saint-Evroul[196]. Robert of Torigny's De Immutatione Ordinis Monachorum records that "Willermus filius Geroii monachus Becci et nepotes eius Robertus et Hugo de Grentemaisnil" restored "monasterium Sancti Ebrulfi apud Uticum"[197]. Guillaume de Jumièges records that "Guillaume son of Giroie" was blinded and mutilated on the orders of Guillaume [II] "Talvas" Sire d'Alençon after the latter's second marriage, becoming a monk at Bec three years later[198]. He went on pilgrimage to Jerusalem twice, renouncing the world and taking monastic vows at the abbey of Bec after his second journey[199]. The necrology of the monastery of Ouche records the death "5 Feb" of "Guillelmus filius Geroii fundator hujus cœnobii"[200]. m firstly HILTRUDE, daughter of FULBERT de Beina & his wife ---. Orderic Vitalis names her and her father, as well as her son [201]. m secondly EMMA, daughter of WALKELIN de Tannée & his wife ---. Orderic Vitalis names her and her father, as well as her son [202]. Guillaume & his first wife had one child:

a) ARNAUD d'Echaffour (-I Jan [1065]). He is named and his parentage given by Orderic Vitalis201. He returned from Apulia in [1064] and was promised the restoration of his inheritance by Guillaume II Duke of Normandy, but was poisoned by Mabile de Bellême[203]. m EMMA, daughter of THURSTAN Haldup & his wife ---. She is named by Orderic Vitalis, who also names her father, and as children of her marriage, Guillaume, Reginald, Petronilla, Geva and "several other sons and daughters"[204]. After the murder of her husband, she took refuge with her brother Eudo, steward of the Duke of Normandy, and passed "almost 30 years of honourable widowhood there"[205]. Arnaud & his wife had [eight or more] children:

i) GUILLAUME . He is named and his parentage given by Orderic Vitalis [206]. He served Philippe I King of France as squire, before going to Apulia where he married "a noblewoman of Lombard stock, secured possession of 30 towns under Robert Count of Loritello and had many sons and daughters"[207].

ii) RENAUD . He is named and his parentage given by Orderic Vitalis206. He became a monk at St Evroul as BENEDICT when he was five years old[208].

iii) PETRONILLA . She is named and her parentage given by Orderic Vitalis206. She became a nun at Angers Sainte-Marie[209].

iv) GEVA . She is named and her parentage given by Orderic Vitalis206. She became a nun at the monastery of Holy Trinity, Caen[210].

v) other children . Orderic Vitalis states that Arnaud & his wife had "several other sons and daughters"[211].

Guillaume & his second wife had one child:

b) GUILLAUME (-Rome after Sep 1068). He is named and his parentage given by Orderic Vitalis, who also specifies that "later on in Apulia he was known as the good Norman"[212]. Guillaume de Jumièges records that "Guillaume Giroie" left for Apulia and died in Gaeta "Non Feb"[213]. His father-in-law installed him as Duke of Gaeta in [1064], but he rebelled and attempted to repudiate his wife in order to marry Maria, widow of Duke Atenulf I[214]. Orderic Vitalis records that he became commander of the papal army which was victorious in Campania[215]. Amatus records that he gave two churches to Montecassino in Sep 1068[216]. Amatus records that he died in Rome from "a burning fever"[217]. m ([1060/62]) --- di Capua, daughter of RICHARD I Prince of Capua & his wife Frédésende de Hauteville. Amatus records the marriage of the daughter of Richard to "an exceptional knight, small in stature, who was very robust, strong, valiant…his adopted son…William" with the counties of Aquino, Marsia and Campagna as dowry[218].

3. FOULQUES (-murdered 1040). Orderic Vitalis gives his parentage, says he was a minor when his father died, specifies that he held ½ fee of Montreuil and that he was killed by Gilbert de Brionne[219]. Guillaume de Jumièges records that "Foulque fils de Giroie" was killed at the same time as Gilbert Comte d'Eu[220], dated to the early part of the reign of Guillaume II Duke of Normandy from the context of the passage. Foulques had two illegitimate children by an unknown mistress:

a) GIROIE . Orderic Vitalis names him as son of Foulques by a concubine [221].

b) FOULQUES . Orderic Vitalis names him as son of Foulques by a concubine[222].

4. RAOUL "Malacorona/ill-tonsured" . Orderic Vitalis gives his parentage, lists him as the fourth son but in another passage calls him the "fifth brother" after Robert, saying that he was a minor when his father died and retired as a monk at Marmoutier, dying 6 years later[223]. Guillaume de Jumièges records that "Raoul surnommé le Clerc" brother of "Guillaume son of Giroie" tried unsuccessfully to dissuade his brother from attending the second marriage of Guillaume [II] "Talvas" Sire d'Alençon, after which Guillaume was attacked[224]. Guillaume de Jumièges records that Robert and Raoul avenged the mutilation of their brother Guillaume by devastated the lands of Guillaume [II] "Talvas" Sire d'Alençon[225]. Orderic Vitalis names "Mala-corona" as herald of Bohémond of Apulia at the siege of Antioch[226], although it is not certain that this was the same person.

5. ROBERT (-6 Feb after [1060/61], bur St-Evroul[227]). Son of Giroie, minor when his father died, he restored the monastery of Ouches in 1050 with his brother Guillaume[228]. Guillaume de Jumièges records that "Robert fils de Giroie" was one of those responsible for the murder of Gilbert Comte d'Eu[229]. Guillaume de Jumièges records that Robert and Raoul avenged the mutilation of their brother Guillaume by devastated the lands of Guillaume [II] "Talvas" Sire d'Alençon[230]. Orderic Vitalis records that he was besieged in the castle of St Ceneri by Guillaume II Duke of Normandy "in the 25th year of the duke's reign" ([1060/61]), and that he "died five days after eating a poisoned apple which he had snatched from his wife's hand"[231]. m ADELAIDE, daughter of ---. She is named by Orderic Vitalis, who says that she was the cousin of Guillaume II Duke of Normandy who arranged the marriage[232]. Robert & his wife had one child:

a) ROBERT (-after Jun 1119). He is named and his parentage given by Orderic Vitalis, who specifies that he "is now fighting for Henry King of England"[233]. Son of Robert Giroie according to Orderic Vitalis, who specifies that he "spent many years with his relatives in Apulia" and was "consobrinus" of Robert III Duke of Normandy, who restored to him the castle of Saint-Céneri previously held by his father which he retained "for about 36 years afterwards"[234]. His castle was attacked "without warning" by Robert de Bellême, triggering open warfare in which Robert Giroie laid waste the country around Alençon for three months, but during his absence Robert de Bellême sacked the castle in [Jul 1092][235]. Seigneur de Saint-Cenery [located south-west of Alençon, near the forest of Ecouves]: "Avesgaudus filius Fulcaudi" donated "ecclesia Sancti Simphoriani et Sancte Marie de Conedrario" to the church of Saint-Vincent du Mans by charter dated 1 May 1103, which names "uxor mea Brita…et Robertus de Sancto Celerino gener meus…filia…mea Felicia ipsius Roberti uxor"[236]. A charter dated to [1110] confirms the donation by "Robertus, Giroi filius" of revenue at "Conedrarium", donated by "Avesgaudus socer eius" when he became a monk, to the church of Saint-Vincent du Mans, with the consent of "Britta uxor…dicti Avesgaudi et Felicia filia eorum, exor prefati Roberti"[237]. He rebelled against Henry I King of England in Jul [1118], supported by Foulques IV Comte d'Anjou, but was pardoned in Jun 1119 at the request of Comte Foulques[238]. m firstly RADEGUNDE, daughter of --- (-1092). Orderic Vitalis records the death of "Geroianus…Radegundis uxor eius" and "Guillelmus infans filius eius" who was a hostage to "Rodbertus Belesmensis", in the same year that the castle of Saint-Céneri was plundered by Robert de Bellême[239]. m secondly (after 1092) FELICIE de Connerré, daughter of AVESGAUD Seigneur de Connerré & his wife ---. "Avesgaudus filius Fulcaudi" donated "ecclesia Sancti Simphoriani et Sancte Marie de Conedrario" to the church of Saint-Vincent du Mans by charter dated 1 May 1103, which names "uxor mea Brita…et Robertus de Sancto Celerino gener meus…filia…mea Felicia ipsius Roberti uxor"[240]. Orderic Vitalis records that "Geroianus" married "Feliciam…Guarnerii de Coneraia filiam" as his second wife and had three sons "Guillelmum…et Rodbertum ac Matthæum" and three daughters "Agatham, Damatam et Avelinam"[241]. A charter dated to [1110] confirms the donation by "Robertus, Giroi filius" of revenue at "Conedrarium", donated by "Avesgaudus socer eius" when he became a monk, to the church of Saint-Vincent du Mans, with the consent of "Britta uxor…dicti Avesgaudi et Felicia filia eorum, exor prefati Roberti"[242]. Robert & his first wife had one child:

i) GUILLAUME (-1092 or after). Orderic Vitalis records the death of "Geroianus…Radegundis uxor eius" and "Guillelmus infans filius eius" who was a hostage to "Rodbertus Belesmensis" allegedly poisoned by his captor, in the same year that the castle of Saint-Céneri was plundered by Robert de Bellême[243].

Robert & his second wife had six children:

ii) GUILLAUME . Orderic Vitalis records that "Geroianus" married "Feliciam…Guarnerii de Coneraia filiam" as his second wife and had three sons "Guillelmum…et Rodbertum ac Matthæum" and three daughters "Agatham, Damatam et Avelinam"[244]. He and his brother inherited Saint-Céneri from their father [245].

iii) ROBERT . Orderic Vitalis records that "Geroianus" married "Feliciam…Guarnerii de Coneraia filiam" as his second wife and had three sons "Guillelmum…et Rodbertum ac Matthæum" and three daughters "Agatham, Damatam et Avelinam"[246]. He and his brother inherited Saint-Céneri from their father245.

iv) MATHIEU . Orderic Vitalis records that "Geroianus" married "Feliciam…Guarnerii de Coneraia filiam" as his second wife and had three sons "Guillelmum…et Rodbertum ac Matthæum" and three daughters "Agatham, Damatam et Avelinam"[247].

v) AGATHA . Orderic Vitalis records that "Geroianus" married "Feliciam…Guarnerii de Coneraia filiam" as his second wife and had three sons "Guillelmum…et Rodbertum ac Matthæum" and three daughters "Agatham, Damatam et Avelinam"[248].

vi) DAMETA . Orderic Vitalis records that "Geroianus" married "Feliciam…Guarnerii de Coneraia filiam" as his second wife and had three sons "Guillelmum…et Rodbertum ac Matthæum" and three daughters "Agatham, Damatam et Avelinam"[249]. same person as…? DAMETA . A Norman woman. Her son granted her the manor of Chelsea for an annual rent of £4[250]. There is no proof that this co-identity is correct. However, the chronology is favourable and no other person with this name has yet been found in the primary sources consulted during the preparation of this document. Mistress of: ETIENNE de Blois Comte de Mortain, son of ETIENNE Comte de Blois & his wife Adela of England (Blois [1096/97]-Dover 25 Oct 1154, bur Faversham Abbey, Kent). He succeeded in 1135 as STEPHEN King of England.

vii) AVELINE . Orderic Vitalis records that "Geroianus" married "Feliciam…Guarnerii de Coneraia filiam" as his second wife and had three sons "Guillelmum…et Rodbertum ac Matthæum" and three daughters "Agatham, Damatam et Avelinam"[251].

6. HUGUES . Orderic Vitalis gives his parentage, lists him as the seventh son but in another passage calls him the "sixth brother" after Raoul, says he was a minor when his father died, and that he was "mortally wounded by an ill-aimed shaft carelessly thrown by his squire"[252].

7. GIROIE . Orderic Vitalis gives his parentage, says he was a minor when his father died, and raided the land of the church of Lisieux, perishing in a fit of madness on his return to Montreuil "in the flower of his youth"[253].

8. EREMBURGE . Orderic Vitalis gives her parentage, as well as the name of her husband and two sons[254]. m WALKELIN de Pont-Echanfrey, son of ---. Named as husband of Eremburge by Orderic Vitalis[255]. Walkelin & his wife had two children:

a) GUILLAUME de Pont-Echanfrey . Orderic Vitalis gives his parentage[256].

b) RAOUL de Pont-Echanfrey (-after 1130). Orderic Vitalis gives his parentage, and says that he "later fought loyally for Robert Guiscard"[257]. The 1130 Pipe Roll records "Rob de ponte Erchenfr" in Surrey[258]. The 1130 Pipe Roll records "Robt de Ponte Erchenfr et Richelda uxor sua" in Norfolk[259]. m RICHILDE, daughter of --- (-after 1130). The 1130 Pipe Roll records "Robt de Ponte Erchenfr et Richelda uxor sua" in Norfolk[260].

9. HAWISE . Orderic Vitalis gives her parentage, her two husbands and seven children, six by her first marriage, one by her second[261]. m firstly ROBERT de Grantmesnil, son of --- (-killed in battle 17 or 18 Jun 1036). m secondly GUILLAUME d'Evreux, son of ROBERT Comte d'Evreux Archbishop of Rouen [Normandy] & his mistress Herleva ---. He is named by Orderic Vitalis, who specifies that he was "son of Archbishop Robert"[262].

10. EMMA . Orderic Vitalis gives her parentage, and also names her husband, two sons and two grandsons[263]. m ROGER de Merlerault, son of ---. Roger & his wife had two children:

a) RAOUL de Merlerault . Orderic Vitalis gives his parentage [264].

b) GUILLAUME de Merlerault . Orderic Vitalis gives his parentage[265]. m ---. The name of Guillaume's wife is not known. Guillaume & his wife had two children:

i) RAOUL de Merlerault . Son of Guillaume according to Orderic Vitalis, who says that he and his brother were "our neighbours"[266].

ii) ROGER de Merlerault . Son of Guillaume according to Orderic Vitalis, who says that he and his brother were "our neighbours"[267].

11. ADELAIS . Orderic Vitalis names "quarta filia [Geroii] Adelais", records her marriage to "Salomoni de Sablolio", and names their child "Rainaldum" adding that "cujus proles…Lisiardus" is now a supporter of Henry I King of England in Anjou[268]. m SALOMON de Sablé, son of ---. Solomon & his wife had one child:

a) RAINARD de Sablé . Orderic Vitalis names "quarta filia [Geroii] Adelais", records her marriage to "Salomoni de Sablolio", and names their child "Rainaldum" adding that "cujus proles…Lisiardus" is now a supporter of Henry I King of England in Anjou[269].

1. ROBERT Geroie (-after [1172/78]). Seigneur de Saint Serein, d´Echauffour et de Montreuil. Henry II King of England confirmed the property of the abbey of Saint-Evroul , at the request of "fidelis mei Roberti Geroiani domini Sancti Serenici Eschalfoii et Musterelli et W. filii sui primogeniti et Geroii de Musterello" by charter dated [1172/78][270]. m ---. The name of Robert´s wife is not known. Robert & his wife had one child:

a) GUILLAUME (-after [1172/78]). Henry II King of England confirmed the property of the abbey of Saint-Evroul , at the request of "fidelis mei Roberti Geroiani domini Sancti Serenici Eschalfoii et Musterelli et W. filii sui primogeniti et Geroii de Musterello" by charter dated [1172/78][271].

2. [GEROIE de Montreuil (-after [1172/78]). Henry II King of England confirmed the property of the abbey of Saint-Evroul , at the request of "fidelis mei Roberti Geroiani domini Sancti Serenici Eschalfoii et Musterelli et W. filii sui primogeniti et Geroii de Musterello" by charter dated [1172/78][272]. The precise relationship between Geroie de Montreuil and Robert Geroie has not yet been identified.]

E. GRANTMESNIL

ROBERT de Grantmesnil, son of --- (-killed in battle 17 or 18 Jun 1036). Guillaume de Jumièges records that "Robert de Grandménil" died on 18 Jun from wounds received three weeks earlier when fighting "Roger de Beaumont" in support of the rebellion against Guillaume II Duke of Normandy in the early years of the duke's reign[273]. The necrology of the monastery of Ouche records the death "17 Jun" of "Robertus de Grentemesnil"[274].

m as her first husband, HAWISE, daughter of GIROIE & his wife Gisla de Bastembourg (-10 May ----). Orderic Vitalis gives her parentage, names her two husbands and seven children, six by her first marriage, one by her second[275]. She married secondly Guillaume d'Evreux [Normandie]. The necrology of the monastery of Ouche records the death "10 May" of "Haudvisa mater Hugonis de Grentesmesnil"[276].

Robert & his wife had six children:

1. HUGUES de Grantmesnil ([1025]-in England 22 Feb 1098, bur Saint-Evroul). Guillaume de Jumièges names (in order) "Hugues et Robert…et Ernaud" as sons of "Robert de Grandménil"[277].

- see below.

2. ROBERT de Grantmesnil (-St Euphemia 15 Nov 1089[278]). Guillaume de Jumièges names (in order) "Hugues et Robert…et Ernaud" as sons of "Robert de Grandménil"[279]. He is named and his parentage given by Orderic Vitalis[280]. In another passage, Orderic Vitalis records that "Guillaume fils de Giroie et…ses neveux Hugues de Grentemenil et Robert son frère" restored the monastery of Ouche de Saint-Evroul[281]. Robert of Torigny's De Immutatione Ordinis Monachorum records that "Willermus filius Geroii monachus Becci et nepotes eius Robertus et Hugo de Grentemaisnil" restored "monasterium Sancti Ebrulfi apud Uticum"[282]. He restored the monastery of Ouches in 1050 with his brother Hugues[283]. Abbot of St Evroul, later of St Euphemia in Calabria. Malaterra records the marriage "apud Sanctum Martinum" of "abbatum Sanctæ Euphemiæ Robertum…Judicta sorore sua" and Count Roger[284]. Bishop of Troina. Archbishop of Messina[285].

3. ARNAUD de Grantmesnil . Guillaume de Jumièges names (in order) "Hugues et Robert…et Ernaud" as sons of "Robert de Grandménil", recording that Arnaud was young and left to his older brothers' protection by their father when he died[286]. His parentage is given by Orderic Vitalis[287]. He went to Italy in [1050][288]. Malaterra names "iuvenis…Arnaldus…frater iuvenculæ uxoris eius [Rogerii comitis Siciliæ]"[289].

4. daughter . Orderic Vitalis refers to three daughters without naming them individually [290]. same person as…? AGNES de Grantmesnil (-29 Sep ----). The necrology of the monastery of Ouche records the death "29 Sep" of "Agnes soror Hugonis de Grentemesnil"[291].

5. ADELINA de Grantmesnil . She must be one of the three unnamed daughters referred to by Orderic Vitalis[292]. She is named in, and her parentage deduced from, the reference in Orderic Vitalis to her two sons [293]. She is presumably one of the three unnamed daughters referred to by Orderic Vitalis290. m HONFROI de Tilleul, son of ---. He is named husband of Adelina by Orderic Vitalis293. Honfroi & his wife had [two] children:

a) ARNAUD de Tilleul . Orderic Vitalis records that "Drogo filius Goisfredi de Novo-Mercato et Rogerius Erneisi de Coluncis filius nepos Guillelmi de Guarenna et Ernaldus Unfridi de Telliolo filius, nepos ex sorore Hugonis de Grentemaisnilio" donated revenue[294].

b) [ROBERT of Rhuddlan . Orderic Vitalis says that he was nephew of Hugues de Grantmesnil[295]. The editor specifies that he was the son of Honfroi de Tilleul[296], but the primary source on which this is based has not yet been identified.]

6. EMMA . She must be one of the three unnamed daughters referred to by Orderic Vitalis[297]. She is named as the sister of Judith d'Evreux by Orderic Vitalis, who specifies that she married "another count whose name I cannot recall"[298]. In another passage, the same source specifies that their mother had only one daughter by her second marriage[299]. It must be concluded that Emma was one of their mother's daughters by her first marriage. She fled Normandy with her [half] sister Judith. m ---.

HUGUES de Grantmesnil, son of ROBERT de Grantmesnil & his wife Hawise --- ([1025][300]-in England 22 Feb 1098, bur Saint-Evroul[301]). He is named and his parentage given by Orderic Vitalis[302]. The Chronique de Normandie, based on le Roman de Rou, names "le sire de Grenmesnil" among those who took part in the conquest of England in 1066[303]. Sheriff of Leicester[304]. In another passage, Orderic Vitalis records that "Guillaume fils de Giroie et…ses neveux Hugues de Grentemenil et Robert son frère" restored the monastery of Ouche de Saint-Evroul[305]. Robert of Torigny's De Immutatione Ordinis Monachorum records that "Willermus filius Geroii monachus Becci et nepotes eius Robertus et Hugo de Grentemaisnil" restored "monasterium Sancti Ebrulfi apud Uticum"[306]. "…Hugonis de Grentemaisnil…" witnessed a charter dated to [1077] under which William I King of England granted property to the abbey of Saint-Etienne de Caen[307]. He fought Robert de Bellême and his castle of Courcy was besieged by Robert III Duke of Normandy in 1091[308]. The necrology of the monastery of Ouche records the death "21 Feb" of "Hugo de Grentesmesnil comes Leecestriæ, fundator hujus cœnobii, monachus nostræ congregationis"[309].

m ([before 1060]) ADELISE [Aelis] de Beaumont, daughter of IVO Comte de Beaumont & his first wife Judith --- ([before 1045]-Rouen 11 Jul 1091, bur Saint-Evroul[310]). She is named as wife of Hugues by Orderic Vitalis, who also names her parents and ten children of her marriage[311]. The date of her marriage is estimated based on the estimated birth date of the couple´s oldest known son. She owned Peatling Magna, in the possession of Leofric in 1086 in Domesday Book[312].

Hugues & his wife had ten children:

1. ROBERT de Grantmesnil ([before 1060]-1 Jun [1136], bur Saint-Evroul[313]). He is named, and his parentage given, by Orderic Vitalis, who also names his three wives and their fathers [314]. Considering that Robert's younger brother Guillaume was considered of marriageable age before [1081] (see below), it is unlikely that Robert was born later than [1060], although this would mean that he was probably in his fifties at the time of his first marriage (considering the estimated birth date range of his first wife) which seems surprising. “…Rotberti de Grentemaisnillo, Ivonis de Grentemaisnillo…” witnessed the charter dated Sep 1093 under which William II King of England donated property to Lincoln cathedral[315]. "…Robert de Grentone-Maisnil…" witnessed the undated charter under which Robert III Duke of Normandy donated property to Saint-Etienne de Caen[316]. "Robert de Grantemsnil et Robert de sancto Serenico" confirmed donations of property to the abbey of Saint-Evroul made by "their progenitors Hugh and Robert de Grentemesnil" by charter dated to [1127/28][317]. m firstly AGNES [Aveline], daughter of RANULF "le Meschin" Vicomte du Bessin [Bayeux] [later Earl of Chester] & his wife Lucy --- ([1098/1105][318]-bur Saint-Evroul[319]). "Agnes" is named as first wife of Robert de Grantmesnil by Orderic Vitalis, who also names her father314. m secondly as her second husband, EMMA de Stuteville, widow of ERRAND Sire d'Harcourt[320], daughter of ROBERT de Stuteville [d'Estouteville] & his wife Beatrix --- (-bur Saint-Evroul[321]). She is named as second wife of Robert de Grantmesnil by Orderic Vitalis, who also names her father[322]. The primary source which confirms her first marriage has not yet been identified. m thirdly LUCY, daughter of SAVARI de Beaumont-au-Maine & his wife Muriel de Méry. She is named as third wife of Robert de Grantmesnil by Orderic Vitalis, who also names her father314. Robert de Grantmesnil & his [first/second/third] wife had [two] children:

a) [HUGUES de Grantmesnil . "Hugues de Grantmesnil" is named as father of Pernel in an account of the foundation of Leicester Abbey, but the Complete Peerage casts doubt on the accuracy of this as the same source gives details of Pernel's inheritance from him which are clearly incorrect[323]. No other reference to this person has been found. As noted below, Pernel was most likely descended from the senior branch of the Grantmesnil family as she brought the Norman honour of Grantmesnil to her husband, but she may have been the daughter of Robert de Grantmesnil's daughter Agnes.] m ---. Hugues & his wife had [one] child:

i) [PERNEL [Petronille] (-1 Apr 1212). Pernel is named as great granddaughter of Hugues de Grantmesnil in the [1190/1204] charter of her son Robert FitzPernel to the abbey of St Evroul[324]. Her father is named Hugh de Grantmesnil in an account of the foundation of Leicester Abbey, but the Complete Peerage casts doubt on the accuracy of this as mentioned above[325]. Robert de Torigny records that her husband gained the Norman honour of Grantmesnil through his marriage[326], which suggests that Pernel, as heiress, was descended from the oldest son of Hugues de Grantmesnil senior. It is possible that she was the daughter of Agnes, daughter of Robert de Grantmesnil. Considering that Orderic Vitalis does not name Hugues (supposed brother of Agnes) although he is so thorough in naming other members of this family, this is the most likely possibility. "Robertus filius comitis Legrece" donated property to Notre-Dame de la Trappe for the soul of "uxoris mee Petronille" by charter dated [1153/67][327]. "Petronilla comitissa Leircestrie" confirmed the exchange of land with Nuneaton priory made by "Robertus comes Leircestrie filius meus", who gave land in Belgrave in return for land in Dadlington which had been donated by "sponsus meus Robertus comes…cum filia mea pie memorie Hawis", by charter dated to after 1189[328]. The Testa de Nevill lists knights who held land from the king in Hertfordshire, dated to [1204/12]: "comitissa de Leicestria" held "Wares"[329]. The necrology of Lyre monastery records the death "1 Apr" of "Petronilla comitissa Leicestriæ"[330]. The necrology of the monastery of Ouche records the death "1 Apr" of "Petronilla comitissa Leycestriæ"[331]. m (before [1155/59]) ROBERT de Beaumont "ès Blanchemains", son of ROBERT de Beaumont Earl of Leicester & his wife Amicie de Gaël (-Durazzo 1190). He succeeded his father in 1168 as Earl of Leicester.

b) AGNES de Grantmesnil (after [1115]-). Daughter of Robert de Grantmesnil according to Orderic Vitalis, who also names her husband and his parents[332]. It is not known from which of Robert's marriages she was born but her first name suggests that her mother was his first wife. The age of Robert when he married also suggests that the likelihood of his fathering children would have decreased with his later marriages. Her birth date is unknown, but it could not have been before [1115] at the earliest considering the likely birth date range of Robert's first wife. m ROBERT de Moulins-la-Marche, son of GUILLAUME de Moulins-la-Marche & his wife Aubrée ---. He was banished from Normandy by Henry I King of England after he attacked Enguerrand l'Oison, and went to Apulia with his wife "whom he had lately married" and died there "after several years as a wanderer among the dwellings of strangers"[333].

2. GUILLAUME [I] de Grantmesnil (-[before 1114]). He is named, and his parentage given, by Orderic Vitalis, who also names his wife and her father[334]. William I King of England offered him his niece, daughter of Robert Comte de Mortain, but Guillaume left for Apulia[335]. Europäische Stammtafeln states that he was in Apulia from 1081[336], although the basis for this is not known. Orderic Vitalis states that he was "avunculus" of Arnoul de Montpinçon, whose "acquisitions" inspired the latter to set out for Apulia[337]. Orderic Vitalis also records that he took part in Robert Guiscard's campaign against Durazzo in 1081 and that he was summoned by Duke Robert to his deathbed[338]. He was granted land in the valleys of the Crati, the Coscile and at Cotrone[339], although it is not known whether this refers to part of the "fifteen castles" of his wife's dowry (see below) or whether they were grants made to Guillaume in his own right before his marriage. Either way, it is clear that Guillaume's career in Apulia must have been particularly successful for him to have risen from a relatively obscure background and to have made such a prominent marriage. Orderic Vitalis reports that in [Jul] 1097 Guillaume and his brother Aubrey were among those who, fearing that Antioch would be recaptured by the Turks, let "themselves down the wall with ropes" in order to escape and "were called clandestine rope-dancers to their lasting disgrace"[340]. Albert of Aix records "Guillaume", married to the sister of Bohémond, and formerly domestikos of the Emperor at Constantinople, who escaped "out of fear" from Antioch to Alexandretta, believing that the crusading army was doomed after it was besieged by Kerbogha atabeg of Mosul[341]. He died in Apulia after returning from Antioch according to Orderic Vitalis[342], the text suggesting that this was before 1114. Europäische Stammtafeln[343] refers to "1130" but the source to which this relates has not so far been found. m (Apulia [1088/1096][344]) MABEL of Apulia, daughter of ROBERT "Guiscard/Weasel" de Hauteville Duke of Apulia & his second wife Sichelgaita of Salerno. She is named as sister of Roger Duke of Apulia by Orderic Vitalis, who also names her husband and says that the marriage was arranged by her brother after he reached a settlement with his half-brother Marco Bohemond[345]. In a later passage, Orderic names her "Mabel dite Courte Leuve", also names her father and specifies that her dowry consisted of fifteen castles[346]. Malaterra records that the wife of "Guillelmus de Grantemenil" was "sororem ducis, filiam…Guiscardi, Mabiliam"[347]. "La contessa Mabilia, vedova del protosebasta Guglielmo di Grantmesnil ed il figlio Guglielmo" donated the church of San Pietro di Bragalla to Cava by charter dated Sep 1117[348]. Guillaume & his wife had two children:

a) GUILLAUME [II] de Grantmesnil (-[3 Oct] 1117 or after). Son of Guillaume, according to Orderic Vitalis[349]. He succeeded his father but did not long survive him[350]. "La contessa Mabilia, vedova del protosebasta Guglielmo di Grantmesnil ed il figlio Guglielmo" donated the church of San Pietro di Bragalla to Cava by charter dated Sep 1117[351]. [m AGATHA, daughter of --- (-3 Oct ----). According to Europäische Stammtafeln[352], Agatha was the first wife of Guillaume [I] de Grantmesnil. However, the necrology of the abbey of Saint-Denis records the death "V Non Oct" of "Willelmus de Grandmesnil et uxor eius Agatha"[353]. This recording of dual names in necrologies normally reflects the death of the husband, and a subsequent donation by the widow in his memory. This is inconsistent with Agatha being the wife of Guillaume [I]. It is therefore suggested that Agatha may have been the wife of Guillaume [II], although it is possible that the entry refers to an altogether different Guillaume and his wife.]

b) ROBERT de Grantmesnil (-after 1129). Son of Guillaume, according to Orderic Vitalis[354]. He abandoned his fiefs after a dispute about military service and returned to his kinsfolk north of the Alps in 1129[355].

3. HUGUES de Grantmesnil (-bur Saint-Evroul[356]). He is named, and his parentage given, by Orderic Vitalis, who says that he "died in his youth"[357].

4. IVO de Grantmesnil (-after 1102). He is named, and his parentage given, by Orderic Vitalis, who also names his father-in-law but not his wife[358]. “…Rotberti de Grentemaisnillo, Ivonis de Grentemaisnillo…” witnessed the charter dated Sep 1093 under which William II King of England donated property to Lincoln cathedral[359]. He held his father's honour in England "for a little while" but later pledged it to Robert Comte de Meulan. Orderic Vitalis records that he went on the First Crusade, was present at the siege of Antioch, and died on a second journey to Jerusalem[360]. m --- de Gand, daughter of GILBERT van Gent & his wife Alice de Montfort-sur-Risle. Orderic Vitalis says that Ivo's wife was the daughter of Gilbert de Gand but does not name her[361]. Ivo & his wife had two children:

a) IVO de Grantmesnil (-drowned off Barfleur, Normandy 25 Nov 1120). Orderic Vitalis names "duo elegantes filii Yvonis de Grentemaisnil" among those who drowned in the White Ship in 1120[362].

b) --- de Grantmesnil (-drowned off Barfleur, Normandy 25 Nov 1120). Orderic Vitalis names "duo elegantes filii Yvonis de Grentemaisnil" among those who drowned in the White Ship in 1120[363].

5. AUBREY de Grantmesnil (-after [Jul] 1097). He is named, and his parentage given, by Orderic Vitalis, who specifies that he abandoned a clerical life for the life of a knight, accompanying his brother Guillaume on the First Crusade and at one time wounding Tancred (later Prince of Antioch)[364]. Orderic Vitalis reports that in [Jul] 1097 Aubrey and his brother Guillaume were among those who, fearing that Antioch would be recaptured by the Turks, let "themselves down the wall with ropes" in order to escape and "were called clandestine rope-dancers to their lasting disgrace"[365].

6. ADELINA de Grantmesnil (-[1110/11]). She is named, and her parentage given, by Orderic Vitalis, who also names her husband[366]. She died soon after making grants to Abingdon Abbey in [1110/11][367]. m ROGER Seigneur d'Ivry, son of --- (-after 24 Apr 1089). Pincerna of William I King of England. He founded the abbey of Ivry-la-Balluis[368]. He held Cottisford from his father-in-law in 1086 in Domesday Book[369].

7. HAWISE de Grantmesnil . She is named, and her parentage given, by Orderic Vitalis, who says that she died "when she had reached marriageable age but was still unmarried"[370].

8. ROHESE de Grantmesnil . She is named, and her parentage given, by Orderic Vitalis, who also names her husband and his father[371]. m ROBERT de Courcy, son of RICHARD de Courcy & his wife --- (-after 1102).

9. MATHILDE de Grantmesnil (-Jaffa). Daughter of Hugues de Grantmesnil, according to Orderic Vitalis, who also names her sister and her two husbands, recounting that she "took the road for Jerusalem" with her second husband but died at Jaffa on her way home[372]. m firstly HUGUES de Montpinçon, son of --- (-Rouen 7 Mar ----, bur St Evroul). He died aged 60[373]. m secondly MATHIEU, son of ---. Orderic Vitalis records that he "took the road for Jerusalem" with his wife but died in Apulia on the outward journey[374].

10. AGNES de Grantmesnil (-14 Sep ----). She is named, and her parentage given, by Orderic Vitalis, who also names her husband[375]. The necrology of the monastery of Ouche records the death "14 Sep" of "Agnes filia Hugonis de Grentesmesnil"[376]. m GUILLAUME de Say, son of ---.

1. --- de Grantmesnil . m EMMA, daughter of ---. Her marriage is confirmed by the undated charter under which her daughter "Beatrix de Rye" donated property to Saint-Jean-de-Falaise, for the health of "Emma sa mère et de Guillaume de Grentesmesnil son frère" and confirmed their donations to the abbey[377]. Two children:

a) GUILLAUME de Grantmesnil . His parentage is confirmed by the undated charter under which his sister "Beatrix de Rye" donated property to Saint-Jean-de-Falaise, for the health of "Emma sa mère et de Guillaume de Grentesmesnil son frère" and confirmed their donations to the abbey[378].

b) BEATRIX de Grantmesnil . "Beatrix de Rye" donated property to Saint-Jean-de-Falaise, for the health of "Emma sa mère et de Guillaume de Grentesmesnil son frère" and confirmed their donations to the abbey, in return for a horse for "son fils Guillaume de Rye", by undated charter witnessed by "Guillaume de Creully, Henri de Pont-Audemer, Michel Belet et Julien de Rye"[379]. m --- de Rie, son of ---.

F. SEIGNEURS de MONTGOMMERY

ROGER [I] de Montgommery, son of --- (-[before 1048]). Seigneur de Montgommery and Vicomte de l'Hiémois. He witnessed a charter of Robert I Duke of Normandy for the abbey of Saint Wandrille dated [1031/32]. In [1028/35] he restored to the Abbey of Jumièges the market at Vimoutiers which he had taken from the monks [380]. Guillaume de Jumièges records that "Roger de Montgomeri" was exiled to Paris "à cause de sa perfidie" in the early years of the reign of Guillaume II Duke of Normandy[381].

m JOSCELINE, daughter of --- & his wife Sainsfrida [Senfrie][382] . Josceline, her husband and her mother are named in a letter of Ives Bishop of Chartres to Henry I King of England dated 1114 which explains the consanguinity between the king and Hugues de Châteauneuf, who wanted to marry one of the king's illegitimate daughters[383].

Roger & his wife had [six] children:

1. HUGUES de Montgommery (-killed in battle 7 Feb [384] [1035/before 1048], bur Troarn384). Guillaume de Jumièges names (in order) "Hugues, Robert, Roger, Guillaume et Gilbert" as the five sons of Roger de Montgommery, commenting that they remained in Normandy after their father was exiled "se livrant à toutes sortes de crimes"[385]. He witnessed his father's charter for the abbey of Jumièges380. He was killed during the troubles in Normandy during the minority of Duke Guillaume II[386]. Vicomte d'Hiémois. [m JOSCELINE de Bolbec, daughter of OSBERN de Bolbec & his wife Wevia ---. Josceline and her marriage are shown in Europäische Stammtafeln[387]. This is presumably based on Robert de Torigny, continuation of William of Jumièges[388], the unreliability of this part of whose chronicle is discussed in the Complete Peerage[389]. Guillaume de Jumièges records that one of the nieces of Gunnor, mistress of Richard I Comte [de Normandie], married "Hugues de Montgommeri"[390]. There must be some doubt about this as her husband would have been her first cousin.]

2. ROBERT de Montgommery (-before his father). Guillaume de Jumièges names (in order) "Hugues, Robert, Roger, Guillaume et Gilbert" as the five sons of Roger de Montgommery, commenting that they remained in Normandy after their father was exiled "se livrant à toutes sortes de crimes"[391].

3. ROGER [II] de Montgommery (-Shrewsbury 27 Jul 1094, bur Shrewsbury Abbey). Guillaume de Jumièges names (in order) "Hugues, Robert, Roger, Guillaume et Gilbert" as the five sons of Roger de Montgommery, commenting that they remained in Normandy after their father was exiled "se livrant à toutes sortes de crimes"[392]. He succeeded his father as Seigneur de Montgommery, Vicomte d'Hiémois. He was created Earl of Shrewsbury in 1074. Sire d'Alençon.

- see below.

4. GUILLAUME de Montgommery (-killed in battle [1035/before 1048]). Guillaume de Jumièges records that "Osbern, intendant de la maison du prince [Guillaume II Duke of Normandy] et fils d'Herfast" was murdered at Vandreuil in the early years of the duke's reign by "Guillaume fils de Roger de Montgomeri"[393]. Guillaume de Jumièges records that Guillaume was murdered soon after on the orders of Barnon de Glote to avenge the murder of Osbern[394].

5. GILBERT de Montgommery (-murdered [1064]). Guillaume de Jumièges names (in order) "Hugues, Robert, Roger, Guillaume et Gilbert" as the five sons of Roger de Montgommery, commenting that they remained in Normandy after their father was exiled "se livrant à toutes sortes de crimes"[395]. Brother of Roger de Montgommery according to Orderic Vitalis, who recorded that he was poisoned by Mabile de Bellême his brother's wife[396].

6. [--- . The identity of Amieria´s parents is not known. She is shown as the daughter of Gilbert in Europäische Stammtafeln[397], but this may be no more than speculation. The word "neptis" may indicate a more remote family relationship than niece. m ---.] One child:

a) [AMIERIA . Orderic Vitalis reports that Roger de Montgommery married "Amieriam neptem suam" to "Warino autem Calvo" who was "a man small in body but great in spirit" whom he made sheriff of Shrewsbury[398]. Her second marriage is confirmed by a manuscript which recites the history of the foundation of Shrewsbury abbey and records donations including that of "Reginaldus frater Warini vicecomes…villam…Lega", adding in a later passage that "Reinaldus…post mortem Warini vicecomitis uxorem illius, cum honore, suscepit"[399]. Eyton interprets "frater" in this document as meaning "brother-in-law or rather husband of Warin´s widow"[400] but, assuming that the extract quoted above reflects the facts, such an interpretation is unnecessary as Rainald was both Warin´s brother and second husband of Warin´s widow. "Earl Roger" confirmed the donation to St Evroul by "Rainald de Bailal and Amieria his wife, my niece" by charter dated to [1086/94][401]. The date of death of Amieria´s first husband and the date of her second marriage is indicated by Domesday Book which records "Raynaldus" as "vicecomes" of Shropshire[402]. m firstly WARIN [Guérin] "the Bald/le Chauve", son of --- (-before 1086). A manuscript reciting the foundation of Shrewsbury abbey records donations including by "Warinus vicecomes…in villa…Tugfort" and “uxor…illius post eius obitum…domum…in civitate”, with the consent of "filiis suis"[403]. m secondly (before 1086) her first husband´s brother, RAINALD de Bailleul, son of ---. "Rainaldus" donated “Dodefort” to Shrewsbury abbey for the soul of "Warini antecessoris sui"[404]. Domesday Book records "Raynaldus" as "vicecomes" of Shropshire[405]. "Earl Roger" confirmed the donation to St Evroul by "Rainald de Bailal and Amieria his wife, my niece" by charter dated to [1086/94][406]. He must have ceased to have been Sheriff in the early 1100s as a manuscript reciting the foundation of Shrewsbury abbey records that "Alanus filius Fladaldi" held “honorem vicecomitis Warini” after "filium eius"[407].] Amieria & her first husband had one child:

i) HUGH (-[1102/10]). A manuscript reciting the history of the foundation of Shrewsbury abbey records donations including that of "Hugo filius eiusdem Warini"[408]. Sheriff of Shropshire. A manuscript reciting the foundation of Shrewsbury abbey records that "Alanus filius Fladaldi" held “honorem vicecomitis Warini” after "filium eius"[409]. As the death of Alan FitzFlaald is dated to before 1114, it is assumed that Hugh died early in the 1100s, probably without issue.

ROGER [II] de Montgommery, son of ROGER [I] Seigneur de Montgommery and Vicomte de l'Hiémois & his wife Josceline --- (-Shrewsbury 27 Jul 1094, bur Shrewsbury Abbey[410]). Guillaume de Jumièges names (in order) "Hugues, Robert, Roger, Guillaume et Gilbert" as the five sons of Roger de Montgommery, commenting that they remained in Normandy after their father was exiled "se livrant à toutes sortes de crimes"[411]. The Chronicle of Alberic de Trois-Fontaines names "Rogerum de Montgommeri" as son of "Iosceline"[412]. His father's name is confirmed by the charter dated to [1079/82] under which "Roger ex Northmannis Northmannus son of Roger" donated property to St Martin, Troarn for the soul of "his wife Mabel lately deceased"[413]. He succeeded his father as Seigneur de Montgommery, Vicomte de l'Hiémois. "…Rogerii de Monte Gomerici…" witnessed the charter dated to [1055] under which Guillaume II Duke of Normandy donated property to the abbey of Marmoutier[414]. "…Willelmi filii Osberti, Rotgerii de Monte Golmerii, Richardis vicecomitis Abrinchensis…" witnessed the charter dated [1055/56] under which Guillaume II Duke of Normandy "in pago…Constantino, villam…Flotomannum" to Saint-Florent de Saumur[415]. The Brevis Relatio de Origine Willelmi Conquestoris records that "Rogero de Montgumeri" contributed 60 ships towards the invasion of England in 1066[416]. He remained in Normandy at the time of the Norman invasion of England in 1066 to assist Duchess Mathilde to govern the duchy[417], but accompanied King William I to England in Dec 1067. The Chronique de Normandie, based on le Roman de Rou, records that William I King of England made "le Conte Rogier de Montgomery et Guillaume le filz Osber" his two "Marechaulx d´Engleterre" after the conquest of England[418]. A charter dated 1066 records his pardoning the abbey of Sainte-Trinité de Rouen for a calumny[419]. Orderic Vitalis records that King William gave him "first of all Arundel castle and the town of Chichester"[420], afterwards creating him Earl of Shrewsbury [1/4] Dec 1074, presumably with the intention of strengthening the defence of the western part of the country against Welsh incursions. As "Rogerus comes Salosberiensis" he witnessed a charter of King William I giving the barony of Plessis to the church of Bayeux dated 24 Dec 1074[421]. Sire d'Alençon. Earl of Shropshire and Shrewsbury. "Rogerius comes…et sua uxor Mabilia atque suus filius Rotbertus" donated property to Notre-Dame de Bellême by charter dated to [1070/79][422]. He allied himself with Robert Duke of Normandy at the time of the latter's rebellion against King William II in 1089[423].

m firstly ([1050/54]) MABILE d'Alençon, daughter of GUILLAUME "Talvas" Sire d'Alençon & his first wife Hildeburge --- (-murdered Bures 2 Dec 1079, bur 5 Dec 1079 Troarn). Guillaume de Jumièges names "Arnoul et Mabille" as children of Guillaume Talvas and Hildeburge[424]. According to Orderic Vitalis, Mabile was "a forceful and worldly woman, cunning, garrulous and extremely cruel"[425]. Guillaume de Jumièges records that her father arranged her marriage to "Roger de Montgomeri" after his exile[426]. "Rogerius comes…et sua uxor Mabilia atque suus filius Rotbertus" donated property to Notre-Dame de Bellême by charter dated to [1070/79][427]. She was murdered by Hugh Bunel, son of Robert "de Jalgeio" from whom she had taken his castle, who found her "relaxing in bed after a bath [and] struck off her head with his sword"[428]. "Roger ex Northmannis Northmannus son of Roger" donated property to St Martin, Troarn for the soul of "his wife Mabel lately deceased" by charter dated to [1079/82], subscribed by "Rogerii comitis, Rotberti filii eius, Hugonis, Rogerii, Philippi, Arnulfis [filiorum eius]"[429].

m secondly ADELAIS du Puiset [de Breteuil], daughter of ERARD [I] Comte de Breteuil, Vicomte de Chartres & his wife Humberge ---. Orderic Vitalis names Adelais, daughter of Everard du Puiset, as second wife of Roger de Montgommery and says that she was "remarkable for her gentleness and piety"[430].

Earl Roger & his first wife had ten children:

1. ROGER de Montgommery (-[before 1060/62]). The primary source which confirms his parentage has not yet been identified. He witnessed a charter for Saint Martin de Sées [431].

2. ROBERT de Montgommery "de Bellême" ([1052/56]-[Wareham Castle] 1 or 8 May 1118 or [after 1129], bur [Wareham Castle]). Guillaume de Jumièges names (in order) "Robert et Hugues, Roger le Poitevin, Philippe et Arnoul, et les filles Emma, Mathilde, Mabille et Sibylle" as the five sons and four daughters of "Roger de Montgomeri" and his wife Mabile[432]. He is referred to as his mother's "first-born son" by Orderic Vitalis, who says his "name is now a byword for his cruelty to the wretched peasantry"[433]. "…Rogerus de Monte Gomeri…Robertus filius Rogeri de Monte Gomeri…" witnessed the charter dated to [1060] under which Guillaume II Duke of Normandy granted "Brenerias" to the abbey of Bayeux[434]. He witnessed a charter for Saint Martin de Sées with his brother Roger431, and a charter for Saint Aubin of Angers in [1060/62] without Roger[435], suggesting that the latter had died by then. "Rogerius comes…et sua uxor Mabilia atque suus filius Rotbertus" donated property to Notre-Dame de Bellême by charter dated to [1070/79][436]. He succeeded his mother in 1079 as Sire de Bellême et d'Alençon. "Roger ex Northmannis Northmannus son of Roger" donated property to St Martin, Troarn for the soul of "his wife Mabel lately deceased" by charter dated to [1079/82], subscribed by "Rogerii comitis, Rotberti filii eius, Hugonis, Rogerii, Philippi, Arnulfis [filiorum eius]"[437]. He rebelled against William II King of England in 1088, crossed to England but was besieged at Rochester Castle and in Jun 1088 forced to surrender[438]. "Rotbertus de Belismo filius Rotgerii comitis et Mabilie" donated the church of Saint-Léonard de Bellême, built by "Willelmus attavus Rotberti", to Marmoutier, with the consent of "fratres ipsius Rotberti, Hugo, Rotgerius, Arnulfus", by charter dated 1092[439]. He succeeded his father in 1094 in all his possessions in Normandy[440]. He succeeded his younger brother in 1098 as Earl of Shrewsbury after a payment of £3000[441]. He succeeded his father-in-law in Oct 1100 as Comte de Ponthieu. Florence of Worcester records that "Scrobbesbyriensis comes Rotbertus de Beleasmo" rebelled against Henry I King of England in [1101], was deprived of all his honours and estates in England, and retired to Normandy[442]. The Annals of Margan record that “Robertus comes de Belesmo” was expelled from England in 1102 “cum fratre suo Arnulfo”[443]. Florence of Worcester records that "Rotbertus de Beleasm" fought with Robert Duke of Normandy against King Henry I at Tinchebrai in [1106], was captured, but later escaped and fled[444]. He helped Helias de Saint-Saens protect Guillaume, son of Robert "Curthose" ex-Duke of Normandy, after Henry I King of England ordered the arrest of the boy[445]. He was arrested in 1112, imprisoned at Cherbourg and all his lands and honours forfeited. He was imprisoned at Wareham Castle, Dorset from Jul 1113[446]. The Annals of Margan record the death “Kal Mai” in 1118 of “Robertus comes de Belesme”[447]. The 1130 Pipe Roll records payments made "in libatione Robti de Belismo" in Dorsetshire, Wiltshire[448]. This suggests a pension or maintenance in some form, although it is not certain that it relates to Robert de Montgommery Earl of Shrewsbury.

- COMTES de PONTHIEU.

3. HUGUES de Montgommery ([1053/59]-Anglesey 31 Jul 1098, bur [17 Aug 1098] Shrewsbury Abbey[449]). Guillaume de Jumièges names (in order) "Robert et Hugues, Roger le Poitevin, Philippe et Arnoul, et les filles Emma, Mathilde, Mabille et Sibylle" as the five sons and four daughters of "Roger de Montgomeri" and his wife Mabile[450]. He is named and his parentage given by Orderic Vitalis, who lists him second among his father's sons by his first marriage[451]. The Annales Cambriæ record that "de Mungumeri Hugo" laid waste to "Keredigiaun" in 1072[452]. "Roger ex Northmannis Northmannus son of Roger" donated property to St Martin, Troarn for the soul of "his wife Mabel lately deceased" by charter dated to [1079/82], subscribed by "Rogerii comitis, Rotberti filii eius, Hugonis, Rogerii, Philippi, Arnulfis [filiorum eius]"[453]. "Rotbertus de Belismo filius Rotgerii comitis et Mabilie" donated the church of Saint-Léonard de Bellême, built by "Willelmus attavus Rotberti", to Marmoutier, with the consent of "fratres ipsius Rotberti, Hugo, Rotgerius, Arnulfus", by charter dated 1092[454]. He succeeded his father in 1094 as Earl of Shrewsbury and to all his lands in England and Wales[455]. Florence of Worcester records that "comites Hugo de Legecastra et Hugo de Scrobbesbyria" invaded Anglesey in [1098], mutilating or massacring many of the inhabitants of the island, and that "comes Hugo de Scrobbesbyrie" was killed by an arrow discharged by Magnus King of Norway during a raid on the Welsh coast[456]. The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle records that Hugh was killed in Anglesey "by pirates from oversea"[457], or (according to Orderic Vitalis) transfixed with a spear by Magnus brother of the king of Norway on the seashore and died instantly[458]. "Arnulf son of earl Roger" donated property to the abbey of Saint-Martin, Sees for the souls of "his father Roger and his brother Hugh who was slain that year" by charter dated 27 Aug 1098[459].

4. ROGER de Montgommery "le Poitevin" (-1123). Guillaume de Jumièges names (in order) "Robert et Hugues, Roger le Poitevin, Philippe et Arnoul, et les filles Emma, Mathilde, Mabille et Sibylle" as the five sons and four daughters of "Roger de Montgomeri" and his wife Mabile[460]. He is named and his parentage given by Orderic Vitalis, who lists him third among his father's sons by his first marriage[461]. "Roger ex Northmannis Northmannus son of Roger" donated property to St Martin, Troarn for the soul of "his wife Mabel lately deceased" by charter dated to [1079/82], subscribed by "Rogerii comitis, Rotberti filii eius, Hugonis, Rogerii, Philippi, Arnulfis [filiorum eius]"[462]. "Rotbertus de Belismo filius Rotgerii comitis et Mabilie" donated the church of Saint-Léonard de Bellême, built by "Willelmus attavus Rotberti", to Marmoutier, with the consent of "fratres ipsius Rotberti, Hugo, Rotgerius, Arnulfus", by charter dated 1092[463]. He was a considerable landowner in England especially in Lancashire but was banished in 1102 with his brother Robert and retired to Poitou[464]. Comte de la Marche in 1113, de iure uxoris. m (before 1091) ALMODIS de la Marche, daughter of AUDEBERT [II] Comte de la Marche & his wife Ponce --- (-[1117/29]). The Chronicle of Saint-Maxence records that "Boso comes de Marchia" was killed "Confolento castro" in 1091 and was succeeded by "Aumodis soror sua", wife of "Rotgerio comite"[465]. "Rotgerius comes et Almodis comitissa" donated property to the abbey of Charroux by charter dated [1090/1100][466]. She succeeded as Ctss de La Marche in 1098.

- COMTES de LA MARCHE.

5. PHILIPPE de Montgommery "Grammaticus" (-Antioch 1099). Guillaume de Jumièges names (in order) "Robert et Hugues, Roger le Poitevin, Philippe et Arnoul, et les filles Emma, Mathilde, Mabille et Sibylle" as the five sons and four daughters of "Roger de Montgomeri" and his wife Mabile[467]. He is named and his parentage given by Orderic Vitalis, who lists him fourth among his father's sons by his first marriage[468]. "Roger ex Northmannis Northmannus son of Roger" donated property to St Martin, Troarn for the soul of "his wife Mabel lately deceased" by charter dated to [1079/82], subscribed by "Rogerii comitis, Rotberti filii eius, Hugonis, Rogerii, Philippi, Arnulfis [filiorum eius]"[469]. Florence of Worcester records that "Philippum Rogeri Scrobbesbyriensis comitis filium" was imprisoned in [1096] for his part in the conspiracy which planned to place his son on the English throne[470]. He went on the First Crusade with Robert III Duke of Normandy and died at the siege of Antioch[471]. m ---. The name of Philippe's wife is not known. Philippe & his wife had one child:

a) MATHILDE de Montgommery . Daughter of Philippe, Orderic Vitalis records that she succeeded her paternal aunt as Abbess of Almenèches in 1113[472].

6. ARNOUL de Montgommery (-after 1119). Guillaume de Jumièges names (in order) "Robert et Hugues, Roger le Poitevin, Philippe et Arnoul, et les filles Emma, Mathilde, Mabille et Sibylle" as the five sons and four daughters of "Roger de Montgomeri" and his wife Mabile[473]. He is named and his parentage given by Orderic Vitalis, who lists him fifth among his father's sons by his first marriage[474]. "Roger ex Northmannis Northmannus son of Roger" donated property to St Martin, Troarn for the soul of "his wife Mabel lately deceased" by charter dated to [1079/82], subscribed by "Rogerii comitis, Rotberti filii eius, Hugonis, Rogerii, Philippi, Arnulfis [filiorum eius]"[475]. "Rotbertus de Belismo filius Rotgerii comitis et Mabilie" donated the church of Saint-Léonard de Bellême, built by "Willelmus attavus Rotberti", to Marmoutier, with the consent of "fratres ipsius Rotberti, Hugo, Rotgerius, Arnulfus", by charter dated 1092[476]. "Arnulf son of earl Roger" donated property to the abbey of Saint-Martin, Sees for the souls of "his father Roger and his brother Hugh who was slain that year" by charter dated 27 Aug 1098[477]. He obtained the comitatus of Pembroke but was apparently not an Earl. The Annals of Margan record that “Robertus comes de Belesmo” was expelled from England in 1102 “cum fratre suo Arnulfo”[478]. He was banished from England with his brother Robert[479]. He went to Scotland and was ancestor of the MONTGOMMERIE family in Scotland[480]. m (1102) LAFRACOTH of Munster, daughter of MURTACH O'Brien King of Munster & his wife ---. She is named daughter "of an Irish king named Murchertach" by Orderic Vitalis[481]. The Annals of Inisfallen record that "Muirchertach Ua Briain made a marriage alliance with the French and with the Norsemen” in 1102[482].

7. EMMA de Montgommery (-4 Mar 1113). Guillaume de Jumièges names (in order) "Robert et Hugues, Roger le Poitevin, Philippe et Arnoul, et les filles Emma, Mathilde, Mabille et Sibylle" as the five sons and four daughters of "Roger de Montgomeri" and his wife Mabile[483]. She is named and her parentage given by Orderic Vitalis, who lists her first among her father's daughters by his first marriage, and specifies that she was nun and abbess of Almenèches[484]. After the abbey was burnt in [1102], she fled to Saint-Evroul, returning the following year and dying about ten years later[485].

8. MATHILDE de Montgommery (-[1085], bur abbaye de Grestain). Guillaume de Jumièges names (in order) "Robert et Hugues, Roger le Poitevin, Philippe et Arnoul, et les filles Emma, Mathilde, Mabille et Sibylle" as the five sons and four daughters of "Roger de Montgomeri" and his wife Mabile[486]. She is named and her parentage given by Orderic Vitalis, who lists her second among her father's daughters by his first marriage and names her husband[487]. m (before 1066) as his first wife, ROBERT Comte de Mortain, son of HERLUIN Vicomte de Contéville & his first wife Herlève --- (after 1040-8 Dec 1090, bur abbaye de Grestain).

9. MABILE de Montgommery (-after 1132). Guillaume de Jumièges names (in order) "Robert et Hugues, Roger le Poitevin, Philippe et Arnoul, et les filles Emma, Mathilde, Mabille et Sibylle" as the five sons and four daughters of "Roger de Montgomeri" & his wife Mabile[488]. She is named and her parentage given by Orderic Vitalis, who lists her third among her father's daughters by his first marriage and names her husband[489]. The Chronicle of Alberic de Trois-Fontaines names "Mabilla" daughter (presumably a mistake for wife) of "Rogerum de Montgommeri" and her daughter "alteram Mabillam uxorem Gervasii" and the latter's son "Hugo de Castro novo" whose proposed marriage with the daughter of Henry I King of England was opposed by "Yvo Carnetensis episcopus" on the grounds of consanguinity, his ancestry being explained by Alberic[490]. "Domna Mabilia uxor domni Gervasii de Novo Castello" donated property to Chartres Saint-Père by charter dated to [1101/29][491]. "Hugo Castrinovi dominus" confirmed donations to the monastery of Saint-Vincent, with the consent of "uxore mea Alberedi et matre mea senior iam detenta Mabilia et filiis meis Hugone, Gervasio et Galeranno", by charter dated 1132[492]. m GERVAISE Sire de Châteauneuf-en-Thimerais, son of ---. "Gervasius miles" donated property to the abbey of Saint-Martin des Champs with the consent of "Mabilia uxor sua et Hugone primogenito suo" by charter dated [1106/09][493]. "Gervasius et uxor eius Mabilia" donated property to Chartres Saint-Père by charter dated 1107 with the consent of "filiis eorum Hugone, Petro, Gervasio, Guascone et filia Mabilia"[494].

10. SIBYLLE de Montgommery . Guillaume de Jumièges names (in order) "Robert et Hugues, Roger le Poitevin, Philippe et Arnoul, et les filles Emma, Mathilde, Mabille et Sibylle" as the five sons and four daughters of "Roger de Montgomeri" & his wife Mabile[495]. She is named and her parentage given by Orderic Vitalis, who lists her fourth among her father's daughters by his first marriage and also names her first husband[496]. The Chronica de Fundatoribus et Fundatione of Tewkesbury Abbey records that ”Robertum filium Haymonis, dominum de Astramervilla in Normannia” married “Sibillam sororem Roberti de Belismo, comitis Salopiæ”[497]. The primary source which confirms her second marriage has not yet been identified. m firstly ROBERT FitzHamon Lord of Glamorgan, son of HAMON & his wife --- (-Newbury Mar 1107). m secondly JEAN Sire de Raimes .

Earl Roger & his second wife had one child:

11. EVERARD de Montgommery (-before [1135/36]). He is named and his parentage given by Orderic Vitalis, saying he "was well-educated and remains to this day among the royal chaplains in the household of the kings of England" and in another passage that he "served as a clerk among the humbler officers in King Henry's chapel"[498].

Earl Roger had one [Illegitimate] son by an unknown mistress:

12. HUGUES de Montgommery . He witnessed a writ of King Henry I as brother of Robert de Bellême[499]. It is assumed that he was illegitimate as it would be unusual for him to bear the same first name as an older full brother, although there are isolated examples of this practice in other families. An alternative possibility is that his name was incorrectly recorded in the writ and that he is in fact the same person as one of Robert's other surviving brothers.

Chapter 3. VICOMTES d´ARQUES, SEIGNEURS de LONGUEVILLE (GIFFARD)

Two brothers, parents unknown, but their names suggest a Viking origin:

1. OSBERN de Bolbec, son of --- (-bur [Saint-Etienne de Fontaines]). "Duke Richard [II]" donated property to the abbey of Mont Saint-Michel by charter dated to [1026], subscribed by "…Osbernus frater comitisse, Hunfredus frater eius…"[500]. It is assumed that "comitisse" in this document refers to Gunnor, wife of Richard [II] Duke of Normandy, and that "frater comitisse" should be interpreted as "brother-in-law". A manuscript at Caen, which commemorates the death of Abbess Mathilde, daughter of William I King of England, names "Osbernus Giffardus, Haduisa eius conjunx" among the deceased at "sancti Stephani Fontanensis", presumably indicating that they were buried there[501]. It is assumed that "Osbernus Giffardus" refers to Osbern de Bolbec given that his son used the name Giffard. m [firstly] [AVELINE], sister of GUNNORA [mistress of Richard I Duke of Normandy]. She and her three sisters, as well as their husbands, are named by Robert de Torigny[502]. Guillaume de Jumièges names "Gueuve et Aveline" as two sisters of Gunnor, stating that the latter married to Osbern de Bolbec[503]. On the other hand, the Genealogia Fundatoris of Tintern Abbey, Monmouthshire names ”Turketillus…frater…Turulphi, cuius filius Hasculfus d´Harcourt” married “aliam sororem…comitissæ Gunnoræ” by whom he was father of “duos…filios…Walterum de Giffard primogenitum…”[504]. As noted below, another primary source indicates that the wife of "Osbernus Giffardus" (assumed to refer to Osbern de Bolbec given that his son used the name Giffard) was named Hawise[505]. It is not known whether Osbern was married twice or whether all the sources cited refer to the same person, one or other mistaking the name. [m secondly HAWISE, daughter of --- (-bur [Saint-Etienne de Fontaines]). A manuscript at Caen, which commemorates the death of Abbess Mathilde, daughter of William I King of England, names "Osbernus Giffardus, Haduisa eius conjunx" among the deceased at "sancti Stephani Fontanensis", presumably indicating that they were buried there[506]. It is supposed that "Osbernus Giffardus" refers to Osbern de Bolbec, given that his son used the name Giffard. If this is correct, Hawise was presumably his second wife, unless "Aveline" is an error for "Hawise" in Guillaume de Jumièges and Robert de Torigny which names Osbern´s supposed first wife. Osbern & his [first/second] wife had four children:

a) GAUTHIER Giffard (-before 1085). Guillaume de Jumièges names "Gautier-Giffard 1er et Godefroi" as the sons of Osbern de Bolbec & his wife[507]. Seigneur de Longueville, Normandy. "…Walterius Giffardus…" witnessed the charter dated 29 Aug 1060 under which "milite…Richardo…fratribus Willelmo…atque Balduino" donated "Gausberti Villa" to Chartres Saint-Père[508]. The Brevis Relatio de Origine Willelmi Conquestoris records that "Waltero Giffardo" contributed 60 ships towards the invasion of England in 1066[509]. He received grants of 107 lordships (48 in Buckinghamshire) as his reward[510]. Orderic Vitalis states that the king "gave [Walter Giffard] the county of Buckinghamshire", in the chronicler's description of post-conquest grants made by King William, without specifying that he was created earl[511]. m ERMENGARDE, daughter of GERARD Flaitel & his wife ---. Guillaume de Jumièges records that "Gautier-Giffard 1er" married an unnamed daughter of "Girard Flatel", his other daughter "Basilie veuve de Raoul de Gacé" marrying Hugues de Gournay[512]. Gauthier & his wife had [five or more] children:

i) WALTER Giffard (-in England 15 Jul 1102, bur Longueville, Normandy[513]). Guillaume de Jumièges names "Gautier-Giffard le second" as son of "Gautier-Giffard 1er" & his wife[514]. He succeeded his father in his lands. He was created Earl of Buckingham [after 1093] by King William II, although known contemporarily as Earl Giffard[515].

- EARLS of BUCKINGHAM.

ii) WILLIAM Giffard . Bishop of Winchester. The History of the foundation of St John´s abbey, Colchester names “Rohaisam…soror Willielmi Giffardi episcopi Wintoniæ” as wife of “Ricardi…filius Gilberti comitis”[516]. "…Willelmi Giffardi episcopi…" subscribed a charter dated 14 Sep 1101 under which Henry I King of England donated property to Bath St Peter[517].

iii) ROHESE Giffard (-after 1113, bur [Colchester]). Guillaume de Jumièges records that "Gautier-Giffard 1er" & his wife had several daughters, of whom Rohais married "Richard fils du comte Gilbert"[518]. According to the Genealogia Fundatoris of Tintern Abbey, Monmouthshire, ”Rohesia” married secondly “Eudoni dapifero Regis Normanniæ” after the death of “Ricardo filio comitis Gisleberti” and that they were both buried “tempore Henrici primi” in “castrum Clecestriæ…cœnobio in honore sancti Johannis” which Eudo constructed[519]. According to the Complete Peerage, this genealogy is “probably erroneous” but it does not explain the basis for the doubts[520]. From a chronological point of view, the connection would be tight, assuming that the death date of Richard FitzGilbert is correctly estimated to [1090] and the birth of Rohese´s granddaughter by her alleged second marriage, Beatrix, is correctly assessed at [1105]. An alternative perspective is provided by the History of the foundation of St John´s abbey, Colchester which names “Eudoni…major domus regiæ” and “Roasya uxor eius…Gilbertum comes, Rohaisæ frater”[521], who would have been the daughter of this Rohese Giffard. m [firstly] RICHARD FitzGilbert de Brionne, son of GILBERT de Brionne "Crespin" Comte d'Eu & his wife --- (before 1035-[1090], bur St Neots, Huntingdonshire). [m secondly EUDES de Rie dapifer, son of HUBERT de Rie & his wife ---(-1 Mar 1120, bur Colchester).]

iv) daughters . Guillaume de Jumièges records that "Gautier-Giffard 1er" & his wife had several daughters[522].

v) [AMFRIDA (-2 Jan [1099/1100]). The Chronicon Beccense records a donation by "tres matronæ nobiles…Basilia uxor Hugonis de Gornaco, et Amfrida neptis ipsius Basiliæ, et Eva uxor Guillelmi Crispini", who lived at the abbey, adding that they died on three Sundays, "Amfrida…IV Non Jan…Basilia…XVII Kal Feb…Eva…X Kal Feb" [dating the passage to 1099 or 1100][523]. The parentage of Amfrida is uncertain. However, Ermengarde is the only sibling of Basilie Flaitel who is known to have had children, so it is possible that she was the daughter of Gauthier Giffard.]

b) GODEFROI Giffard . Guillaume de Jumièges names "Gautier-Giffard 1er et Godefroi" as the sons of Osbern de Bolbec & his wife[524]. 1059. Vicomte d'Arques. m --- de Rouen, daughter of GOZELIN Vicomte de Rouen & his wife Emmeline ---. Her parentage is confirmed by a charter dated 1080 which relates that "Gozelinus vicecomes de Archis…cum coniuge sua et filiis" founded Sainte-Trinité de Rouen and donated property, and that "Willelmus de Archis heres defuncti…avi sui Gozelini" confirmed the donation[525]. "Grandfather" must be "maternal grandfather" as the paternal ancestors of Guillaume d'Arques are confirmed by Guillaume de Jumièges (see above and below)[526]. Godefroi & his wife had [four] children:

i) GUILLAUME d'Arques . Guillaume de Jumièges names Guillaume d'Arques as son of Godefroi[527]. "Guillelmus et Gislebertus filii Godefredi Archarum vicecomitis" donated land in Montvilla to Sainte-Trinité de Rouen dated 1059[528]. Vicomte d'Arques. Lord of Folkestone[529]. A charter dated 1080 relates that "Gozelinus vicecomes de Archis…cum coniuge sua et filiis" founded Sainte-Trinité de Rouen and donated property, and that "Willelmus de Archis heres defuncti…avi sui Gozelini" confirmed the donation[530]. m BEATRIX Malet, daughter of ---. She is named in Domesday Descendants[531] as the mother of Emma d'Arques but the primary source on which this is based has not yet been identified. Guillaume & his wife had two children:

(a) MATHILDE d'Arques . Guillaume de Jumièges names Mathilde as daughter of Guillaume d'Arques and wife of "Guillaume de Tancarville le Camérier", and adds that they were parents of one son Rabel[532]. m GUILLAUME de Tancarville, son of RAOUL de Tancarville & his wife Avicia --- (-1129).

(b) EMMA d'Arques (-after 1140). “Manasses Gisnensis comes et Emma uxor eius…filia Willielmi de Arras” founded Redlingfield priory by charter dated 1120, witnessed by “Widonis fratris mei, Rosæ filiæ meæ”[533]. The primary source which confirms her first marriage has not yet been identified. The Historia Comitum Ghisnensium names "Emmam filiam Roberti camerarii de Tancarvilla in Normannia, viduam Odonis de Folkestane in Anglia" as wife of "Manasses"[534], which appears to be incorrect. "Manasses Gisnensium comes et Emma comitissa" granted the administration of the church of Saint-Léonard to Saint-Bertin by charter dated 1129[535]. According to Domesday Descendants she became a nun at Saint-Leonard de Guines after the death of her second husband[536]. m firstly NELE de Muneville (-1103). Lord of Folkestone. m secondly (before 1106) MANASSES Comte de Guines, son of BAUDOUIN Comte de Guines & his wife Adela [Christina] [of Holland] (-Ardres 1137).

ii) GISELBERT d'Arques (-1112). "Guillelmus et Gislebertus filii Godefredi Archarum vicecomitis" donated land in Montvilla to Sainte-Trinité de Rouen dated 1059[537]. Bishop of Evreux[538].

iii) [OSBERN d'Arques . He is named in Europäische Stammtafeln[539] as possible son of Godefroi Giffard but the primary source on which this is based has not yet been identified.] m ---. The name of Osbern's wife is not known. Osbern & his wife had one child:

(a) GUILLAUME . The primary source which confirms his parentage has not yet been identified.

iv) ISABELLE . The Historia cœnobiii Mortui-Maris records that "Robertus de Candos, Gisortii castellanus et Isabella eius uxor, Walteri Giffardi Longævillæ comitis soror" built the monastery of "Bellomonte in Wilcassino Normannico" in 1130 and was buried there "cum quodam filiorum…primogenitus"[540]. Henri Duke of Normandy confirmed donations by "Robertus de Candos…Rogerus…de Candos…Walterus de Candos" to the priory of Sainte-Marie-Madeleine de Goldcliff, in confirmation of donations by "Robertus de Candos" during the reign of King Henry I for the soul of "uxoris sue Isabel et filiorum suorum" by charter dated [Jan/Aug] 1153[541]. m ROBERT de Chandos, son of --- (-after Jan 1153).

c) [JOSCELINE de Bolbec . Josceline and her marriage are shown in Europäische Stammtafeln[542]. This is presumably based on Robert de Torigny, continuation of William of Jumièges[543], the unreliability of this part of whose chronicle is discussed in the Complete Peerage[544]. Guillaume de Jumièges records that one of the nieces of Gunnor, mistress of Richard I Comte [de Normandie], married "Hugues de Montgommeri"[545]. There must be some doubt about this as her husband would have been her first cousin. The primary source which confirms her precise parentage has not yet been identified.] m HUGUES de Montgommery Vicomte d'Hiémois, son of ROGER I Seigneur de Montgommery and Vicomte de l'Hiémois & his wife Josceline --- (-killed in battle 7 Feb [1035/before 1048], bur Troarn).

2. HUNFRED . "Duke Richard [II]" donated property to the abbey of Mont Saint-Michel by charter dated to [1026], subscribed by "…Osbernus frater comitisse, Hunfredus frater eius…"[546].

Chapter 4. SIRES et COMTES d'AUMÂLE

The lordship of Aumâle was located in the extreme north-east corner of the duchy of Normandy just south of the county of Eu. It passed to the family of the Comtes de Ponthieu following the marriage of Berthe, heiress of Aumâle, to Hugues de Ponthieu (see Part A.). Their son Enguerrand was Sire d'Aumâle as well as Comte de Montreuil. On his death in 1053, his widow Adelais, illegitimate daughter of Robert II Duke of Normandy, styled herself as countess, but applied the title to the territory of Aumâle rather than Montreuil, apparently without any formal regrant. Adelais brought the new “county” to her third husband Eudes Comte de Troyes, who was disinherited of his paternal inheritance and sought refuge in Normandy where he and his descendants were accepted as counts of Aumâle as vassals of the dukes (see Part B.). The king of France captured the castle of Aumâle in 1196, and awarded the title to Renaud de Dammartin Comte de Boulogne in Dec 1204.

A. SIRES d'AUMÂLE

1. GUERINFRID, son of ---. Sire d'Aumâle. The foundation charter of Saint-Martin d´Auchy narrates the church´s foundation by “Guerinfrido qui condidit castellum…Albamarla” and names “Engueranni consulis qui filius fuit Berte supradicti Guerinfridi filie et Adelidis comitisse uxoris sue sororis…Willelmi Regis Anglorum” and “Addelidis comitissa supradicti Engueranni et supradicte Adelidis filia…Judita comitissa domine supradicte filia”[547]. m ---. The name of Guerinfrid's wife is not known. Guerinfrid & his wife had one child:

a) BERTHE d'Aumâle . The foundation charter of Saint-Martin d´Auchy narrates the church´s foundation by “Guerinfrido qui condidit castellum…Albamarla” and names “Engueranni consulis qui filius fuit Berte supradicti Guerinfridi filie et Adelidis comitisse uxoris sue sororis…Willelmi Regis Anglorum”[548]. m HUGUES de Ponthieu, son of ENGUERRAND Comte [de Ponthieu] & his wife Aleida [van Westfriesland] (-killed 20 Nov 1052, bur Saint-Riquier). Comte de Montreuil. Their children inherited Aumâle.

B. COMTES d'AUMÂLE (BLOIS-CHAMPAGNE)

EUDES de Troyes, son of ETIENNE I Comte de Troyes [Blois] & his wife Adela --- (-after [1115/18]). "Odo puer nepos comiti Tethberti" witnessed a charter dated to [6 Dec 1047/31 Aug 1055] under which the canons of St Maurice d'Angers temporarily relinquished certain rights in the church of Joué[549]. He succeeded his father in [1048] as Comte de Troyes. He succeeded as Comte d’Aumâle, de iure uxoris. He was disinherited before 1071 and sought refuge in Normandy. He was granted the lordship of Holderness in [1087] by William I King of England, following the forfeiture of Drogo de La Beuvrière[550]. A charter of King Henry II records donations to York St Mary, including the donation of “manerium Horneshay et ecclesiam…et Marram eius piscaturam et Thorp ibi juxta” by “Odo comes et Stephanus filius eius”[551]. Florence of Worcester records that "comitem Odonem de Campania…Stephani patrem" was imprisoned in [1096] for his part in the conspiracy which planned to place his son on the English throne[552]. He lost the lordship of Holderness. "…Stephanus de Albamarla…" subscribed a charter dated 8 Aug 1111 under which Henry I King of England confirmed the episcopate of Somerset at Bath[553]. He is referred to as “comes Odo” in the Lindsey survey 1115/18.

m ([1060]) as her third husband, ADELAIS de Normandie, widow firstly of ENGUERRAND [II] Comte de Montreuil Sire d’Aumâle and secondly of LAMBERT de Boulogne Comte de Lens, illegitimate daughter of ROBERT II Duke of Normandy & his mistress --- (-[1082/84]). Robert de Torigny names "Aeliz" as the daughter of Duke Robert II "de alia concubina" from Herleve[554]. The foundation charter of Saint-Martin d´Auchy names “Engueranni consulis qui filius fuit Berte supradicti Guerinfridi filie et Adelidis comitisse uxoris sue sororis…Willelmi Regis Anglorum”[555]. She retained the title Comtesse d'Aumâle after her first marriage. Her second marriage is deduced from the same charter of Saint-Martin d´Auchy which also names “Judita comitissa domine supradicte filia”[556]. Orderic Vitalis calls her "the king's sister" when referring to her marriage to Eudes Comte de Troyes[557].

Comte Eudes III & his wife had one child:

1. ETIENNE de Troyes (before 1070-before 1130, maybe [1127]). Albert of Aix names "Stephanus de Albemarla filius Udonis comitis de Campania" among those present with Adhémar Bishop of Le Puy on the First Crusade[558]. He succeeded his mother in [1082/84] as Comte d’Aumâle. Florence of Worcester records that "Northymbrensis comes Rotbertus de Mulbrei et Willelmus de Owe" conspired against William II King of England in [1095], planning to place "filium amitæ illius Stephanus de Albamarno" on the English throne[559]. William of Tyre names Etienne Comte d'Albemarle among those who left on the First Crusade in 1096 with Robert Count of Flanders[560]. He was granted the lordship of Holderness in 1102. Orderic Vitalis reports that he supported Baudouin VII Count of Flanders and Guillaume "Clito" de Normandie against Henry I King of England in 1118[561]. A charter of King Henry II records donations to York St Mary, including the donation of “manerium Horneshay et ecclesiam…et Marram eius piscaturam et Thorp ibi juxta” by “Odo comes et Stephanus filius eius” and of “Fulfordam…” by “Stephanus (de Albemarla)”[562]. “Stephanus, Albermarlensis comes” founded Saint-Martin, Aumâle by undated charter which names “mater mea Adeliza…Willielmi regis Angliæ avunculi mei”[563]. m (before [1100]) HAWISE de Mortimer, daughter of RALPH de Mortimer of Wigmore, Herefordshire & his first wife Mélisende --- (before 1088[564]-). "Stephen count of Aumâle" donated property to the abbey of Saint-Martin-des-Champs, Paris with the consent of "Hauisa his wife and her father Ralf de Mortuomari" for the souls of "…Milesenda his wife deceased" by charter dated to [1100][565]. Comte Etienne & his wife had [seven] children:

a) GUILLAUME "le Gros" d'Aumâle (-20 Aug 1179, Abbey of Thornton, co Lincoln). A manuscript genealogy of the Comtes d´Aumâle names “Willielmus le Groos” as son of “Stephani filii Odonis”[566]. He succeeded his father as Comte d’Aumâle, Lord of Holderness. “Gulielmus comes Albemarliæ” founded Melsa Abbey, for the soul of “fratris mei Hingeram”, by undated charter witnessed by “Hingeram fratre comitis”[567]. He was created Earl of Yorkshire by King Stephen in 1138, after distinguishing himself at the battle of the Standard. A manuscript narrating the foundation of Thornton Abbey records that it was founded in 1139 by “Willielmus Grose comes Albermarliæ”, and that “cognati sui Wallevi, prioris de Kyrkham…fratris Simonis comitis Northamtoniæ” arranged the arrival of the first monks[568]. The relationship between the two was through Judith de Lens, maternal grandmother of Waltheof, who was uterine sister of Guillaume´s father. He founded the abbey of Meaux, Yorkshire in 1150. m CICELY Lady of Skipton, daughter of WILLIAM FitzDuncan of Scotland & his second wife Alice Lady of Skipton (-before 1190). The Cronicon Cumbriæ names “prima…Cecilia…secunda Amabilla…tertia Alicia” as the three daughters of “Willielmus”, son of “Doncani comes de Murrayse”, and his wife Alice, adding that Cicely received the honor of Skipton and married “Willielmo le Grossus comiti Albemarliæ”[569]. Comte Guillaume & his wife had one child:

i) HAWISE d'Aumâle (-11 Mar 1214). The Cronicon Cumbriæ names “Hawysiam” as the child of “Willielmus Grossus comes Albemarliæ” and his wife, adding that he was succeeded by “Willielmus de Fortibus comes Albemarliæ”, in turn succeeded by “alter Willielmus de Fortibus”, and the latter by “Avelina” who married “Edmondo fratri domini Regis E” and died childless[570]. She succeeded her father in 1179 as Ctss d’Aumâle and Lady of Holderness. Robert of Torigny records the marriage of "Guillermus comes de Magnavilla" and "filia Willermi comitis Albæ Marlæ" together with the county of Aumâle in 1179[571]. Ralph de Diceto records that "Willelmus de Magna-villa comes Essexiæ" married "Hadewisam comtis Albimarlæ primogenitam…apud Pleizet in Essexia XIX Kal Feb" in 1180 and was granted his father-in-law´s county[572]. The 13th century Histoire des ducs de Normandie et des rois d´Angleterre records that "Aubemalle…Havi le contesse" married successively "le conte de Mandeville…Guillaumes" by whom she was childless, "Guillaume de Fors" by whom she had "i fills…Guillaumes", and thirdly "Bauduin de Biethune"[573]. “Hawisia comitissa Albemarlæ” donated property to Garendon Abbey, for the soul of “domini mei Willielmi de Mandevill comitis Essex”, by undated charter which refers to “post mortem domini mei Baldewini de Betunia…Willielmi comitis Albemarle patris mei”[574]. m firstly (Pleshy, Essex 14 Jan 1180) WILLIAM de Mandeville Earl of Essex, son of GEOFFREY de Mandeville Earl of Essex & his wife Rohese de Vere (-[Rouen/Gisors/Le Vaudreuil] Normandy 14 Nov 1189, bur Abbey of Mortemer). He succeeded as Comte d'Aumâle in 1180, de iure uxoris. m secondly (after 3 Jul 1190) GUILLAUME de Forz, son of --- (-1195). He succeeded as Comte d'Aumâle, de iure uxoris. m thirdly (before Jul 1196) BAUDOUIN de Béthune Seigneur de Choques [en-Artois], son of ROBERT “le Roux” Seigneur de Béthune & his wife Adélaïde de Saint-Pol (-Burstwick, Holderness 13 or 14 Oct 1212, bur Abbey of Meaux[575]). He succeeded as Comte d'Aumâle in [1195/96], de iure uxoris.

b) ENGUERRAND d’Aumâle (-after 1150). “Gulielmus comes Albemarliæ” founded Melsa Abbey, for the soul of “fratris mei Hingeram”, by undated charter witnessed by “Hingeram fratre comitis”[576].

c) [--- . m ---. One possible child:]

i) [EUPHEMIE . Her origin is indicated by the charter dated to [1150/60] under which “W. comes Albemarle” granted property to “Eufemie nepti mee uxori Roberti de Brus”[577]. Domesday Descendants speculates that she was the daughter of Guillaume´s brother Enguerrand[578], although there seems no reason to choose one of his brothers over any of the others. Another possibility is that she was the daughter of Guillaume´s sister Mathilde, whose husband Guermond de Picquigny is recorded with a sister named Euphemie. “Robertus de Brus” notified his donation to the hospital of St Peter, York by charter dated to [1150/70], witnessed by “domina Eufemia…”[579]. m ROBERT de Brus Lord of Annandale, son of ROBERT de Brus Lord of Skelton and Annandale & his first wife Agnes de Payanell (-after [1170/90]).]

d) ETIENNE d’Aumâle (-after 1150). “Gulielmus comes Albemarliæ” donated property to Melsa Abbey, for the souls of “Hingeram fratris mei et Stephani”[580]. This document does not state that Etienne was another brother of Guillaume but this is implied from the text.

e) daughter . A manuscript history of the foundation of Melsa Abbey records that “Willielmus” had “sorores quatuor, filias Stephani” who married “una…vicedomino de Pynkeney, altera…vicedomino de Verberay, tertia…Bertanno de Brikebet, quarta Willielmo de Romare et postea Petro de Brus”[581]. m RICHARD de Gerberoy, son of ---.

f) ADELISE d'Aumâle (-before [1168][582]). A manuscript history of the foundation of Melsa Abbey records that “Willielmus” had “sorores quatuor, filias Stephani” who married “una…vicedomino de Pynkeney, altera…vicedomino de Verberay, tertia…Bertanno de Brikebet, quarta Willielmo de Romare et postea Petro de Brus”[583]. "Adeliza daughter of [Stephen] count Albemaris" donated property to the abbey of Saint-Sauveur-le-Vicomte for the souls of "Engelger her husband and Robert Bertrand her son" by charter dated to [1151/77][584]. m firstly ROBERT [II] Bertran Seigneur de Briquebec, son of ROBERT [I] Bertran "le Tors" & his wife Suzanne ---. m secondly as his second wife, INGELGER de Bohun, son of RICHARD de Meri & his wife Lucy --- (-[1172]).

g) MATHILDE d'Aumâle (-after [1160/65]). A manuscript history of the foundation of Melsa Abbey records that “Willielmus” had “sorores quatuor, filias Stephani” who married “una…vicedomino de Pynkeney, altera…vicedomino de Verberay, tertia…Bertanno de Brikebet, quarta Willielmo de Romare et postea Petro de Brus”[585]. She is named in her husband's [1160/65] grant to Southwick Priory for the souls of his and her parents[586]. m as his second wife, GERARD de Picquigny Vidame d'Amiens, son of GUERMOND [II] de Picquigny Vidame d'Amiens & his wife Beatrix [de Saint-Valéry] (-[1178]). He appears to have acquired land at Wymering, Hampshire in part through his marriage[587].

h) AGNES d’Aumâle . A manuscript history of the foundation of Melsa Abbey records that “Willielmus” had “sorores quatuor, filias Stephani” who married “una…vicedomino de Pynkeney, altera…vicedomino de Verberay, tertia…Bertanno de Brikebet, quarta Willielmo de Romare et postea Petro de Brus”[588]. m firstly ADAM de Brus, son of ROBERT de Brus Lord of Skelton and Annandale & his first wife Agnes de Payanell (-1143). He succeeded his father in 1141 as Lord of Skelton. m secondly (after 1143) WILLIAM de Roumare, son of WILLIAM Seigneur de Roumare & his wife Hawise de Reviers (-1151).

C. COMTES d'AUMÂLE (FORZ)

1. GUILLAUME de Forz (-1195). Seigneur de Forz, en Poitou. He succeeded as Comte d'Aumâle, de iure uxoris. The Red Book of the Exchequer, listing scutage payments in [1190/91], records "Willelmus des Forz" paying "vi l de honore de Sciptone, xii milites…[et] x l de feodo Albæ Marlæ" in Yorkshire[589]. “Willielmus de Forz comes Albemarliæ” confirmed the donations to Pontefract Priory made by “domina Aaliz de Rumelli” by undated charter, witnessed by “Willielmo Britone tunc dapifero, Willielmo Painel…”[590]. He accompanied Richard I King of England on crusade[591]. The Red Book of the Exchequer, listing scutage payments in [1194/95], records "Willelmus de Fortibus" among those granted delayed payment "per brevia" in Lincolnshire[592]. m (after 3 Jul 1190) as her second husband, HAWISE Ctss d'Aumâle, widow of WILLIAM de Mandeville Earl of Essex, daughter of GUILLAUME "le Gros" Comte d'Aumâle, Lord of Holderness & his wife Cicely Lady of Skipton [Scotland] (-11 Mar 1214). Robert of Torigny records the marriage of "Guillermus comes de Magnavilla" and "filia Willermi comitis Albæ Marlæ" together with the county of Aumâle in 1179[593]. The Cronicon Cumbriæ names “Hawysiam” as the child of “Willielmus Grossus comes Albemarliæ” and his wife, adding that he was succeeded by “Willielmus de Fortibus comes Albemarliæ”, in turn succeeded by “alter Willielmus de Fortibus”, and the latter by “Avelina” who married “Edmondo fratri domini Regis E” and died childless[594]. The 13th century Histoire des ducs de Normandie et des rois d´Angleterre records that "Aubemalle…Havi le contesse" married successively "le conte de Mandeville…Guillaumes" by whom she was childless, "Guillaume de Fors" by whom she had "i fills…Guillaumes", and thirdly "Bauduin de Biethune"[595]. She married thirdly (before Jul 1196) Baudouin de Bethune Seigneur de Choques [en-Artois], who succeeded as Comte d'Aumâle [1195/96], de iure uxoris. “Hawisia comitissa Albemarlæ” donated property to Garendon Abbey, for the soul of “domini mei Willielmi de Mandevill comitis Essex”, by undated charter which refers to “post mortem domini mei Baldewini de Betunia…Willielmi comitis Albemarle patris mei”[596]. The king of France captured the castle of Aumâle in 1196, and gave the title to Renaud de Dammartin Comte de Boulogne in Dec 1204. Guillaume & his wife had one child:

a) WILLIAM de Forz (-29 Mar 1241). The 13th century Histoire des ducs de Normandie et des rois d´Angleterre records that "Aubemalle…Havi le contesse" married successively "le conte de Mandeville…Guillaumes" by whom she was childless, "Guillaume de Fors" by whom she had "i fills…Guillaumes", and thirdly "Bauduin de Biethune"[597].

- UNTITLED ENGLISH NOBILITY - FORZ.

D. COMTE d'AUMÂLE (BETHUNE)

1. BAUDOUIN de Béthune, son of ROBERT "le Roux" Seigneur de Béthune & his wife Adelaide de Saint-Pol (-Burstwick, Holderness 13 or 14 Oct 1212, bur Abbey of Meaux[598]). "Robertus de Betunia, Atrebatensis advocatus…advocatus de Warneston et Adhelis uxor mea et filii mei Robertus, Willelmus, Balduinus" confirmed the possessions of Warneton abbey by charter dated 1177[599]. “Robertus de Betuna advocatus Atrebati” donated “terram meam de Messewalla”, with the consent of "filiorum meorum Roberti, Willielmi, Balduini, Johannis, Cononi", to Faversham Abbey, Kent by undated charter, dated to the reign of Henry II King of England[600]. Seigneur de Choques [en-Artois]. The Red Book of the Exchequer, listing scutage payments in [1194/95], names "Baldewinus de Betun" among those granted delay in payment "per brevis" in Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire[601]. He succeeded as Comte d'Aumâle in [1195/96], de iure uxoris. The king of France captured the castle of Aumâle in 1196, and gave the title to Renaud de Dammartin Comte de Boulogne in Dec 1204. The Testa de Nevill includes a writ of King John dated 1212 which records that "comes Baldwi de Betun" held land "in Timelb et in Langetun et in Cuningesb" in Lincolnshire[602]. The Annals of Waverley record the death in 1213 of “Baldwinus comes de Aubemare”[603]. m (before Jul 1196) as her third husband, HAWISE Ctss d'Aumâle, widow firstly of WILLIAM de Mandeville Earl of Essex and secondly of GUILLAUME de Forz Comte d´Aumâle, daughter of GUILLAUME "le Gros" Comte d'Aumâle, Lord of Holderness & his wife Cicely Lady of Skipton [Scotland] (-11 Mar 1214). Robert of Torigny records the marriage of "Guillermus comes de Magnavilla" and "filia Willermi comitis Albæ Marlæ" together with the county of Aumâle in 1179[604]. The Cronicon Cumbriæ names “Hawysiam” as the child of “Willielmus Grossus comes Albemarliæ” and his wife, adding that he was succeeded by “Willielmus de Fortibus comes Albemarliæ”, in turn succeeded by “alter Willielmus de Fortibus”, and the latter by “Avelina” who married “Edmondo fratri domini Regis E” and died childless[605]. The 13th century Histoire des ducs de Normandie et des rois d´Angleterre records that "Aubemalle…Havi le contesse" married successively "le conte de Mandeville…Guillaumes" by whom she was childless, "Guillaume de Fors" by whom she had "i fills…Guillaumes", and thirdly "Bauduin de Biethune"[606]. “Hawisia comitissa Albemarlæ” donated property to Garendon Abbey, for the soul of “domini mei Willielmi de Mandevill comitis Essex”, by undated charter which refers to “post mortem domini mei Baldewini de Betunia…Willielmi comitis Albemarle patris mei”[607]. Baudouin & his wife had one child:

a) ALIX de Béthune (-[1216], bur London, St Paul's Cathedral). The 13th century Histoire des ducs de Normandie et des rois d´Angleterre records that "Bauduins li cuens d´Aubemalle…[et] Havy la contesse sa feme" had "une fille…Aalis" who married "Guillemin le frère Guillaume le mareschal le conte de Pembroc"[608]. Dame de Choques. m (1214) as his first wife, WILLIAM Marshal Earl of Pembroke, son of WILLIAM Marshal Earl of Pembroke & his wife Isabel de Clare Ctss of Pembroke (Normandy [1190]-6 Apr 1231, bur 15 Apr 1231 Temple Church, London).

Baudouin had one illegitimate son by an unknown mistress:

b) --- de Béthune (-after 1216). The 13th century Histoire des ducs de Normandie et des rois d´Angleterre names "un chevalier qui fu fils le conte d´Aubemalle, le boin chevalier" at the siege of Farnham in 1216[609].

Chapter 5. AVRANCHES

A. VICOMTES d'AVRANCHES

ANSFRID, son of --- . His name and that of his son suggest that this family was of Viking origin, which is confirmed by Guillaume de Jumièges who names "Toustain surnommé Guz, fils d'Ansfroi le Danois"[610].

m ---. The name of Ansfrid's wife is not known.

Ansfrid & his wife had one child: "…Nielli vicecomitis…Richardi vicecomitis, Guillelmi fratris eius, Haimonis vicecomitis, Radulfi, fratris eius Hernisi, Gaufredi vicecomitis, Gisleberti Crispini, fratris eius Guillelmi, Turstinci vicecomitis, Hugonis filii Huberti, Hugonis Paisfolet, Turstinci Gazel, Guidonis filii Rainaldi comitis, Richardi filii Turstinci, Roberti fratris eius, Rannulfi gilii Ascelini" witnessed the charter dated to [1047 or before] under which Guillaume II Duke of Normandy confirmed the donation by "Adelelmi…Beatricis uxor eius…Rotberti filius eius" to the abbey of Mont-Saint-Michel[611].

1. THURSTAN "le Goz" (-[1045/55]). Guillaume de Jumièges names "Toustain surnommé Guz, fils d'Ansfroi le Danois", specifying that he was governor of Exmes, recording that he rebelled against Guillaume II Duke of Normandy and was exiled "don son pays"[612]. Vicomte. "Ricardi filii Gulberti, Nigelli vicecomitis…Storstingi vicecomitis" signed the charter dated 1027 (redated to [1017]) in which "secundus nominis mei Normannorum dux Ricardus" confirmed donations to Fécamp abbey[613]. "…Torstingus vicecomes…" witnessed the charter dated Aug 1027 under which Richard II Duke of Normandy donated property to the abbey of Bernay[614]. "…Turstingi vicecomitis…" witnessed the charter dated to [1030] under which Robert II Duke of Normandy donated "in comitatu Abrincatensi villam…Sancti Johannis" to the abbey of Mont-Saint-Michel[615]. "…Nigelli vicecomitis, Tursteni vicecomitis…Willelmi Arcacensis comitis, Godefridi vicecomitis, Rodgerii filii Rodulfi, Wimundi…" witnessed the charter dated to [1040] under which Guillaume Comte de Talou donated property to Jumièges[616]. "Turstin vicecomes" witness the donation to Sainte-Trinité de Rouen of "Gozelinus vicecomes" dated [1038/50][617]. "…Nigelli vicecomitis, Tursteni vicecomitis, Godefredi vicecomitis…" subscribed the charter dated to [1040] under which "Vuillelmus Ricardi magni ducis Normannorum filius" donated property to the abbey of Jumièges[618]. "…Turstinci vicecomitis…Turstinci Gazel…Richardi filii Turstinci, Roberti fratris eius…" witnessed the charter dated to [1047 or before] under which Guillaume II Duke of Normandy confirmed the donation by "Adelelmi…Beatricis uxor eius…Rotberti filius eius" to the abbey of Mont-Saint-Michel[619]. m ---. The name of Thurstan's wife is not known. Thurstan & his wife had two children:

a) RICHARD "le Goz" (-after 1082). Guillaume de Jumièges names "Richard fils de Toustain", specifying that he served Guillaume II Duke of Normandy faithfully after his father's rebellion[620]. "…Turstinci vicecomitis…Turstinci Gazel…Richardi filii Turstinci, Roberti fratris eius…" witnessed the charter dated to [1047 or before] under which Guillaume II Duke of Normandy confirmed the donation by "Adelelmi…Beatricis uxor eius…Rotberti filius eius" to the abbey of Mont-Saint-Michel[621]. Vicomte d'Avranches. "…Richardi filii Torestini…" witnessed the charter dated to [1055] under which Guillaume II Duke of Normandy donated property to the abbey of Marmoutier[622]. "…Willelmi filii Osberti, Rotgerii de Monte Golmerii, Richardis vicecomitis Abrinchensis…" witnessed the charter dated [1055/56] under which Guillaume II Duke of Normandy "in pago…Constantino, villam…Flotomannum" to Saint-Florent de Saumur[623]. "…Ricardus vicecomes Abrincatinus…" witnessed the charter dated 1064 under which Guillaume II Duke of Normandy settled a claim in favour of the monks of Marmoutier relating to property donated by "Guido de Valle"[624]. The Chronique de Normandie, based on le Roman de Rou, names "Richart d´Avrenchin" among those who took part in the conquest of England in 1066[625]. "Richardi filii Torsteingoiz" witnessed a charter of William I King of England dated 1069[626]. Orderic Vitalis names him as the son of Thurstan[627]. "Ricardo filio Turstini Guz et Guillelmo Caritate, Fulkoque filio Gerardi Budel atque Radulfo de Ollei" are named as present in the charter dated 30 Nov 1074 under which Odo Bishop of Bayeux bought "la terre de Chernet" from "Herberto de Agnellis", with the consent of "suo domino Radulfo de Conchis"[628]. m EMMA, daughter of ---. A manuscript relating to St Werburgh´s Chester records that “Hugo Lupus filius ducis Britanniæ et nepos Gulielmi magni ex sorore” transformed the foundation into a monastery[629]. This suggests that Hugues´s mother may have been a uterine sister of King William, and therefore daughter of Herluin de Conteville. However, no indication has been in other primary sources which supports the contention that Hugues was the son of a duke of Brittany. It is assumed therefore that both lines of his parentage have been romanticised in this document to improve his status and reputation. Vicomte Richard & his wife had four children:

i) HUGUES d'Avranches "Lupus"[630] ([1047]-St Werburg's Abbey, Chester 27 Jul 1101). He is named as son of Richard "le Goz" by Orderic Vitalis[631]. William I King of England granted him the whole of the county palatine of Chester[632] in 1071, whereby he is held to have become Earl of Chester.

- EARLS of CHESTER.

ii) MARGUERITE [Maud] d'Avranches . She is named "Mathilda soror Hugonis comitis" by Orderic Vitalis, who also names her son[633]. m RANULF Vicomte du Bessin, son of RANULF Vicomte du Bessin & his wife Alix de Normandie.

iii) HELISENDE d'Avranches . Her marriage is referred to by Orderic Vitalis, who says that she was the sister of Hugh Earl of Chester but does not give her name[634]. The primary source which confirms her name has not yet been identified. m as his second wife, GUILLAUME [II] Comte d'Eu, son of ROBERT Comte d'Eu & his first wife Beatrix --- (-2 Jan after 1096).

iv) JUDITH d'Avranches . She is named as wife of Richer de Laigle by Orderic Vitalis, who also names her father and brother[635]. "Robertus…" donated property to Chartres Saint-Père by charter dated to [1101/17], confirmed by "Gisleberti…de Aquila" and witnessed by "Gisleberti de Aquila, Julite eiusdem matris et Juliane uxoris ipsius"[636]. "Richer de Aquila son of Ingenulf de Aquila" donated property to the abbey of Saint-Evroul by charter dated to [1099] (although this date is incorrect if the date of his death is as shown above), witnessed by "…Judiht uxore mea, filia Richardi de Abrincis et sorore Hugonis comitis Cestrensis"[637]. "Robertus…" donated property to Chartres Saint-Père by charter dated to [1101/17], confirmed by "Gisleberti…de Aquila" and witnessed by "Gisleberti de Aquila, Julite eiusdem matris et Juliane uxoris ipsius"[638]. m RICHER de Laigle, son of ENGENULF & his wife --- (-killed Dec 1085).

b) ROBERT . "…Turstinci vicecomitis…Turstinci Gazel…Richardi filii Turstinci, Roberti fratris eius…" witnessed the charter dated to [1047 or before] under which Guillaume II Duke of Normandy confirmed the donation by "Adelelmi…Beatricis uxor eius…Rotberti filius eius" to the abbey of Mont-Saint-Michel[639].

1. GUITMUND [Wimund] . Vicomte. "…Vuitmundus vicecomes…" witnessed the charter dated Aug 1027 under which Richard II Duke of Normandy donated property to the abbey of Bernay[640]. "…Nigelli vicecomitis, Tursteni vicecomitis…Willelmi Arcacensis comitis, Godefridi vicecomitis, Rodgerii filii Rodulfi, Wimundi…" witnessed the charter dated to [1040] under which Guillaume Comte de Talou donated property to Jumièges[641].

a) WILLIAM FitzWimund d'Avranches (-[1087]). m ---. William & his wife had one child:

i) ROBERT d'Avranches (-before 1142). The primary source which confirms his parentage has not yet been identified. m as her first husband, MAUD Avenill, daughter of RANULF Avenill & his wife Alice --- (-21 Sep 1173). The Fundationis et Fundatorum Historia of Ford Abbey records that “domina Alicia uxor domini Randolphi Avenell filia sua” had “unicam filiam…Matildam” who died[642]. The Fundationis et Fundatorum Historia of Ford Abbey records that “domina Alicia uxor domini Randolphi Avenell filia sua…unicam filiam…Matildam” married “Roberto filio regis Henrici primi notho” after the death of her first husband “Roberto de Abrincis id est de Averinges”, and died “IX Kal Oct 1173”[643]. Robert & his wife had three children:

(a) HAWISE d´Avranches (-1 Aug 1209). The Fundationis et Fundatorum Historia of Ford Abbey records that “domina Alicia uxor domini Randolphi Avenell filia sua…unicam filiam…Matildam” had “filiam unam…Hawisiam, necnon duas alias, postea factas moniales” by her husband “Roberto de Abrincis” and that she married “Reginaldo de Courtenay” as his second wife[644]. m as his second wife, RENAUD Sire de Courtenay, son of MILON de Courtenay & his second wife Ermengarde de Nevers (-[1189/90]).

(b) daughter . The Fundationis et Fundatorum Historia of Ford Abbey records that “domina Alicia uxor domini Randolphi Avenell filia sua…unicam filiam…Matildam” had “filiam unam…Hawisiam, necnon duas alias, postea factas moniales” by her husband “Roberto de Abrincis”[645].

(c) daughter . The Fundationis et Fundatorum Historia of Ford Abbey records that “domina Alicia uxor domini Randolphi Avenell filia sua…unicam filiam…Matildam” had “filiam unam…Hawisiam, necnon duas alias, postea factas moniales” by her husband “Roberto de Abrincis”[646].

B. SEIGNEURS de GRANVILLE

This was Granville in the Cotentin, Normandy {arr. Avranches, Manche} which was a fief of the abbey of Saint-Michel.

1. RENAUD de Granville (-after ]1054]). Seigneur de Granville. "Hilger de Ardevone, Thescelin his brother, Reginald de Grandivalle and Ralf de Sancto-Johanne" are named as "St. Michael´s men" present in the charter dated to [1054] under which "William Pichenoht" donated property to Mont Saint-Michel, witnessed by "…Ricardi vicecomitis, Hilgerii de Ardevone, Thescelini fratris eius, Raginaldi de Grandivilla, Radulfi de Sancto Johanne"[647].

C. SEIGNEURS d´ORVAL

1. RENAUD [I] d´Orval (-after 1126). Henry I King of England confirmed the donation to Holy Trinity, Lessay by "Rainaldus de Aureavalle" by charter dated 1126, witnessed by "Roberto de Haia, Rogero de Sancto Johanne, Hugone de Aureavalle…"[648].

2. HUGUES d´Orval (-after 1126). Henry I King of England confirmed the donation to Holy Trinity, Lessay by "Rainaldus de Aureavalle" by charter dated 1126, witnessed by "Roberto de Haia, Rogero de Sancto Johanne, Hugone de Aureavalle…"[649].

3. RENAUD [II] d´Orval . m MURIEL de Saint-Jean, daughter of ROGER de Saint-Jean & his wife Cecilia de La Haye. A manuscript recording the founding of Boxgrove Priory, Sussex records that “Willielmum et Robertum se sancto Johanne…Murielem sororem suam” married “Reginaldo de Aurea-valle” by whom she had "filiam…Mabiliam" who married "Adæ de Port"[650]. Renaud & his wife had one child:

a) MABILE d´Orval ). A manuscript recording the founding of Boxgrove Priory, Sussex names "Mabiliam" as the daughter of “Willielmum et Robertum se sancto Johanne…Murielem sororem suam” and her husband “Reginaldo de Aurea-valle”, adding that she married "Adæ de Port"[651]. m as his first wife, ADAM de Port, son of JOHN de Port & his wife Maud --- ([1150/55]-[25 Jun/28 Jul] 1213).

D. SEIGNEURS de SAINT-JEAN

According to The Complete Peerage, this was Saint-Jean-le-Thomas in the Cotentin, Normandy {arr. Avranches, Manche} which was a fief of the abbey of Saint-Michel[652].

1. RAOUL de Saint-Jean (-after Oct 1066). Seigneur de Saint-Jean. "Hilger de Ardevone, Thescelin his brother, Reginald de Grandivalle and Ralf de Sancto-Johanne" are named as "St. Michael´s men" present in the charter dated to [1053] under which "William Pichenoht" donated property to Mont Saint-Michel, witnessed by "…Ricardi vicecomitis, Hilgerii de Ardevone, Thescelini fratris eius, Raginaldi de Grandivilla, Radulfi de Sancto Johanne"[653]. The Chronique de Normandie, based on le Roman de Rou, names "le sire de S. Jehan" among those who took part in the conquest of England in 1066[654].

2. OLIVIER de Saint-Jean (-after 1093). The Gwentian Chronicle records that "Oliver St John" was granted "the lordship of Aberbernant" by Robert FitzHamon after the defeat of Rhys ap Tewdwr in Wales in 1093[655].

Four brothers, parents not known. The chronology may be too extended for them to have been the sons of Raoul de Saint-Jean who is shown above:

1. THOMAS de Saint-Jean (-[1123/30]). Seigneur de Saint-Jean. Orderic Vitalis records that "Thomam de Sancto Johanne" ineffectively blockaded Tinchebrai on behalf of Henry I King of England in 1106[656]. He and his family were studied by Gerville[657]. "…Th. de Sancto Johanne…" witnessed the charter dated 1108 under which Henry I King of England confirmed the foundation of Holy Trinity, London[658]. The Chronicle of Abingdon records that King Henry I appointed "Thoma de Sancto Johanne ac Ricardo de Monte" as "Oxenefordscire vicecomitibus" at Oxford in 1111[659]. Matthew of Paris quotes a charter dated 1116 of King Henry I which records his grant of Biscot, Bedfordshire to the abbey of St Albans, witnessed by "…Adam de Port, Thomas de Sancto Johanne, Willelmus frater eius, Hugo de Gornaio"[660]. A charter dated to [1121] records that "Thomas de Sancto Johanne" had constructed his castle at Saint-Jean with wood taken from land of the abbey of Saint-Michel and records his donation in settlement of their claim, signed by "Thoma, Johanne fratre eius et Rogerio…"[661]. A charter dated to [1123/29] records a donation by King Henry I to Mont-Saint-Michel, witnessed by "…Thoma de Sancto Johanne"[662].

2. GUILLAUME de Saint-Jean . Matthew of Paris quotes a charter dated 1116 of King Henry I which records his grant of Biscot, Bedfordshire to the abbey of St Albans, witnessed by "…Adam de Port, Thomas de Sancto Johanne, Willelmus frater eius, Hugo de Gornaio"[663].

3. JEAN de Saint-Jean (-[1149/53]). Orderic Vitalis records that "Rogerius de Sancto Johanne et Johannes frater eius" defended the castle of La Motte-Gautier against Foulques V Comte d´Anjou for Henry I King of England in 1118[664]. A charter dated to [1121] records that "Thomas de Sancto Johanne" had constructed his castle at Saint-Jean with wood taken from land of the abbey of Saint-Michel and records his donation in settlement of their claim, signed by "Thoma, Johanne fratre eius et Rogerio…"[665]. The Historia Fundationis of Kingswood priory in Wiltshire records that King Stephen granted “illi de Kingswode Haseldene…terras Reginaldo de sancto Walerico” to "Johanne de sancto Johanne", in the early years of his reign[666]. m ---. The name of Jean´s wife is not known. Jean & his wife had three children:

a) THOMAS de St John (-after 1166).

b) ROGER de St John .

c) WILLIAM de St John . Rector of Steeple Barton, Oxfordshire[667].

4. ROGER de Saint-Jean (-1130 or before). A charter dated to [1121] records that "Thomas de Sancto Johanne" had constructed his castle at Saint-Jean with wood taken from land of the abbey of Saint-Michel and records his donation in settlement of their claim, signed by "Thoma, Johanne fratre eius et Rogerio…"[668]. A charter dated 1121 confirmed the possessions of Lewes Priory including the donation of "…ecclesiam de Cunctona…" by "Rogeri de Sco Johe"[669]. Orderic Vitalis records that "Rogerius de Sancto Johanne et Johannes frater eius" defended the castle of La Motte-Gautier against Foulques V Comte d´Anjou for Henry I King of England in 1118[670]. The 1130 Pipe Roll records "filii Rogi de sco Johe…relevat tre patis sui" in Hampshire[671]. m CECILIA de la Haye, daughter of ROBERT de la Haye & his wife Muriel --- (-[1162/77]). Her parentage are confirmed by the charter dated May 1111 under which her maternal grandfather “Picotus filius Colwani Linc. cum uxore et quodam nepote…Ricardi et quadam nepte…Cecilia” donated revenue from "villa…Suttona et Luttona" to Spalding Monastery[672]. A manuscript recording the founding of Boxgrove Priory, Sussex states that “Roberti di Haya…Ceciliam filiam suam” married “Rogero de sancto Johanne”[673]. Roger & his wife had three children:

a) GUILLAUME de Saint-Jean (-[Sep 1201/Sep 1202]). A manuscript recording the founding of Boxgrove Priory, Sussex names “Willielmum et Robertum de sancto Johanne” as the sons of “Rogero de sancto Johanne” and his wife[674]. Henry II King of England confirmed the donation of revenue from "manerio de Contona" [Compton] to Fontevraud by "Willelmus de Sancto Johanne et Robertus frater suus" by charter dated to [1169][675]. Henry II King of England confirmed the possessions of the abbey of Lessai, including donations by "Willelmus de Sancto Johanne et Robertus frater eius et Oliva uxor Willelmi", by charter dated [1185/Jan 1188][676]. The Red Book of the Exchequer, listing scutage payments in [1190/91], records "Willelmus de Sancto Johanne" in Sussex[677]. m firstly ([1154/62]) as her second husband, OLIVE de Penthièvre, widow of HENRI Seigneur de Fougères, daughter of ETIENNE de Bretagne Comte de Penthièvre, Lord of Richmond & his wife Havise de Guingamp. Her two marriages are confirmed by the charter dated 1174 under which "Olive daughter of Count Stephen" donated the church of Bennington to the abbey of Sauvigny, with the consent of "Guillelmus de Sancto Johanne maritus meus and Ralf de Filgeriis and her other sons"[678]. Henry II King of England confirmed the possessions of the abbey of Lessai, including donations by "Willelmus de Sancto Johanne et Robertus frater eius et Oliva uxor Willelmi", by charter dated [1185/Jan 1188][679]. m secondly (before 1187) GODEHEUT, daughter of ---. Her marriage is confirmed by the charter dated 1187 under which "William de Sancto Johanne and Robert his brother and Godeheldis wife of William" confirmed the donations to Boxgrave priory by "his grandfather Robert de Haia and his father Robert de Sancto Johanne"[680].

b) ROBERT de Saint-Jean (-after [1169]). A manuscript recording the founding of Boxgrove Priory, Sussex names “Willielmum et Robertum de sancto Johanne” as the sons of “Rogero de sancto Johanne” and his wife[681]. “Robertus de sancto Johanne” donated land “in Walborgetune" to Boxgrove priory, with the consent of "domini Willielmi fratris mei”, for the soul of "…uxoris meæ…", by undated charter[682]. Henry II King of England confirmed the donation of revenue from "manerio de Contona" [Compton] to Fontevraud by "Willelmus de Sancto Johanne et Robertus frater suus" by charter dated to [1169][683]. Henry II King of England confirmed the possessions of the abbey of Lessai, including donations by "Willelmus de Sancto Johanne et Robertus frater eius et Oliva uxor Willelmi", by charter dated [1185/Jan 1188][684]. m ---. The name of Robert´s wife is not known. She is referred to in the charter quoted above.

c) MURIEL de Saint-Jean . A manuscript recording the founding of Boxgrove Priory, Sussex records that “Willielmum et Robertum se sancto Johanne…Murielem sororem suam” married “Reginaldo de Aurea-valle” by whom she had "filiam…Mabiliam" who married "Adæ de Port"[685]. m RENAUD d´Orval, son of ---.

Chapter 6. COMTES de BAYEUX, SEIGNEURS d'IVRY

The county of Bayeux was an anomalous case in the development of counties within the territory of the duchy of Normandy. Raoul d´Ivry, uterine half-brother of Richard I Duke of Normandy, seems to have been recognised with the title count by his half-brother, which is generally applied to the castle of Bayeux which he constructed. The title, however, did not survive his death and no further counts of Bayeux are recorded.

A. COMTES de BAYEUX

1. ESPERLENG de Pîtres, son of --- . m SPROTA, daughter of --- . From Brittany. Sprota was previously the concubine or wife of Guillaume I Comte [de Normandie]. Guillaume de Jumièges records the marriage of Sprota and "Asperleng" who owned the mills in the valley of la Risle[686]. Esperling & his wife had [four or more] children:

a) RAOUL d'Ivry ([942/50]-after 1011). Guillaume de Jumièges names Raoul as uterine brother of Richard Comte [de Normandie], specifying that the latter consulted him about arrangements for the succession in Normandy when dying[687]. It is assumed that he was born after the death of Comte Guillaume I, but it is unlikely that he was born much later than 945 if it is correct that the birth of his older half-brother Richard can be dated to [1032] (see the document NORMANDY DUKES). Comte [de Bayeux]. m AUBREE [de Caville/Cacheville], daughter of --- (-murdered ----). Guillaume de Jumièges records the marriage of Raoul and "Eranberge…née dans une certaine terre du pays de Caux que l'on appelle Caville ou Cacheville"[688]. She is named as wife of Raoul by Orderic Vitalis, who says that she built the castle of Ivry, executed the architect Lanfred to prevent him from completing a similar construction elsewhere, and attempted to expel her husband from the castle, but was killed by him[689]. Comte Raoul & his wife had five children:

i) HUGUES d'Ivry (-Oct 1049). Guillaume de Jumièges names Hugues bishop of Bayeux as son of comte Raoul, when recording that the castle of Ivry was confiscated from him by Robert II Duke of Normandy[690]. Seigneur d'Ivry. Bishop of Bayeux 1015. Hugues had [two] illegitimate children by an unknown mistress or mistresses:

- see below.

ii) EMMA d'Ivry . Guillaume de Jumièges records that one of the daughters of Raoul & his wife married Osbern de Crepon[691]. "Willelmus et frater eius Osbernus" donated "terram…Herchembaldus vicecomes et Turoldus, comitissæ Gunnoris camerarius" and revenue from land received by "Croco et Erchembaldus filii eiusdem Erchembaldi vicecomitis" to the abbey of Sainte-Trinité at Rouen, with the consent of "matre eorum Emma", for the soul of "patris sui Osberni cognomento Pacifici", by charter dated to [1035/60], signed by "…Godeboldi, Daneboldi, Ansfredi filii Osberni, Gisleberti filii Turgisii…"[692]. "Osberni frater eius [Willelmi]" witnessed a charter dated 1038 or after[693]. After her husband died, she became abbess of St Amand at Rouen[694]. m OSBERN de Crepon, son of HERFAST & his wife --- (-murdered [1040]).

iii) daughter . Guillaume de Jumièges records that the other (unnamed) daughter of Raoul & his wife married Richard de Belfage, naming their son Robert and recording that one of their several daughters married Hugues de Montfort[695]. m RICHARD de Beaufour, son of ---. Richard & his wife had [four or more] children:

(a) ROBERT . Guillaume de Jumièges records that the other (unnamed) daughter of Raoul & his wife married Richard de Belfage, naming their son Robert and recording that one of their several daughters married Hugues de Montfort[696].

(b) daughter . Guillaume de Jumièges records that the wife of "Hugues le second…[fils de] Hugues de Montfort dit le Barbu" was "la fille de Richard de Belfage"[697]. m as his first wife, HUGUES [II] de Montfort, son of HUGUES [I] de Montfort-sur-Risle & his wife --- (-1088 or after).

(c) daughters . Guillaume de Jumièges records that the other (unnamed) daughter of Raoul & his wife married Richard de Belfage, naming their son Robert and recording that one of their several daughters married Hugues de Montfort[698].

iv) RAOUL d'Ivry (-after [1020/30]). "Hugo Baiocassine urbis episcopus et Rodulfi quondam comitis filius" donated property to Jumièges by charter dated to [1020/30][699]. It is assumed that the donors were brothers although this is not certain.

v) JEAN d'Ivry (-1079). Brother of Hugues, according to Orderic Vitalis[700]. Bishop of Avranches 1061. The Chronicon S. Stephani Cadomensis records that "Joannes filius Rodulfi comitis fratris Ricardi" succeeded as Archbishop of Rouen in 1069, having been bishop of Avranches for seven years and three months; the same source records the death in 1079 of "Joannes Rothomag. Archiepiscopus"[701].

b) daughters . Guillaume de Jumièges records that Asperleng and Sprota had several daughters "qui dans la suite furent mariées en Normandie avec des nobles"[702].

HUGUES d'Ivry, son of RAOUL d´Ivry Comte [de Bayeux] & his wife Aubrée [de Caville/Cacheville] (-Oct 1049). Guillaume de Jumièges names Hugues bishop of Bayeux as son of comte Raoul, when recording that the castle of Ivry was confiscated from him by Robert II Duke of Normandy[703]. Seigneur d'Ivry. Bishop of Bayeux 1015. It is likely that Hugues d´Ivry Bishop of Bayeux can be identified as the father of "Rogerius filius episcopi" who is shown below. Two bishops named Hugues are recorded in Normandy in the 11th century. Hugues Bishop of Lisieux is named by Guillaume de Jumièges as one of the three sons of Guillaume de Normandie Comte d´Eu and his wife Lesceline[704]. The second Bishop Hugues is also recorded by Guillaume de Jumièges, who names Hugues Bishop of Bayeux as son of Raoul Comte [de Bayeux], when recording that the castle of Ivry was confiscated from him by Robert II Duke of Normandy[705]. It appears that Hugues Bishop of Bayeux is the more likely candidate as the father of Roger, for reasons of chronology and geographical proximity. The chronology of the two families suggests that Hugues Bishop of Lisieux must have been born in [1010/20], while the birth of Hugues Bishop of Bayeux must be placed much earlier considering that his father´s birth can probably be estimated to [942/50] (see above). The charter of Saint-Trinité de Rouen dated 1074 shows that the bishop´s grandson was old enough to have sold property before 1074, which could place his birth in [1040/50]. This birth date range is more consistent with the older of the two bishops being his grandfather, although it would not exclude descent from Hugues Bishop of Lisieux. On the geographical question, the family of Hugues Bishop of Bayeux has more connections with the pays de Caux, the location of all the properties referred to in the three charters of Sainte-Trinité de Rouen in which the bishop´s son are named. The bishop of Bayeux´s mother is recorded as having constructed the castle of Ivry, and his sister Emma, wife of Osbern de Crepon dapifer, is named in several charters of Sainte-Trinité de Rouen in connection with property in the pays de Caux.

[m ---.

Hugues & his [wife/mistress] had [two] [illegitimate] children:

1. ROGER (-after [1037/55]). An undated charter records an agreement between Sainte-Trinité de Rouen and "Rodulfo Warethnæ" to buy land "in Blovilla…apud villam…Merdeplud…et terram prati Sottevillæ", with the consent of "dominum nostrum Willelmum Normannorum ducem…et Rotomagensis archiepiscopi Malgerii", by undated charter (dated to [1037/55]), signed by "…ejusdem Rodulfi de Guarethna., Beatricis uxori eius, Rogerii filii episcopi, Huberti filii Turoldi…"[706]. "Rogerius, Hugonis episcopi filius" sold serfs "sub suo dominio in Blovilla et Einardi mansionali et Novillula et in Scurra vel Merdepluet villa…et suæ domus propriæ in urbe Rotomagi" to Sainte-Trinité de Rouen, with the consent of "sua uxore Odain…et eorum filiis Willelmo et Hugone", by undated charter[707]. m ODA, daughter of ---. "Rogerius, Hugonis episcopi filius" sold serfs "sub suo dominio in Blovilla et Einardi mansionali et Novillula et in Scurra vel Merdepluet villa…et suæ domus propriæ in urbe Rotomagi" to Sainte-Trinité de Rouen, with the consent of "sua uxore Odain…et eorum filiis Willelmo et Hugone", by undated charter[708]. [same person as…? ROGER [I] de Mortemer (-[1078/86]). Stapleton proposed in 1846 that Roger [I] de Mortemer was the same person as Roger, son of "Bishop Hugues"[709]. The Complete Peerage dismisses Stapleton´s hypothesis[710]. It argues firstly that the wife of Roger [I] de Mortemer is named Hawise in primary sources, compared with Oda as the wife of the bishop´s son, and also that the bishop´s son is recorded with children named Guillaume and Hugues, whereas Roger [I]´s heir was named Ralph, although it would not be beyond the stretch of imagination to combine the two families, with Roger having married twice. The third difficulty proposed by the Complete Peerage is harder to dismiss. This is that the 1074 charter of Sainte-Trinité de Rouen which is quoted below implies that Roger, father of Guillaume, was already deceased at the time of the sale of their property to Raoul de Warenne, whereas sources demonstrate that Roger [I] de Mortemer was still alive in 1078. A further difficulty with Stapleton´s hypothesis is that, if it was correct, the same person would have been referred to in the sources sometimes as "filius episcopi" and sometimes as "de Mortuomari". Such dual appellations are unusual. Different primary sources at the time usually refer to the same individual by the same name and epithet, presumably reflecting the style by which he was normally known among his contemporaries. If a person was known by two names, the style "X qui et Y" was usually adopted in the sources. One possible explanation for this apparent exception to normal practice is that, after the confiscation of his castle, "Rogerius de Mortuomari" became known as "Rogerius filius episcopi", although this does not appear consistent with the survival of the name Mortimer among Roger´s descendants long after the castle was lost.] Roger & his wife had two children:

a) GUILLAUME (-[after 1074]). "Rogerius, Hugonis episcopi filius" sold serfs "sub suo dominio in Blovilla et Einardi mansionali et Novillula et in Scurra vel Merdepluet villa…et suæ domus propriæ in urbe Rotomagi" to Sainte-Trinité de Rouen, with the consent of "sua uxore Odain…et eorum filiis Willelmo et Hugone", by undated charter[711]. "Rodulfus de Warenna eiusque conjux…Emma cum filiis suis Rodulfo…atque Willelmo" sold land in "quattuor villarum Caletensis pagi, Maltevillæ…Flamenvillæ, Amundi Villæ et Anglicevillæ" to Sainte-Trinité de Rouen, as well as "totius Osulfi Villæ eiusdem Caletensis pagi" sold by "Guillelmo filio Rogerii filii Hugonis episcopi", by charter dated 1074[712].

b) HUGUES . "Rogerius, Hugonis episcopi filius" sold serfs "sub suo dominio in Blovilla et Einardi mansionali et Novillula et in Scurra vel Merdepluet villa…et suæ domus propriæ in urbe Rotomagi" to Sainte-Trinité de Rouen, with the consent of "sua uxore Odain…et eorum filiis Willelmo et Hugone", by undated charter[713]. same person as…? HUGH de Mortemer (-after 1066). The Chronique de Normandie, based on le Roman de Rou, records that William I King of England made "Hue de Mortemer…son parent par son pere" his "Connestable d´Angleterre" after the conquest of England[714]. This co-identity would be the consequence if Roger, son of Bishop Hugues, was the same person as Roger [I] de Mortemer, the possibility of which is discussed above. If it was correct, the reference to "son parent par son père" would be explained because both King William and Hugh de Mortemer would have descended from Sprota, who was firstly mistress of Guillaume I Comte [de Normandie] (ancestor of King William) and, after his death, married Esperling de Pitres who was the paternal grandfather of Hugues d´Ivry Bishop of Evreux.

2. [AUBREE . Chibnall speculates that the grandmother of Ascelin Goël may have been the daughter of Hugues Bishop of Bayeux, which may have provided her grandson with a claim to Ivry by inheritance[715], assuming that her illegitimacy presented no obstacle. Her two marriages are shown in Europäische Stammtafeln[716], but the primary sources which confirm them have not yet been identified. m firstly ROBERT d'Ivry, son of ---. [1060]. m secondly ALBERT de Cravent, son of ---.]

B. VICOMTES du BESSIN (BAYEUX)

ANSCHITIL, son of ---. Vicomte. His name suggests a Viking origin. "…Anschitillus Baiocacensis vicecomes…" witnessed the charter dated to [1030] under which Robert II Duke of Normandy confirmed rights of Mont Saint-Michel[717].

m ---. The name of Anschitil's wife is not known.

Anschitil & his wife had [three] children:

1. RANULF (-killed in battle Val-es-Dunes 1047). Guillaume II Duke of Normandy donated "nostras insulas Serc et Aurrene, propter medietatem Grenere" to the abbey of Mont-Saint-Michel, supported by "Rannulfo filio Anschitilli", by charter dated to [1042][718]. Vicomte du Bessin (Bayeux). Guillaume de Poitou records that "Randulfum Baiocensium vicecomitem" supported "Guido filius Burgundionum comitis" in his rebellion, dated to [1047][719]. "…Rannulfi filii Ascelini" witnessed the charter dated to [1047 or before] under which Guillaume II Duke of Normandy confirmed the donation by "Adelelmi…Beatricis uxor eius…Rotberti filius eius" to the abbey of Mont-Saint-Michel[720]. Orderic Vitalis records that "Ranulfum Bajocensem ac Haymonem Dentatum et Nigellum de Constantino" rebelled against Guillaume II Duke of Normandy at the battle "apud Vallesdunas"[721]. m ALIX de Normandie, illegitimate daughter of RICHARD III Duke of Normandy & his mistress ---. Robert of Torigny names "Nicolaum…duas filias Papiam…uxorem Walterii de Sancto Walerico et Aeliz uxorem Ranulfi vicecomitis de Baiocis" as the children of "Ricardo secundo duce Normannum filio primi Ricardi"[722]. Vicomte Ranulf & his wife had one child:

a) RANULF [Ralph] "le Meschin" . Vicomte du Bessin (Bayeux). "…Ranulfus vicecomes Baiocensis…" witnessed the charter dated 1064 under which Guillaume II Duke of Normandy settled a claim in favour of the monks of Marmoutier relating to property donated by "Guido de Valle"[723]. "…Rannulfus filius Rannulfi vicecomitis…Rannulfus vicecomes" witnessed the charter dated 24 Apr 1089 under which Robert III Duke of Normandy donated property to Bayeux cathedral[724]. m MARGUERITE [Maud] d'Avranches, daughter of RICHARD Vicomte d'Avranches & his wife Emma de Mortain . She is named "Mathilda soror Hugonis comitis" by Orderic Vitalis, who also names her son[725]. Her husband is named in another passage, as father of his son Guillaume[726]. Vicomte Ranulf & his wife had four children:

i) RANULF du Bessin (-17 or 27 Jan 1129, bur Chester, Abbey of St Werburgh). Orderic Vitalis names him and his mother[727]. "…Rannulfus filius Rannulfi vicecomitis…Rannulfus vicecomes" witnessed the charter dated 24 Apr 1089 under which Robert III Duke of Normandy donated property to Bayeux cathedral[728]. He succeeded his father as Vicomte du Bessin (Bayeux). He was appointed Vicomte d'Avranches in 1120 after the death of his first cousin Richard d'Avranches, and also obtained the grant of the county palatine of Chester thereby becoming Earl of Chester (upon which he surrendered the lordship of Carlisle).

- EARLS of CHESTER.

ii) GUILLAUME of Coupland (-after [1100]). “Ranulphus comes Cestriæ” records donations to Chester St Werburgh in an undated charter which names “Hugonis comitis avunculi mei”, including a donation by “Willielmus Meschin frater meus” with the consent of “Ranulphi comitis et Ranulphi filii sui”[729]. It is suggested that the mention of “Hugonis comitis avunculi mei” means that this document relates to the brother of Ranulf who was invested as Earl of Chester in 1120. The Cronicon Cumbriæ records that William I King of England granted “totam terram de comitatu Cumbriæ” to “Ranulpho de Meschines, et Galfrido fratri eiusdem…et Willielmo fratri eorundem terram de Copland”[730]. Orderic Vitalis records that "Guillaume son of Ralph the vicomte" was present at the capture of Nikaia in 1097[731]. “Ranulfus Meschines” donated property to Wetherall priory, Cumberland, by undated charter, witnessed by “uxore mea Lucia, Willielmo fratre meo…”[732]. m ---. Guillaume & his wife had [one possible child]:

(a) [daughter . The Cronicon Cumbriæ records that “Willielmus”, son of “Doncani comes de Murrayse”, married “Aliciam filiam Roberti de Romeney, domini de Skipton in Craven” and his wife “filiam Willielmi de Meschinis domini de Coupland”[733]. It should be noted that secondary sources report this genealogy differently (see EARLS of CHESTER), but the primary sources on which these differences are based have not yet been identified. m ROBERT de Romney Lord of Skipton in Craven, son of ---.]

iii) GEOFFROY of Gillesland . The Cronicon Cumbriæ records that William I King of England granted “totam terram de comitatu Cumbriæ” to “Ranulpho de Meschines, et Galfrido fratri eiusdem Ranulphi totum comitatum Cestriæ, et Willielmo fratri eorundem terram de Copland”, adding that Geoffroy died without heirs and was succeeded by his brother Ranulf[734].

iv) RICHARD . “R de Meschin, Richerio vicecomiti Karleoli” donated property to Wetherall priory, Cumberland, for the soul of “…Richard fratris mei…et uxoris meæ Luciæ…”, by undated charter, witnessed by “Osberto vicecomite, Walteof filio Cospatricii comitis, Forno Sigulfi filio, Chetello Ectredi filio…”[735].

2. [HONFROI (-after [1060]). "…Ingulfus dapifer, Rogerius filius Toraldi, Unfredus filius Ansquitilli, Rainaldus Foliot, Ricardus de Sturavilla, Gosfridus filius Rotberti Venatoris, Nigellus de Glanvilla, Rodulfus camerarius…Serlus filius Alveredi, Ricardus Britesonis filius" witnessed the charter dated to [1060] under which "Niellus vicecomes" donated six churches on Guernsey to the abbey of Marmoutier[736]. It is not certain that Honfroi was the brother of Ranulf son of Anschitil, but no other person with the latter name has yet been identified.]