Alan Rufus facts for kids
Alan Rufus, also known as Alan the Red, was an important nobleman from Brittany (a region in France). He lived from about 1040 to 1093. Alan was a relative and close friend of William the Conqueror, who was the Duke of Normandy. He joined William during the Norman conquest of England in 1066.
After William became King of England, he gave Alan Rufus a very large area of land around 1071. This land later became known as the Honour of Richmond in North Yorkshire. Alan was the second son of Eozen Penteur, who was also called Odo, Count of Penthièvre.
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Life Story of Alan Rufus
Alan Rufus is first mentioned in old documents from 1056 or 1060. These documents show him as a witness to a charter (a legal paper) from his father, Eozen.
Before 1066, Alan already owned land in Rouen, which was the capital of Normandy. He was also the lord of Richemont in Upper Normandy.
Alan at the Battle of Hastings
Alan was likely at the famous Battle of Hastings in October 1066. This was the battle where William the Conqueror defeated the English army. The Breton soldiers, led by Alan, were at the front of William's army. Old stories say that Alan and his men fought very well and caused a lot of damage to the English forces.
Gaining Land in England
After the Norman Conquest, Alan Rufus started to get land in England. His first lands were in Cambridgeshire. Many of these lands had belonged to Edith the Fair, who was King Harold's wife.
In 1069, there was a rebellion in Yorkshire and Northumberland. King William went north to fight the rebels. During the Siege of York, King William gave Alan the Honour of Richmond. This was a huge area of land in North Yorkshire.
Building Richmond Castle
In 1071, Alan Rufus began building Richmond Castle. This castle was meant to be the main center of his new lands. He chose Enisant Musard, who was married to one of his half-sisters, to be the first leader of the castle. Richmond Castle looks over an old Roman fort. Alan's lands stretched along an old Roman road that went from London all the way north to Edinburgh.
There's a local story that connects Alan with the legendary King Arthur. It's said that King Arthur and his knights are sleeping under Richmond Castle.
Alan's Power and Wealth
By 1086, Alan Rufus had become one of the richest and most powerful people in England. He is mentioned in 1,017 entries in the Domesday Book. This was a huge survey of England ordered by King William. Only King William himself and his half-brother, Robert, Count of Mortain, owned more properties than Alan.
Alan was especially powerful in East Anglia and Yorkshire. He also owned land in London, Normandy, and Brittany. His yearly income was about £1,200, which was a massive amount of money back then.
Supporting King William II
Alan Rufus was one of the first important noblemen to support William II of England during the Rebellion of 1088. This rebellion tried to put William's brother, Robert Curthose, on the throne instead. Because Alan supported the King, he was given even more land from those who had rebelled.
Alan also played an important role in the trial of William de St-Calais, a bishop who had fled during the rebellion. Alan showed his loyalty to the King but also stood up for what he believed was right during the trial.
Later Life and Death
Alan Rufus died without having any children. The exact year of his death is debated, but it was likely in 1093. His body was first buried in Bury St Edmunds in Suffolk. Later, his family and monks successfully asked for him to be reburied inside Bury Abbey.
After Alan Rufus died, his younger brothers took over his lands as Lord of Richmond. First, his brother Alan Niger took over, but he also died without children. Then, their brother Stephen, Count of Tréguier became the next Lord of Richmond.
Other Activities of Count Alan Rufus
Alan Rufus founded the town of Richmond, North Yorkshire, which grew up beneath his castle. He also built the first manor house of Costessey Hall in Costessey, Norfolk.
Other media
In 2019, the artist Magneto dayo released a song called "Alan Rufus" that mentions the Count.
See also
In Spanish: Alan Rufus para niños
- List of wealthiest historical figures
