Aubrey de Vere, 1st Earl of Oxford facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Aubrey de Vere |
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|---|---|
| 1st Earl of Oxford | |
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| Hedingham Castle, Essex, seat of the Earls of Oxford | |
| Spouse(s) | Beatrice Euphemia Agnes of Essex |
| Issue | |
| Aubrey de Vere, 2nd Earl of Oxford Ralph de Vere Robert de Vere, 3rd Earl of Oxford Henry de Vere Alice de Vere |
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| Noble family | House of De Vere |
| Father | Aubrey de Vere |
| Mother | Alice de Clare |
| Born | c. 1115 |
| Died | 26 December 1194 |
Aubrey de Vere, 1st Earl of Oxford (born around 1115 – died 26 December 1194) was an important English nobleman. He lived during a time of civil war in England. This war was fought between King Stephen and Empress Matilda for control of the throne.
Early Life and Family
Aubrey de Vere was the son of Aubrey de Vere. His father was a high-ranking official called the Lord Great Chamberlain. His mother was Alice, who came from the powerful de Clare family.
In 1136 or 1137, Aubrey married Beatrice. She was the granddaughter of Manasses, the Count of Guînes in France. When Manasses died, Aubrey became the Count of Guînes through his wife. However, this marriage ended later.
Becoming an Earl
Aubrey de Vere's father was killed in London in 1141 during the civil war. Aubrey then took over his father's important role as Lord Great Chamberlain.
At this time, King Stephen had been captured. So, Aubrey showed his loyalty to Empress Matilda. In July 1141, he was granted the title of Earl. He chose to become the Earl of Oxford.
Later, King Stephen was freed. Aubrey likely made peace with the King as well.
Challenges and Marriages
In 1143, King Stephen arrested Aubrey and his brother-in-law. They had to give up their castles to gain their freedom. Aubrey's first marriage to Beatrice ended between 1144 and 1146.
Around 1151, Earl Aubrey married his second wife, Euphemia. This marriage was short, and Euphemia died by 1154. She did not have any children.
In 1162 or 1163, Aubrey married Agnes of Essex as his third wife. Agnes was likely only twelve years old. Soon after their marriage, Agnes's father was accused of treason. Aubrey tried to end the marriage. He claimed Agnes had been promised to his brother. He also kept Agnes from leaving their home. Agnes asked the Pope for help. The Pope ruled that their marriage was valid. Aubrey eventually accepted her as his wife.
With Agnes, Aubrey had four sons and one daughter:
- Aubrey de Vere, 2nd Earl of Oxford
- Ralph de Vere
- Robert de Vere, 3rd Earl of Oxford
- Henry de Vere
- Alice de Vere
Later Life and Legacy
Aubrey de Vere helped fight in another civil war in 1173–1174. He helped stop an invading force in Suffolk. He was also present at the coronation of King Richard I in 1189.
In 1190, he paid a large sum of money. This allowed his eldest son, Aubrey, to marry Isabel de Bolebec. She was a wealthy heiress.
Aubrey de Vere, 1st Earl of Oxford, died on 26 December 1194. He was buried at Colne Priory. His third wife, Agnes, was later buried beside him.
Aubrey also supported several religious places. He and Agnes even started a small nunnery at Castle Hedingham in Essex.
