Baldwin FitzGilbert facts for kids
Baldwin FitzGilbert (who died between 1086 and 1091) was an important Norman nobleman. He was also known by other names like Baldwin the Sheriff. He was one of the most powerful landholders in Devon, England, under King William the Conqueror. Baldwin owned a huge amount of land, including 176 estates or manors. He was also the first feudal baron of Okehampton, with his main home at Okehampton Castle in Devon.
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Where He Came From
Baldwin FitzGilbert came from a region called Normandy in France. His family lived near places called Meulles or Le Sap in Calvados. He was a younger son of Gilbert, Count of Brionne, who was a powerful count in Normandy.
His Life and Work
Baldwin FitzGilbert played a big part in the Norman Conquest of England in 1066. He fought alongside his older brother, Richard FitzGilbert.
After the Normans successfully took over the Saxon city of Exeter, King William the Conqueror gave Baldwin an important job. He made Baldwin the commander of the new royal castle in Exeter, called Rougemont Castle. The King also made him the permanent Sheriff of Devon. This meant Baldwin was in charge of law and order for the whole area. He held this important job until he died. Exeter Castle then became the official base for the Sheriff of Devon.
King William I also gave Baldwin a very large area of land in Devon. This land became known as the feudal barony of Okehampton. Baldwin built Okehampton Castle there, which became the main castle for his new lands.
His Lands in England
Baldwin's land in Devon was the biggest in that county. The Domesday Book of 1086, which was a huge survey of England, lists him as owning 176 different properties. Most of these were manors or large estates. The first two properties listed were groups of houses in the towns of Exeter and Barnstaple.
In the Domesday Book, Baldwin is called "Baldvinus Vicecomes". This Latin name means "Baldwin the Viscount". A viscount was a Norman title for someone with administrative duties over a county. This job was very similar to the Anglo-Saxon role of the Sheriff of Devon. Because of this, Baldwin is often known as "Baldwin the Sheriff". All these lands formed the feudal barony of Okehampton. Later, this important barony was held by the Courtenay family, who also became Earls of Devon.
His Family
Baldwin's first wife was named Albreda. Some historical records say she was related to William the Conqueror's mother. In the Domesday Book, his wife is mentioned as Emma.
Baldwin had three sons and two daughters:
- Robert FitzBaldwin, who was meant to inherit Baldwin's lands in Normandy.
- William FitzBaldwin, who inherited Baldwin's lands in England.
- Richard FitzBaldwin.
- Adeliza FitzBaldwin, who eventually became the sole heir after her brothers died without children.
- Matilda FitzBaldwin, who married William fitzWimund. William fitzWimund is listed in the Domesday Book as holding land from Baldwin in Devon.
Death and What Happened Next
Baldwin was still alive in 1086 when the Domesday Book was written. However, historical records show he had died by 1091. Sadly, all three of his sons died without having any children. This meant that his daughter, Adeliza, became his only heir.
