Baron Ridel of Wittering facts for kids

The Ridel family was an important noble family that came from Normandy in France. They settled in England after the Norman Conquest in 1066. Over time, members of this family became powerful figures, serving kings and owning large amounts of land across England and even in Scotland. They played a role in shaping the history of medieval England.

The Ridel family coat of arms. It shows three red triangles pointing down on a gold background, with a blue stripe across them.

Key Members of the Ridel Family

The Ridel family had several notable members who held important positions and owned significant lands.

Geoffrey Ridel: A Royal Judge

• Geoffrey Ridel was a very important person in England. He served as the Justiciar of England. A Justiciar was like a chief judge or a top advisor to the king, helping to run the country when the king was away or busy.
• Geoffrey Ridel tragically died on November 25, 1120. He was on a ship called the White Ship which sank. Many important people, including William Adelin, the son of King Henry I, also died in this disaster.
• Geoffrey was married to Geva, whose father was Hugh Lupus, the Earl of Chester. An Earl was a powerful noble who ruled a large area.
• Geva was a religious woman and founded a place called Canwell Monastery. A monastery was a community where monks lived and prayed.
• Geoffrey and Geva had a daughter named Maud. She was their heir, meaning she would inherit their lands and titles. Maud married Richard Basset, who also became a Justice of England later on.

Geoffrey Basset: The Wealthy Baron

• After Maud and Richard Basset, their son, Geoffrey Basset, took on the Ridel family name. He became known as Geoffrey Ridel.
• Geoffrey was a Baron in Blaye, France. A Baron was a nobleman who held land directly from the king.
• He also controlled many "knights' fees" in England. A knight's fee was a piece of land given to a knight in exchange for military service to the king. Geoffrey controlled 15 such fees, showing his great wealth and power.
• When Geoffrey died, he was extremely rich. However, he died "intestate," which means he did not leave a will. Because of this, the king took control of all his property for a time.
• Geoffrey had two sons, Geoffrey and Richard, with his first wife.
• With his second wife, Sibilla, he had two more sons: Hugh and William.
• William Ridel became a very important person in Scotland. He was the High Chancellor of Scotland under William the Lion, the King of Scotland. The Chancellor was a top official, like a prime minister.
• William Ridel was also the Lord of Farringdon in Northamptonshire. His son, Ralph Ridel, later became Lord of Strixton in Northamptonshire and Keisby in Lincolnshire. Ralph died in 1214.

Hugh Ridel: A Hostage for Peace

• Hugh Ridel was another son of Geoffrey Basset (who took the Ridel name). He inherited his father's position.
• Hugh married Margaret, who was the daughter and heir of Peter de Sancto Medardo. Through this marriage, Hugh gained control of more lands, including Wittering, and other properties in England, Scotland, and France.
• Hugh Ridel was involved in a historical event after the Battle of Alnwick in 1174. He was taken as a "hostage." Being a hostage meant he was held by the opposing side as a guarantee that an agreement or treaty would be kept.
• Hugh had three sons: Geoffrey, Hugh, and Richard, who continued the family line.

Images for kids

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  The Ridel family coat of arms. It shows three red triangles pointing down on a gold background, with a blue stripe across them.