de Vesci facts for kids

Modern coat of arms of de Vesci. Or, a cross sable

Ancient coat of arms of de Vesci. Gules, a cross flory argent

The de Vesci family (also spelled Vesey or Vessey) was a very old and important noble family. They came from a place called Vassy, Calvados in Normandy, France. This family was also known as the House of de Vesci.

The first records of the de Vesci family mention Robert de Vesci, who was a Norman conqueror. Another early member was Ivo de Vesci, who became a powerful lord. The de Vesci family owned land in many places. These included England, Ireland, and even parts of Italy like Piedmont and Sicily.

The family also had connections to the Scottish royal family. Eustace de Vesci married Margaret, who was a daughter of William the Lion, the King of Scotland. Later, William de Vesci was one of the people who wanted to become King of Scotland. This happened after Margaret, Maid of Norway died in 1290.

Some people believe the name Vesely in England might have come from the de Vesci family.

Where Did the de Vesci Family Come From?

The de Vesci family started with a person named Hugh. He was the Lord of Vassy (sometimes spelled Waacie) in France. This is where their family name comes from.

The de Vesci Family in England

The de Vesci family became very important in England.

• Robert de Vesci received land in several English counties. These included Northamptonshire, Warwick, Lincoln, and Leicester.
• Ivo de Vesci was given land and the lordship of Alnwick in Northumberland. This gift came from King William II of England.
• Ivo's daughter, Beatrix de Vesci, married Eustace fitz John. Their son, William, chose to use his mother's family name.
• William's descendants owned land in Malton, Yorkshire.
• Warin de Vesci, another family member, held land in Knapton, Yorkshire.

The de Vesci Family in Ireland

The de Vesci family also gained land in Ireland.

• In 1247, through Agnes de Vesci (whose maiden name was de Ferrer), the family got land in County Kildare. This included Kildare Castle.
• Agnes's son, William, inherited these lands in 1290.
• However, William had a big disagreement with Sir John FitzThomas, Lord Offaly.
• Because of this quarrel, William gave up his lands to the English Crown in 1297.

The de Vesci Family in Scotland

Some members of the de Vesci family also settled in Scotland.

• Gilbert de Vesci moved to Scotland shortly after the Norman Conquest. He received the lands of Ayton in Berwickshire. He then adopted "Ayton" as his family name.
• Eustace de Vesci gained the Lordship of Sprouston in Roxburghshire. He also received other lands. These were part of the dowry when he married Margaret of Scotland, who was a daughter of King William of Scotland.

See also

• Viscount de Vesci
• Baron Vesci