Eustace de Vesci facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Eustace de Vesci
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| Lord of Alnwick | |
Arms of Eustace de Vescy, Lord of Alnwick Castle.
Gules, a cross flory/patonce argent |
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| Died | 1216 Barnard Castle, County Durnham |
| Buried | Alnwick Abbey |
| Noble family | de Vesci |
| Spouse(s) | Margaret of Scotland |
| Issue |
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| Father | William de Vesci |
| Mother | Burga de Stuteville |
Eustace de Vesci (born 1169, died 1216) was an important English lord who owned Alnwick Castle. He was also one of the key people who helped create the Magna Carta, a famous document that limited the king's power. Eustace also had land in Scotland and was related to King Alexander II of Scotland through marriage. He was a leader during a big fight called the Barons' War in 1215. He died in 1216 while trying to capture Barnard Castle.
Contents
Early Life and Royal Connections
Eustace de Vesci was born in 1169. His parents were William de Vesci and Burga de Stuteville. When he turned 21 in 1190, he took control of his family's lands.
He became an important figure in the royal court. In 1199, he helped make a peace treaty between the new king, King John of England, and a French count. Later that year, he was sent to William the Lion, the King of Scotland, to discuss his rights in England. Eustace also saw William the Lion promise his loyalty to King John in 1200.
Eustace often witnessed important documents for King John. In 1209, he helped manage the bishopric of Durham, an important church area. He also met with William the Lion again when the Scottish king visited England. From June to August 1210, Eustace served King John in Ireland.
In 1212, Eustace was accused of plotting against King John. He quickly fled to Scotland to escape. King John then took control of Eustace's lands. However, after King John made peace with the Pope, he was forced to invite Eustace back to England in May 1213. Even so, King John secretly ordered that Eustace's castle at Alnwick be destroyed. In July 1213, Eustace was one of the people King John promised to obey the Pope's decisions. But by November 1214, Pope Innocent III warned Eustace not to cause trouble for the king.
The Barons' Revolt and Magna Carta
Eustace de Vesci was a key leader in the First Barons' War, which began in 1215. He marched south with other powerful barons against King John I.
He was very important among the barons who forced King John to agree to the Magna Carta. This famous document was a set of rules that limited the king's power and protected the rights of his subjects. Eustace was one of the twenty-five barons chosen to make sure the king followed these new rules.
In 1216, Eustace and other barons were "excommunicated," meaning they were officially kicked out of the church. This was a serious punishment at the time. In the confusing situation that followed, Eustace supported Louis, the French prince, who was trying to claim the English throne.
Death at Barnard Castle
Eustace de Vesci was killed during a siege of Barnard Castle. He was with Alexander II of Scotland, the Scottish king, who was on his way to show loyalty to Louis of France. On their journey, they decided to attack Barnard Castle, which belonged to a lord named Hugh de Balliol. Eustace got too close to the castle walls during the attack and was shot in the head by an arrow.
After his death, King John took Eustace's lands and gave them to other people.
Family
Eustace de Vesci married Margaret, who was the half-sister of King Alexander II of Scotland. She was an illegitimate daughter of William the Lion, the former King of Scotland.
Eustace and Margaret had one son:
- William de Vesci, who later had two sons, John de Vesci and William de Vescy. The younger William was one of the people who tried to claim the Scottish throne in 1291.
