Geoffrey Fitz Peter, 1st Earl of Essex facts for kids

Geoffrey Fitz Peter, Earl of Essex (born around 1162, died 1213) was a very important person in the English government. He served during the time of Richard I and King John. His name, Fitz Peter, means "son of Peter." His father was Piers de Lutegareshale, and his mother was Maud de Manderville.

Who Was Geoffrey Fitz Peter?

Geoffrey came from a family that owned some land. They had a history of working for the king, Henry II, in important but not top-level jobs. Geoffrey's older brother, Simon Fitz Peter, was a High Sheriff in several areas. A High Sheriff was like a chief officer in a county. They helped the king collect taxes and keep the peace.

Early Career and Family

Geoffrey started his career in a similar way. He became the High Sheriff of Northamptonshire for the last five years of King Henry II's rule. This was a good start for him.

Around this time, Geoffrey married Beatrice de Say. She was the daughter of William de Say II. Beatrice was also related to the powerful Mandeville family. This connection would become very important for Geoffrey later on. When Beatrice's father died, Geoffrey received some land through his wife. He eventually gained the title of Earl of Essex because of her family connections.

Rising to Power: A Royal Advisor

When King Richard I went on a crusade, he needed people to run England. He chose Geoffrey as one of the five judges for the king's court. This made Geoffrey a key advisor to Hugh de Puiset, who was the Chief Justiciar. The Chief Justiciar was like a main leader when the king was away.

In 1189, Geoffrey's wife's cousin, William de Mandeville, 3rd Earl of Essex, died without children. There was a disagreement over who would inherit the Mandeville lands. Geoffrey Fitz Peter used his political power to get these lands for himself. He didn't get the earldom right away, but he did get the valuable land.

Important Roles and Achievements

On July 11, 1198, King Richard made Geoffrey the Chief Justiciar. This was a very powerful job. It meant he was the king's main minister, or chief advisor. On the day King John was crowned, he made Geoffrey an Earl of Essex. This was a high honor.

Geoffrey also held other important positions. He was the Constable of the Tower of London from 1198 to 1205. He also served as High Sheriff for Yorkshire, Bedfordshire, and Buckinghamshire at different times.

King John gave Berkhamsted Castle to Geoffrey. This castle had been given to Queen Isabel before her marriage to the king ended. Geoffrey also started two hospitals in Berkhamsted. One was for St John the Baptist and the other for St John the Evangelist. One of these is still remembered in the town's name, St John's Well Lane.

Geoffrey continued to serve as King John's main minister until he died on October 14, 1213.

His Family and Legacy

Geoffrey Fitz Peter was married twice.

• His first wife was Beatrice de Say. She was an heiress to the Mandeville family.
• His second wife was Aveline de Clare.

Geoffrey had several children with Beatrice:

• Geoffrey FitzGeoffrey de Mandeville, 2nd Earl of Essex
• William FitzGeoffrey de Mandeville, 3rd Earl of Essex
• Henry Fitz Geoffrey, who became a Dean in the church
• Maud Fitzgeoffrey, who married Henry de Bohun, 1st Earl of Hereford

He also had children with Aveline:

• John Fitzgeoffrey, who became a Lord and a Justiciar in Ireland
• Cecily Fitzgeoffrey
• Hawise Fitzgeoffrey

Geoffrey's first two sons from Beatrice died without having sons themselves. Because the earldom was linked to their mother's Mandeville family, the title of Earl of Essex later went to the son of their sister Maud. This shows how important family connections and inheritance were in those times.