Geoffrey de Neville (died 1225) facts for kids

Geoffrey de Neville (died around 1225) was an important English nobleman. He worked for the King of England in several big jobs. He was the King's Chamberlain, which meant he managed the royal household. He also served as a Seneschal, a high-ranking official, in places like Gascony and Périgord.

Geoffrey's Early Career

Geoffrey de Neville was the younger son of Alan de Neville. We first hear about Geoffrey in 1204. That's when King John of England gave him some land.

Working for King John

In 1207, Geoffrey briefly helped manage the King's home. Soon after, he became the King's Chamberlain. This was a very important role. He also worked as the Sheriff of Wiltshire for a short time in 1207.

In 1210, Geoffrey was sent to Poitou, a region in France. He brought extra soldiers to help King John. In 1213, King John sent him as a messenger. He talked to Count Raymond VI of Toulouse and King Peter II of Aragón.

Supporting the King in France

In 1214, Geoffrey tried to get nobles in Poitou to support King John's army. This was for a big fight known as the campaign. King John was happy with Geoffrey's loyalty. So, he gave him some land that belonged to nobles who had gone against the king.

Geoffrey also served as a Seneschal in France. He was the Seneschal of Gascony in July and August 1214. Then, he was the Seneschal of Poitou in July and August 1215. He later had to give these jobs to Reginald de Pontibus.

Loyalty During the Barons' War

During the First Barons' War, Geoffrey stayed loyal to King John. This war was a big fight between the king and some powerful nobles.

Defending Royal Castles

On October 1, 1215, King John made Geoffrey the Governor of Scarborough Castle. He even gave Geoffrey money to make the castle stronger. In the winter of 1215-1216, Geoffrey defended York Castle and the city of York. He protected them from the rebel nobles.

In early 1216, Geoffrey became the Sheriff of Yorkshire. He held this job until 1223. Unlike many other nobles, Geoffrey stayed loyal to King John until the king died in October 1216.

Service After King John's Death

After King John died, his young son, Henry III, became king. A regent, William Marshal, ruled for the young king.

Working with the Regency Council

In November 1217, Geoffrey helped confirm the Magna Carta again. This was an important document that limited the king's power. In March 1218, he was confirmed as the Sheriff of Yorkshire. He also remained the governor of Scarborough and Pickering castles.

In 1218, Geoffrey was in Worcester. There, the Welsh prince Llywelyn ap Iorwerth signed a peace treaty. This was with the group ruling for the young King Henry.

Return to France

In May 1218, Geoffrey was again made Seneschal of Gascony, Poitou, and Périgord. In Gascony, he helped stop a rebellion led by Hugh X of Lusignan. He even helped lay siege to the city of Niort in 1219.

Geoffrey often complained about not having enough support from England. He said he didn't have enough money or soldiers to defend Gascony. In October 1219, he handed over the administration of Gascony to William Gauler. He then returned to England.

Later Missions and Death

In 1220, the English government asked Geoffrey to negotiate with Scotland. They wanted to arrange a marriage between Princess Joan, King Henry III's sister, and King Alexander II of Scotland.

In 1221, King Henry III called Geoffrey to Northampton. This was to deal with a rebellious noble, William de Forz, 3rd Earl of Albemarle. In 1222, Geoffrey paid the king money to become the guardian for Alexander de Neville.

In 1223, the King sent Geoffrey to Gascony again. He was to negotiate with Hugh X of Lusignan. However, these talks were not successful. In May 1224, Geoffrey went back to Poitou with a small group of knights and money. But his forces were too small to fight against King Louis VIII of France's army. Poitou was lost, and Geoffrey returned to England.

In February 1225, Geoffrey was present when King Henry III confirmed the Magna Carta for a third time. Geoffrey was sent to Gascony again in March 1225. He was under the command of Richard of Cornwall. Geoffrey likely died there.

Family Life

Geoffrey de Neville had three known children:

• John de Neville (died around 1265)
• Alan de Neville
• Geoffrey de Neville (died 1249), who married a great-granddaughter of Adam fitz Swain.