Hamelin de Warenne, Earl of Surrey facts for kids
Hamelin de Warenne, Earl of Surrey (born around 1130 – died May 7, 1202), was an important nobleman in England. He was also known as Hamelin of Anjou. He was the older half-brother of King Henry II, who was the first Plantagenet king of England.
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Who Was Hamelin de Warenne?
Hamelin was the son of Geoffrey of Anjou, who was a powerful count. This made Hamelin the half-brother of King Henry II. He was also an uncle to two future kings, King Richard I and King John.
Family Life
King Henry II arranged for Hamelin to marry Isabel de Warenne, 4th Countess of Surrey. She was a very wealthy woman and had inherited a lot of land. Their marriage took place in April 1164. After they married, Hamelin became known as the Earl of Surrey and took the last name de Warenne. His children also used this name.
Hamelin and Isabel had one son and three daughters:
- William de Warenne, 5th Earl of Surrey: Their only son, who later became the next Earl. He married Maud Marshal.
- Ela de Warenne: She married Robert de Newburgh and later William FitzWilliam.
- Maud de Warenne: She married Henry II, Count of Eu, and later Henry d'Estouteville.
- Isabel de Warenne: She married Robert de Lacy and later Gilbert de l'Aigle.
Hamelin's Career and Loyalty
Hamelin de Warenne was a very active and important person at the royal court. He served King Henry II and later his sons, King Richard I and King John. His main lands in England were around Conisbrough Castle in Yorkshire. He rebuilt this castle, making it very strong. He also owned castles in Normandy, a region in France.
In 1164, Hamelin was involved in the disagreements with Thomas Becket, who was the Archbishop of Canterbury. However, after Becket was killed, Hamelin became a strong believer in Becket's sainthood. People even said that Becket had helped cure Hamelin's blindness.
In 1176, Hamelin had the important job of escorting his niece, Joan, to Sicily. She was going there to get married and become the Queen of Sicily.
Hamelin was known for being very loyal to King Henry II, even when many other nobles turned against the king. He also strongly supported King Richard I, his nephew. While King Richard was away on the Third Crusade, Hamelin supported the regent, William Longchamp. Hamelin was present at King Richard's second coronation in 1194 and at King John's coronation in 1199.
Death and What Happened Next
Hamelin de Warenne passed away in 1202. He was buried at Lewes Priory in Sussex. His son, William de Warenne, 5th Earl of Surrey, took over his title and lands.
