Hervey de Glanvill facts for kids
Hervey de Glanvill (lived around 1140–1150) was an important Anglo-Norman nobleman and a military leader. He came from a branch of the Glanvill family, which had lived in East Anglia, especially Suffolk, for a long time. Hervey had several children. His most famous son was Ranulf de Glanvill, who later became a very important judge in England, known as the justiciar of England.
In 1144, Nigel, who was the Bishop of Ely, asked Hervey and his son Ranulf to return some land to the monks of Ely Cathedral. This land was located in Bawdsey, Suffolk.
Contents
Joining the Second Crusade
In 1147, Hervey led a group of soldiers from East Anglia to join the Second Crusade. This was a big journey to the Holy Land. When all the ships gathered at Dartmouth, Hervey and the other leaders made a special promise. They agreed to work together and support each other for the entire journey.
Helping the King of Portugal
On their way to the Holy Land, the crusader fleet stopped in Portugal. There, King Afonso I asked them for help. He wanted them to capture Lisbon, which was then controlled by Muslims.
Hervey de Glanvill played a key role in the discussion among the crusader leaders. He strongly argued that they should help the King of Portugal. He spoke about honor and the importance of staying united. Hervey convinced everyone to agree to help.
The crusaders then successfully attacked Lisbon. This event is known as the Siege of Lisbon. An important book called De expugnatione Lyxbonensi tells the story of this siege. It was likely written by someone who was with Hervey. We don't know if Hervey ever reached the Holy Land after helping in Portugal.
Speaking Up in Court
In 1150, Hervey de Glanvill took part in a big meeting. This meeting brought together the local courts, called shire moots, from Suffolk and Norfolk. It happened in the bishop's garden in Norwich.
Bishop Nigel of Ely was also there, along with other important landowners. At this meeting, royal agents were trying to remove special rights from the Abbey of Bury St Edmunds. They wanted to put a man named Hubert and his friends on trial.
Hervey gave a powerful speech against the government's plan. He said he had 50 years of experience with these local courts. He also spoke about the long tradition of abbeys being independent. His arguments were written down by someone who was watching. It seems his speech convinced everyone at the meeting.
Later Life and Legacy
Hervey de Glanvill might have lived until 1166. If his own words about his long experience in the courts are true, he would have been quite old when his son Ranulf was born. He would have been very old when he passed away.
Some people have wondered if there were actually two different men named Hervey de Glanvill. However, the stories about his trip to Portugal and his speech in East Anglia show a similar person. Both accounts describe him as someone who was good at speaking, respected old traditions, and knew a lot about the law.
