Hugh Bigod, 1st Earl of Norfolk facts for kids

Hugh Bigod, 1st Earl of Norfolk (born 1095, died 1177) was an important English nobleman. He was the second son of Roger Bigod, who was a sheriff and royal advisor. Hugh became a powerful figure during a time of great change and conflict in England.

Early Life and Inheritance

Hugh Bigod's older brother, William, sadly died in a famous shipwreck called the White Ship in 1120. Because William had no children, Hugh was able to inherit many of his family's lands in East Anglia. He also took over his brother's job as a royal steward, which meant he helped manage the king's household. In 1122, Hugh became the Constable of Norwich Castle, a very important fortress.

Supporting King Stephen

When King Henry I died in 1135, his nephew Stephen quickly became king. This was despite an earlier promise that Henry's daughter, Empress Matilda, would be the next ruler. Hugh Bigod actually claimed that King Henry I had named Stephen as his successor.

This disagreement led to a long and difficult civil war in England, known as The Anarchy. It was a time when different groups fought over who should be king.

Changing Sides in the Civil War

At first, Hugh Bigod supported King Stephen. However, when Stephen became ill in 1136, Hugh took control of Norwich castle. Stephen soon recovered and took the castle back from Hugh.

In 1141, Hugh Bigod fought alongside King Stephen at the First Battle of Lincoln. But after Stephen was captured in that battle, Hugh switched his support to Matilda. She then made him the Earl of Norfolk. Even so, Hugh mostly tried to stay neutral during the civil war, not fully joining either side.

As the Earl of Norfolk, Hugh controlled many important places, including Castle Acre, Framlingham, and Thetford. He also supported his brother-in-law, Geoffrey de Mandeville, during a rebellion against King Stephen. Later, he helped settle a disagreement between King Stephen and the Archbishop Theobald.

Under King Henry II

In 1153, Henry, who would soon become King Henry II, came to England to claim the throne. Hugh Bigod resisted King Stephen's forces in Ipswich. Even though Stephen's forces won, Stephen was not strong enough to punish Hugh. Eventually, Henry was recognized as Stephen's heir, and Hugh avoided any punishment.

When Henry II became king in 1154, he confirmed Hugh's title as Earl of Norfolk. The new king worked hard to bring order back to England and reduce the power of the independent noblemen, who had become very strong during the civil war.

Hugh Bigod soon became unhappy with King Henry II's new rules. He didn't like new taxes, such as the "scutage," which was a payment nobles made instead of providing soldiers for the king. In 1157, King Henry II marched into Hugh's lands, and Hugh had to agree to obey the king.

The Revolt of 1173

In 1173, King Henry II's own son, Henry the Young King, started a rebellion against his father. This gave Hugh Bigod another chance to rebel. He wanted to regain the feudal power that King Henry II had taken away. The young prince even promised Hugh control of Norwich Castle if they won.

Hugh quickly became a leader in this rebellion. He joined forces with Robert de Beaumont, 3rd Earl of Leicester, who landed in Suffolk. Together, they captured Hagenet Castle. However, the Earl of Leicester was defeated and captured at the Battle of Fornham.

After this defeat, the king's forces turned their attention to Hugh. Hugh was not strong enough to fight them. He decided to negotiate and paid them off to secure a safe passage for his soldiers.

Later Years and Death

Even though he was defeated and had to give up his castles, Hugh Bigod was allowed to keep his lands and his title as Earl. He lived peacefully with King Henry II until his death.

Hugh Bigod died in 1177, reportedly in Palestine. His son, Roger Bigod, 2nd Earl of Norfolk, had a disagreement with his stepmother in March 1177, which confirmed that Hugh had already passed away. King Henry II took advantage of this situation to seize Hugh's large fortune. Hugh Bigod had inherited vast estates and also received a share of the money from legal fines in Norfolk because of his earldom.

Family Life

Hugh Bigod was married twice.

His first wife was Juliane de Vere. They had one son:

• Roger Bigod, 2nd Earl of Norfolk (born around 1144–5). He later married Ida de Tosny and had children.

Hugh Bigod's second wife was Gundreda de Beaumont. They had two children:

• Hugh Bigod (born around 1156)
• William Hugh Bigod (born 1168)