kids encyclopedia robot

Hugh Bigod, 3rd Earl of Norfolk facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Quick facts for kids
Hugh Bigod
3rd Earl of Norfolk
Bigod Coat of Arms.jpg
Arms of Bigod (dropped post-1269 by Roger Bigod, 5th Earl of Norfolk): Or, a cross gules
Tenure 1221–1225
Predecessor Roger Bigod, 2nd Earl of Norfolk
Successor Roger Bigod, 4th Earl of Norfolk
Born c. 1182
Died 18 February 1225
Nationality English
Spouse(s) Maud Marshal
Issue Roger Bigod, 4th Earl of Norfolk
Hugh Bigod
Isabel Bigod
Ralph Bigod
Parents Roger Bigod, 2nd Earl of Norfolk
Ida de Tosny

Hugh Bigod (born around 1182, died February 18, 1225) was an important member of the powerful early Norman Bigod family. For a short time, Hugh was the 3rd Earl of Norfolk.

Early Life and Family Roots

Coat of arms of Hugh Bigod, heir to the earldoms of Norfolk and Suffolk
Arms used by Hugh Bigod, as heir to the earldoms of Norfolk and Suffolk, and as recorded during the signing of Magna Charta

Hugh Bigod was born around 1182. He was the oldest son of Roger Bigod, 2nd Earl of Norfolk. His mother was Ida de Tosny.

Role in English History

In 1215, Hugh Bigod played a significant role in English history. He was one of the twenty-five people who guaranteed the Magna Carta. The Magna Carta was an important document that limited the power of King John. It helped establish rights for people in England.

Hugh took over his father's lands and titles in 1221. These lands included the impressive Framlingham Castle.

Family and Descendants

In late 1206 or early 1207, Hugh married Maud Marshal. Maud was born in 1192 and died on March 27, 1248. Her father was William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke, a very famous and respected knight. Maud's mother was Isabel de Clare, 4th Countess of Pembroke.

Hugh and Maud had four children:

  • Roger Bigod, 4th Earl of Norfolk (born around 1209, died 1270). He did not have any children.
  • Hugh Bigod (born 1211, died 1266). He became a Justiciar of England. A Justiciar was a high-ranking judge and royal official. He married Joan de Stuteville and had children.
  • Isabel Bigod (born around 1212, died 1250). She married twice. Her first husband was Gilbert de Lacy, and they had children. Her second husband was John FitzGeoffrey, who was also a Justiciar of Ireland. They also had children, including Maud FitzJohn.
  • Ralph Bigod (born around 1215).

Later Life and Legacy

Hugh Bigod passed away on February 18, 1225. Soon after his death, his widow Maud remarried. She married William de Warenne, 5th Earl of Surrey.

Hugh Bigod and his wife Maud (sometimes called Mahelt) appear in historical fiction. They are main characters in Elizabeth Chadwick's novel To Defy a King. They also show up as smaller characters in other books. These books tell stories about their parents, like The Time of Singing and The Greatest Knight.

kids search engine
Hugh Bigod, 3rd Earl of Norfolk Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.