Hugh of Cyfeiliog, 5th Earl of Chester facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Hugh of Cyfeiliog
The coat of arms of Hugh of Cyfeiliog, 5th Earl of Chester
Born	1147 possibly Cyfeiliog (a region in the county of Montgomeryshire, Powys), Wales
Died	30 June 1181 Leek, Staffordshire, England
Resting place	Chester Cathedral
Title	Earl of Chester
Term	1153–1181
Predecessor	Ranulf de Gernon, 4th Earl of Chester
Successor	Ranulf de Blondeville, 6th Earl of Chester
Spouse(s)	Bertrade of Évreux
Children	Ranulf III of Chester Maud of Chester Mabel of Chester Agnes of Chester Hawise of Chester
Parent(s)	Ranulf de Gernon, 4th Earl of Chester Maud of Gloucester

Hugh of Cyfeiliog (born 1147, died 30 June 1181) was an important Anglo-Norman nobleman. He was also known as Hugh de Kevilioc. He lived during the time of King Henry II of England. Hugh was active in England, Wales, Ireland, and France. He held the title of the 5th Earl of Chester.

His Early Life and Family

Hugh was born in 1147. His father was Ranulf II, the 4th Earl of Chester. His mother was Maud. Maud was the daughter of Robert, 1st Earl of Gloucester. Robert was a son of King Henry I of England. Some stories say Hugh was born in a part of Wales called Cyfeiliog.

Becoming a Powerful Noble

When his father died in 1153, Hugh became the heir to many lands. These lands were in France, England, and Wales. In France, he inherited important areas like Avranches and Bessin. He also gained the honours of St Sever and Briquessart.

In England and Wales, he inherited the earldom of Chester. All these lands made him one of the most powerful landowners. He officially took control of his lands in 1162 when he was old enough. He quickly became an important noble to King Henry II. He was present at important meetings, like one in Dover in 1163. He also attended the Council of Clarendon in 1164.

Revolt Against the King

In 1173, Hugh joined a big rebellion against King Henry II. The king's own sons led this revolt. Hugh led the rebels in a region called Brittany. King Henry sent an army to fight them. The rebels had to hide in the castle of Dol.

In August 1174, King Henry himself came to lead the attack on the castle. Hugh and his friends ran out of food. They had to give up, but the king promised not to execute them. Hugh was held prisoner in different castles. He later made peace with King Henry. He was one of the people who witnessed the Treaty of Falaise in October 1174. This treaty officially ended the fighting.

Getting His Lands Back

At a meeting in January 1177, Hugh got his lands back. However, he did not get his castles back right away. In March, he witnessed King Henry settling a disagreement between the kings of Castile and Navarre.

Then, in May, at another meeting, King Henry gave Hugh his castles back. The king also told him to go to Ireland. There are no records that show Hugh won any battles or gained new lands there.

Hugh died on 30 June 1181 in Leek. He was buried next to his father at St Werburgh's Abbey in Chester. This abbey is now known as Chester Cathedral. His only son became the next Earl of Chester.

The Chapter House of Chester Cathedral, where Hugh was buried.

His Gifts to Religious Houses

During his life, Hugh gave land and money to many religious places. He supported St Werburgh's Abbey in Chester. He also gave gifts to Stanlow Abbey and St Mary's Priory in Coventry.

Other places he helped included Bullington Priory, Greenfield Priory, Trentham Priory, and Bordesley Abbey. He also confirmed gifts that his parents had made. These included gifts to Calke Abbey and the Abbey of Saint-Étienne, Caen in Normandy.

His Family and Children

In 1169, Hugh married Bertrade. She was the daughter of Simon III de Montfort, Count of Évreux. Hugh and Bertrade had several children:

• Ranulf III: He became the 6th Earl of Chester. He died in 1232 without children. His four sisters then became his heirs.
• Maud: She married David of Scotland, 8th Earl of Huntingdon.
• Mabel: She married William d'Aubigny, 3rd Earl of Arundel.
• Agnes: She married William de Ferrers, 4th Earl of Derby.
• Hawise: She married Robert II de Quincy.

Hugh also had other children. These included Pagan, Roger, and Amice. Amice married Ranulf Mainwaring. Another daughter married Richard Bacon. Some stories also mention other daughters.