John de Bayeux facts for kids

John de Bayeux (died 1249) was an important English judge who traveled around the country to hear court cases. He was also known as John de Baiocis.

Who Was John de Bayeux?

John de Bayeux was a well-known figure in England during the 1200s. He served as a "justice itinerant," which means he was a judge who traveled from place to place. His job was to help solve legal problems and make sure justice was served in different parts of the country.

Early Life and Family

John was the son of Hugh de Baiocis, who was a baron from Lincolnshire. His mother's name was Alienora. John owned land in places like Bristol and Dorset. At one point, he faced some serious legal challenges and lost control of his properties for a while.

In 1218, John paid a special fee of £100. This payment allowed him to take over his family's estates in Lincolnshire. This was an important step for him, as it meant he was officially in charge of his family's lands and wealth.

A Traveling Judge

After securing his family's estates, John de Bayeux began his career as a traveling judge. In that same year (1218), he worked as a judge in several counties. These included Cornwall, Devon, Somerset, and Dorset. He traveled with another important judge, "J. Bathon. et Glascon. Episc."

Traveling judges were very important in medieval times. They brought the king's justice to different regions, helping to keep order and resolve disputes across the land.

Important Legal Roles

John de Bayeux continued to play a big part in the legal system. The next year, a formal investigation was held to check if a complaint against him and his family was fair or just a trick. Even with this, he remained a respected judge.

Between 1224 and 1225, he was again a traveling judge in Dorset during important court sessions called the "great assizes." In the same period, he also held other key positions. He was a "justice of forests," which meant he was in charge of legal matters related to royal forests. He was also the "constable of the castle of Plympton," meaning he was responsible for managing and defending that castle.

In 1234, John faced another serious legal accusation. He resolved this matter legally by making a payment of 400 marks.

Later Life and Legacy

John de Bayeux passed away in 1249. He did not have any sons to inherit his lands. Because of this, his brother, Stephen, became the next heir to the family estates. John de Bayeux is remembered for his long career as a judge and his important roles in the English legal system during the 13th century.