Juhel de Totnes facts for kids
Juhel de Totnes (died between 1123 and 1130) was an important soldier who supported William the Conqueror, also known as William I. William became King of England in 1066. Juhel was given control of large areas of land in Devon, England. He became the first feudal baron of both Totnes and Barnstaple. A feudal baron was a powerful lord who held land directly from the king in exchange for loyalty and military service.
Who Was Juhel de Totnes?
Juhel de Totnes came from either Brittany or Mayenne, which are regions in France. His full name was sometimes given as Juhel fitz Alfred, meaning "Juhel, son of Alfred." His father's name was Alfred. Juhel also had a brother named Robert.
Juhel's Role in History
Juhel played a part in the history of England after the Norman Conquest. In 1069, he led Breton soldiers who fought for William the Conqueror. They were fighting against groups who still supported the old English King Harold II.
William the Conqueror rewarded Juhel for his loyalty. Juhel was given the important feudal barony of Totnes in Devon. By 1086, when the Domesday Book was created, Juhel owned many estates in southwest England. These included places like Clawton, Broadwood Kelly, Bridford, and Cornworthy. The Domesday Book was a huge survey ordered by William the Conqueror to record all the land and property in England.
Around 1087, Juhel started Totnes Priory, which was a type of monastery. However, soon after King William I died in 1087, Juhel lost control of the Totnes barony. King William II, William I's son, removed Juhel for reasons that are not fully clear.
But Juhel's story didn't end there. Before the year 1100, he was given another very large area of land. This was the feudal barony of Barnstaple, also in Devon.
Juhel's Family
Juhel de Totnes had two daughters and a son named Alfred. Sadly, Alfred died before 1139 and did not have any children.
Juhel's two daughters became the heirs to his lands. One daughter was named Aenor, but the other daughter's name is not known. They each inherited half of the Barnstaple barony. The unnamed daughter married a man named Henry de Tracy. Aenor married Philip de Braose, who was also a powerful lord. Later, in 1206, Juhel's great-grandson, William III de Braose, managed to get back control of half of the Totnes barony.
When Did Juhel Die?
Juhel de Totnes was still alive in 1123. However, records show that he had passed away by 1130.
