List of Henry's new men facts for kids
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Henry's new men were important people who became powerful during the time Henry I of England was king (from 1100 to 1135). These men and their families had not been very important in the king's government before Henry I became ruler. They were "new" because they rose to high positions thanks to Henry, rather than being from old, powerful noble families.
Who Were Henry's New Men?
The idea of "new men" was first talked about by writers who lived at the same time as King Henry I. Later, in 1874, a historian named William Stubbs started using the exact phrase "new men."
One old writer, Orderic Vitalis, wrote in his book Historia Ecclesiastica that Henry I "made others of humble background noble." He said Henry "raised them, so to say, from the dust." This means Henry took people who weren't from famous families and gave them lots of gifts and power. He even placed them above important nobles like earls and constables.
Orderic Vitalis mentioned some of these "new men," including:
- Geoffrey de Clinton
- Ralph Basset
- Hugh of Buckland
- Roger of Salisbury
Another medieval writer, Henry of Huntingdon, also wrote about some of these men in his book De Contemptu Mundi. He added a few more names to the list, such as:
- Richard Basset
- Geoffrey Ridel
Why Were They Important?
These "new men" were very important to King Henry I. They helped him rule his kingdom. They often worked as royal officials, judges, or administrators. Because they owed their power and wealth directly to the king, they were usually very loyal to him. This loyalty helped Henry I strengthen his control over England.
Historians today continue to study these "new men." They help us understand how kings in the past managed their power. For example, the historian H. F. Doherty added more names to the list of Henry's new men, including:
- Pain fitzJohn
- Miles of Gloucester
- Eustace fitzJohn
Another historian, Judith Green, who has written a lot about Henry I, also identified others. These included:
- William de Pont-del-l'Arche
- Nigel d'Aubigny
These individuals, whether from humble beginnings or lesser-known families, played a big role in shaping England during King Henry I's reign. They show how a king could choose his own trusted people to help him govern, rather than relying only on the traditional powerful families.
