List of earls in the reign of William the Conqueror facts for kids

During the time of William the Conqueror, who ruled England from 1066 to 1087, there were many important leaders called Earls. An Earl was a powerful noble who governed a large area of land, almost like a mini-king in their region. They were very important for keeping control and order in the kingdom.

The time an Earl held their position is called their "tenure." Sometimes, even young people who were not yet adults could be given the title, which was called a "period of minority." This article lists the Earls who served during William the Conqueror's reign.

Who Were the Earls?

Earls were high-ranking nobles in England. They were given control over large areas of land, called earldoms. Their job was to manage these lands, collect taxes, and make sure people followed the king's laws. They also had to provide soldiers for the king when needed.

William the Conqueror relied on these Earls to help him rule his new kingdom after the Norman Conquest. Many of these Earls were his trusted friends or family members.

Important Earls During William the Conqueror's Reign

Here are some of the key Earls who held power during William the Conqueror's time. Each entry shows the earldom and the years they served.

Earls of Chester

The Earls of Chester controlled an important region in the northwest of England. This earldom was created twice during William's reign.

First Creation

• Gerbod the Fleming, 1st Earl of Chester (1067–1071): Gerbod was the first Earl of Chester. He was a Fleming, meaning he came from Flanders (modern-day Belgium).

Second Creation

• Hugh d'Avranches, Earl of Chester (1071–1101): Hugh took over after Gerbod. He was a very powerful Norman lord and a close ally of William the Conqueror.

Earls of Cornwall

Cornwall is a region in the southwest of England. It also had two different creations of Earls during this period.

First Creation

• Brian of Brittany (1068–1072): Brian was from Brittany, a region in France. He was one of the first Earls appointed by William.

Second Creation

• Robert, Count of Mortain (1069–1088): Robert was William the Conqueror's half-brother. He was given the Earldom of Cornwall and was one of the wealthiest men in England.

Earls of East Anglia

East Anglia is a region in eastern England. This earldom was important for controlling the eastern coast.

• Ralph the Staller (1067–1068): Ralph was an Anglo-Saxon noble who served William. He was one of the few native English Earls to keep his title after the Conquest.
• Ralph de Gael (1068–1075): Ralph de Gael was Ralph the Staller's son. He later rebelled against William the Conqueror.

Earls of Hereford

Hereford is located near the border with Wales. The Earls of Hereford played a role in defending the kingdom from Welsh raids.

• William FitzOsbern, 1st Earl of Hereford (1067–1071): William FitzOsbern was a close friend and advisor to William the Conqueror. He helped lead the Norman invasion.
• Roger de Breteuil, 2nd Earl of Hereford (1071–1074): Roger was William FitzOsbern's son. He also rebelled against the king.

Earls of Huntingdon and Northampton

These two earldoms were often held together by the same person. They covered important areas in the middle of England.

• Waltheof, Earl of Northumbria (1065–1076): Waltheof was an Anglo-Saxon Earl who had held power before the Conquest. He was a very important figure in the north.

Earls of Kent

Kent is a county in southeast England, very close to London. It was a strategic area due to its proximity to the continent.

• Odo of Bayeux (1067–1082): Odo was William the Conqueror's half-brother and a very powerful bishop. He was also a key military leader.

Earls of Mercia

Mercia was a large, historic kingdom in central England. Its Earls were very influential.

• Edwin, Earl of Mercia (1062–1071): Edwin was an Anglo-Saxon Earl. He initially resisted William but later submitted to his rule.

Earls of Northumbria

Northumbria was a large and often rebellious region in northern England. Controlling it was a major challenge for William.

• Morcar, Earl of Northumbria (1065–1071): Morcar was an Anglo-Saxon Earl who resisted the Norman invasion.
• Copsi (1067): Copsi was a local leader appointed by William for a short time.
• Osulf II of Bamburgh (1067): Osulf also held the title briefly.
• Gospatric, Earl of Northumbria (1067–1068): Gospatric was a powerful local noble.
• Robert de Comines (1068–1069): Robert was a Norman Earl appointed by William.
• Gospatric, Earl of Northumbria (1070–1072): Gospatric was reappointed after a period of unrest.
• Waltheof, Earl of Northumbria (1072–1076): Waltheof, who also held Huntingdon and Northampton, became Earl of Northumbria again.
• Walcher (1076–1080): Walcher was a bishop who also served as Earl.
• Aubrey de Coucy (1080–1086): Aubrey was a Norman lord.
• Robert de Mowbray (1086–1095): Robert was the last Earl of Northumbria during William's reign.

Earls of Richmond

Richmond is in North Yorkshire. This earldom was created for one of William's trusted allies.

• Alan Rufus (1066–1093): Alan Rufus was a Breton nobleman and a key supporter of William the Conqueror.

Earls of Shrewsbury

Shrewsbury is located near the Welsh border, similar to Hereford. Its Earls were important for border defense.

• Roger de Montgomery, 1st Earl of Shrewsbury (1068–1094): Roger was a powerful Norman baron and a close relative of William the Conqueror.