Osbert fitzHervey facts for kids

Osbert fitzHervey (died 1206) was an important judge in England during the Middle Ages. He worked for three different kings of England. Osbert was the brother of Hubert Walter, who became a very powerful Archbishop of Canterbury. He was also the brother of Theobald Walter.

Osbert was known for his great knowledge of law. Some people even think he helped write an important law book from that time. A writer named Ralph of Coggeshall praised Osbert's legal skills. However, he also criticized Osbert for taking gifts from people involved in court cases. Osbert was part of a group of judges who helped create the first professional court system in England.

Early Life and Family Connections

Osbert came from a region in eastern England called East Anglia. He owned land there. He was one of six brothers. His parents were Hervey Walter and Maud de Valoignes. Maud was from an important family and owned land in Parham.

Osbert's older brothers, Theobald Walter and Hubert, got help in their careers from their uncle, Ranulf de Glanvill. Ranulf de Glanvill was a very high-ranking judge for King Henry II. He was married to Bertha, who was Maud de Valoignes' sister. This family connection helped Osbert and his brothers.

Osbert's lands were mostly in Norfolk and Suffolk. He also had some land in Essex. He held other lands from two important monasteries in East Anglia. These were St Benet Holme and Bury St Edmunds.

Osbert's Work as a Judge

Osbert worked as a royal judge for three English kings. These kings were Henry II, Richard I, and John. He often traveled to East Anglia to hear court cases there. One historian said that Osbert probably knew more about legal problems in East Anglia than any other judge. It seems that Osbert's main job for the king was always related to legal matters.

An important law book called Tractatus of Glanvill is usually linked to Osbert's uncle, Ranulf de Glanvill. Osbert himself might have helped write parts of this book. The book names only seven judges, and Osbert is one of them.

Osbert was part of a special group of royal judges. This group included men like Simon of Pattishall and William de Warenne. Hubert Walter, Osbert's brother, was the chief judge of England during King Richard's reign. He chose these judges because they were skilled, not just because of family ties. This was a new way of doing things. Before, local people often served as judges. This new group of skilled judges showed the beginning of a professional court system in England. In 1194, Osbert also helped collect a special tax in eastern England.

Later Life and Legacy

In 1198, Osbert married Margaret of Rye. They had at least one son. Osbert paid the king 20 pounds to get permission to marry Margaret.

Osbert died in 1206. He did not make a will before he died. At the time of his death, his yearly income was more than 240 pounds. The writer Ralph of Coggeshall mentioned Osbert in his writings. He described Osbert as a very skilled judge. Coggeshall said Osbert was "most expert in worldly law" and famous for his "overflowing eloquence and experience in the law." However, Coggeshall also criticized Osbert for taking gifts from people involved in court cases.

After Osbert's death, William of Huntingfield offered King John a payment. This payment was to gain control over Osbert's heir (his son) and his lands. The payment was 200 marks and two palfreys (riding horses).