Peter de Preaux facts for kids
Peter de Preaux, also known as Pierre de Préaux in his time, was a brave knight from Normandy, France. He lived a long time ago, in the 1100s and early 1200s. Peter served three powerful kings of England: Henry II, Richard I, and King John.
Peter's father, Osbert, was a less important noble in Normandy. He owned a tower and land in a place called Preaux. Peter was the second son in his family. This meant he probably wouldn't inherit much land. So, Peter and his brothers, John, William, and Enguerrand, joined the royal family's service when they were young. Peter and his brother William became famous knights. They were known as strong and skilled fighters in knightly tournaments.
Contents
Joining the Crusades
In 1190, Peter and his brother William went on a Crusade with King Richard. A Crusade was a big journey to the Holy Land (modern-day Middle East). Peter was given a special job: he carried the king's royal flag. This was a very important honor.
Peter and William were with King Richard in many famous places. They were in Sicily, and helped conquer Cyprus. They also fought in big battles like the Siege of Acre and the Battle of Arsuf. They marched towards Jerusalem and fought in the Battle of Jaffa.
A Small Mistake on the Journey
After a peace agreement was made, Peter had an important task. He and other knights were sent ahead to get "safe conducts." These were like special passes. They would allow the crusaders to safely visit Jerusalem.
But Peter fell asleep in a village where he was supposed to meet some officials. The other crusaders kept going without their passes! When Peter woke up, he realized he was behind. He quickly rushed to catch up. The commander of the group, Andrew of Chauvigny, was not happy with him.
Before King Richard left the Holy Land, he did something kind. He paid to free Peter's brother, William. William had been captured a year earlier while protecting the King. Peter and William returned home to Normandy in late 1192.
Serving in France
Peter continued to serve King Richard in his wars against King Philip II of France. These wars lasted from 1194 to 1199.
Later, when King John ruled, Peter and William became important military leaders in Normandy. Peter was made the Governor of the Channel Islands. King John gave him full control of these islands by 1203. William became a "bailiff" in another area. A bailiff was like a local governor.
The Fall of Normandy
By December 1203, King John left Normandy. He never returned. Peter's older brother, John, decided to side with the French King Philip. King John left Peter in charge of defending Rouen, the capital city. Peter had many loyal knights with him.
In the spring of 1204, the French army surrounded Rouen. Normandy was lost to the French king. Peter, along with the city's leaders, decided to surrender to King Philip of France.
After this, Peter sailed to England. King John welcomed him warmly. Peter had managed to keep the Channel Islands under English control, even though Normandy was lost.
Later Life
Peter was given some of his brother John's lands in England. These lands were called Terra Normanorum. In 1201, Peter married Mary de Vernon. She was the daughter of a powerful noble, William de Vernon.
Peter then lived a quieter life on his new lands in England. It is thought that he passed away in the year 1212.
See also
