Petronilla de Grandmesnil, Countess of Leicester facts for kids

Petronilla de Grandmesnil (died 1212) was an important noblewoman in medieval England. She was married to Robert de Beaumont, who was the 3rd Earl of Leicester. He was also known as "Blanchmains." Petronilla lived a long life after her husband passed away. She was buried in Leicester Abbey when she died on April 1, 1212.

The Great Rebellion of 1173-1174

A writer named Jordan Fantosme wrote about Petronilla and her husband, Earl Robert. They were involved in a big rebellion between 1173 and 1174. This rebellion was led by Henry "the Young King" against his own father, King Henry II of England.

Jordan Fantosme said that Earl Robert joined the fight because he had complaints against King Henry. Countess Petronilla was also said to have made fun of the English soldiers fighting for the king. She reportedly said, "The English are great boasters, but poor fighters." She added that they were "better at quaffing great tankards and guzzling."

Countess Petronilla went with her husband on his military journey. They were fighting against English troops. These troops were led by the Earl of Arundel and Humphrey III de Bohun. During a big battle, Petronilla was said to have run away. She was later found in a ditch.

A man named Simon of Odell helped her out of the ditch. He told her, "My lady, come away from this place, and abandon your design!" He also reminded her that "War is all a question of losing and winning." When she was captured, people noticed she was wearing armor meant for men. She had on a mail shirt, a sword, and a shield.

Earl Robert was also captured during this time. His lands and belongings were taken away by the king. Countess Petronilla was set free. While her husband was still in prison, he wrote to her. He asked her to make sure that the wishes in his father's will were carried out.

Family Life

Petronilla was the daughter of William de Grandmesnil. She claimed to be the rightful heir to the Grandmesnil family's lands and title. However, her father's exact connection to the main family leaders is not fully clear.

She got married in the mid-1150s. Petronilla and her husband had at least seven children together:

• William (died before 1190)
• Robert de Beaumont, 4th Earl of Leicester (died 1204). He was also called "FitzParnel" or "FitzPetronilla." He married Loretta de Braose.
• Roger, who became the Bishop of St. Andrews (died 1202).
• Amice. She first married Simon de Montfort (died 1188). They were the parents of Simon de Montfort, who became the 5th Earl of Leicester. Amice later married William de Barres (died September 3, 1215).
• Margaret. She married Saer de Quincy, who later became the 1st Earl of Winchester.
• Hawise, who became a nun at Nuneaton Priory.
• Pernel or Petronilla.
• Two other children, Geoffrey and Mabel, might also have been theirs.

See also

In Spanish: Petronilla de Grandmesnil para niños