Ralph Basset facts for kids

Ralph Basset (died around 1127) was an important English royal justice during the time of King Henry I of England. He was born in Normandy, a region in France. Ralph Basset likely caught King Henry's attention before Henry became king. From about 1102 until his death, Ralph Basset worked often as a royal judge. His son, Richard Basset, also became a royal judge later on.

Ralph Basset's Early Life

Ralph Basset came from a place called Montreuil-au-Houlme in Normandy. He might have met King Henry when Henry was a count in that area. This was before Henry became King of England. Records from the Domesday Book show that someone named Ralph held land in England. This might have been Ralph Basset or his father. Other people named Basset also lived in the area. We don't know if they were related to Ralph the judge.

Ralph Basset owned lands in Normandy that were quite valuable. He also held lands in England, including places like Wallingford and Colston Basset. These lands were important for his standing.

Working for the King

Ralph Basset first appears in official royal papers around 1102. He was a witness to important documents. Soon after, he started working as a judge. One of his first jobs was helping to settle a dispute with the sheriff of Yorkshire.

Ralph Basset was also part of a team that created the Liber Winton. This was a survey of land in the city of Winchester. It happened between 1103 and 1115. Around 1110, he gave some of his land in Normandy to a religious house.

In 1111, Ralph Basset began working with the Exchequer. This was the king's financial department. He helped manage the kingdom's money. He was one of the first people to hold a role similar to a Baron of the Exchequer.

A Judge Across England

Ralph Basset became a royal justice in 1116. He worked in different parts of England. The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle mentioned him in 1124. It noted that he was very strict when dealing with lawbreakers in Leicestershire. This strictness might have been part of the king's effort to control powerful nobles.

Between 1110 and 1127, Ralph Basset was one of the most important royal judges. A writer from that time, Henry of Huntingdon, called him a "justice of all England." This meant Ralph Basset's work covered the entire country. He was not just limited to one local area.

Even after his death, records from 1130 show his work. They say he had performed judicial duties in 11 different counties. Ralph Basset also served on a special council. This group helped King Henry's wife and son rule when the king was away. He spent most of his career in England. He rarely witnessed documents signed in Normandy. This shows how dedicated he was to serving the king in England.

Historians today do not believe Ralph Basset was the chief judge of England. However, it is clear that King Henry used his services a lot. Ralph Basset likely worked full-time for the king.

Rewards for Service

Ralph Basset received many rewards for his hard work. The king gave him several manors, which were large estates. For example, he was given the manor of Mixbury. This happened after the family who owned it died out. Other lands he held were also probably gifts from the king. These included Quiddenham and Stoney Stanton.

Ralph Basset's Family

Ralph Basset likely died in 1127. He fell ill in Northampton. He was buried at Abingdon Abbey, a place he had supported. A document lists most of the lands Ralph Basset owned. Most of his estates were held as a sub-tenant. This means he rented them from a larger landowner. However, four of his estates were held directly from the king. These were not very valuable. Ralph Basset was not considered a baron. But his son, Richard, became a baron through marriage. Ralph Basset owned land in nine different counties.

Ralph Basset started a family tradition of royal service. His family continued to serve the kings of England for many years. A medieval writer, Orderic Vitalis, described Ralph Basset as one of King Henry's "new men." These were people the king promoted from less important backgrounds.

Ralph Basset had four sons. They were Richard Basset, Nicholas, Ralph, and Turstin. Richard became a judge like his father. Ralph became a church official. Turstin held land near Wallingford. Ralph Basset also had daughters, but their names are not known. Only the first letter of his wife's name, A, is known. Richard inherited the lands in Normandy. He did not get most of the English lands, perhaps because he married a wealthy heiress.