Ralph de Pomeroy facts for kids
Ralph de Pomeroy (died before 1100) was a powerful knight who came to England with William the Conqueror. He was one of the most important landowners in Devon, holding his land directly from the King. Ralph was also the first feudal baron of Berry Pomeroy, which means he was the main lord of a large area of land around Berry Pomeroy in Devon. He owned 58 different land areas in Devon.
Where Ralph Came From
Ralph de Pomeroy came from a place called La Pommeraye in Normandy, France. His brother was William Cheever, who also owned a lot of land in England after the Norman Conquest. William's lands later became known as the feudal barony of Bradninch in Devon. Interestingly, many of the lands given to Ralph and William were originally part of bigger areas that were split between them. Ralph also had a sister named Beatrix.
Ralph's Role in History
Ralph de Pomeroy was part of the Norman Conquest of England in 1066. This was when William the Conqueror invaded and took control of England. Because Ralph helped in this important event, King William rewarded him with many lands. Ralph received 58 landholdings in Devon and two more in Somerset.
He was also chosen for a special job related to the Domesday Book. The Domesday Book was a huge survey ordered by King William to record all the land and property in England. Ralph was one of two people picked to take the taxes collected from Devon to the King's treasury in Winchester. This shows he was a trusted and important person in the King's government.
His Family and Legacy
Ralph de Pomeroy passed away before the year 1100. He had several sons. His oldest son and heir, William de la Pomeroy, took over his lands and titles. William died before 1114.
Sources
- Thorn, Caroline & Frank, (eds.) Domesday Book, (Morris, John, gen.ed.) Vol. 9, Devon, Parts 1 & 2, Phillimore Press, Chichester, 1985. (Parts 1 & 2 chapter 34, holdings of Ralph of Pomeroy)
- Sanders, I.J. English Baronies: A Study of their Origin and Descent 1086-1327, Oxford, 1960 (Pages 106-7, Barony of Berry Pomeroy)
- Vivian, Lt.Col. J.L., (Ed.) The Visitations of the County of Devon: Comprising the Heralds' Visitations of 1531, 1564 & 1620, Exeter, 1895, pp. 605–9, pedigree of Pomeroy of Berry Pomeroy
