Reginald de Dunstanville, Earl of Cornwall facts for kids

Reginald de Dunstanville (born around 1110 – died 1 July 1175) was an important nobleman from England. He was an illegitimate son of King Henry I. Reginald became the Earl of Cornwall and also served as the High Sheriff of Devon.

Early Life and Family

Reginald was born in a place called Dénestanville in Normandy, which is now part of France. His father was King Henry I of England. His mother was Sybilla Corbet, who was a noblewoman.

Becoming an Earl

Historians have different ideas about how Reginald became the Earl of Cornwall. Some say he got the title through his wife, Agnes. Others suggest that King Henry I gave him the title. Later, during a big war in England, King Henry II officially made Reginald the Earl of Cornwall.

Role in English History

Reginald was a key supporter of Empress Matilda during a period known as The Anarchy. This was a time of civil war in England (1135–1153). He controlled Cornwall for Matilda.

However, forces loyal to King Stephen pushed him out of Cornwall for a while. But by 1141, Matilda's side gained strength. She then officially gave Reginald the Earldom of Cornwall.

Reginald was also the High Sheriff of Devon from 1173 to 1174. This was an important job, helping to keep law and order in the county. He also gave a special document to the people of Truro in Cornwall. This document gave them certain rights as free citizens.

Family Life

Reginald married a woman named Mabel FitzRichard. She came from a wealthy family in Cornwall. Together, they had several children:

• Nicholas de Dunstanville (1136–1175)
• Hawyse (or Denise) de Dunstanville (1138–1162), who married Richard de Redvers, 2nd Earl of Devon
• Maud FitzRoy de Dunstanville of Cornwall (born 1143), who married Sir Robert de Beaumont, Count of Meulan
• Ursula de Dunstanville (born 1145), who married Walter de Dunstanville
• Sarah de Dunstanville (born 1147), who married Ademar V, Viscount of Limoges
• Joan FitzRoy (born around 1150), who married Ralph de Valletort

Reginald also had two sons with his mistress, Beatrice de Vaux:

• Henry FitzCount (died 1222), who later became Sheriff of Cornwall and Earl of Cornwall
• William FitzCount

Death and Burial

Reginald de Dunstanville passed away on July 1, 1175, in Chertsey, Surrey. He was buried at Reading Abbey.