Richard de Luci facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Richard de Luci
|
|
|---|---|
| Chief Justiciar of England | |
| In office 1154 – c. September 1178/Easter 1179 |
|
| Monarch | Henry II |
| Preceded by | Robert de Beaumont, 2nd Earl of Leicester |
| Succeeded by | Ranulf de Glanvill |
| Sheriff of Essex | |
| In office 1156–1157 |
|
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1089 |
| Died | 14 July 1179 Lesnes Abbey, Kent |
| Spouse | Rohese |
| Children | Geoffrey de Luci, Godfrey de Luci, Maud de Luci, Alice de Luci, Aveline de Luci |
Richard de Luci (also known as Lucy) was an important figure in English history. Born in 1089, he became known for his skills in law and government. He served as a High Sheriff and later became the Chief Justiciar of England. This was a very powerful role, like being the king's main judge and advisor.
Contents
Richard de Luci's Early Life
Richard de Luci's mother was Aveline. She was related to an important person named William Goth. Richard also had a brother named Walter de Luci, who became the abbot (head) of Battle Abbey, a famous monastery.
Richard de Luci first gained recognition for his bravery. King Henry I gave him control of the area of Diss in Norfolk. This was after Richard, who was the Governor of Falaise in Normandy, bravely defended the town. He showed great courage when it was attacked by Geoffrey, Earl of Anjou.
Rise to Power
Richard de Luci's career continued to grow. Around 1153 or 1154, he received land in Chipping Ongar, Essex. This gift came from William, the son of King Stephen. Richard might have built Ongar Castle, a type of early castle with a mound and a courtyard, in this area.
In 1156, he was appointed Sheriff for both Essex and Hertfordshire. A Sheriff was like a local governor and law enforcer for a county.
Chief Justiciar of England
When Henry II became king in 1154, Richard de Luci was given a very important job. He was made the Chief Justiciar of England. At first, he shared this role with Robert de Beaumont. The Chief Justiciar was the king's most important minister. They were in charge of justice and government when the king was away.
After Robert de Beaumont passed away in 1168, Richard de Luci held the position of Chief Justiciar all by himself. He was a key advisor to King Henry II. One person who worked for him was Roger fitzReinfrid. Roger later became a royal judge and gave land to Lesnes Abbey in Kent. This abbey was actually founded by Richard de Luci himself.
Retirement and Legacy
Richard de Luci decided to step down from his important role as Chief Justiciar. He retired sometime between September 1178 and Easter of 1179. He chose to retire to Lesnes Abbey, the monastery he had founded. Just three months later, on July 14, 1179, he passed away and was buried there.
Richard de Luci was married to a woman named Rohese. She is mentioned in several historical documents.
Images for kids
-
The ruins of Lesnes Abbey, near London
