Richard de Montfichet facts for kids
Richard de Montfichet (died 1267) was an important English nobleman who lived a long time ago. He was one of the key people who helped create the famous Magna Carta, a very important document that limited the power of the king. Richard owned a lot of land in a place called Essex in England.
Richard's Early Life
Richard de Montfichet was the son of another man also named Richard de Montfichet. His father was in charge of the forests in Essex for King Henry II. Richard's grandfather, William de Montfichet, started an abbey (a type of monastery) in Stratford-Langton, Essex.
When young Richard was about ten years old, his father passed away. Richard then became a ward, meaning someone else looked after him and his property, under Roger de Lacy (1170-1211). By 1214, Richard was old enough to witness important legal documents. In 1215, he officially took over the family right to manage the forests of Essex.
Role in the Magna Carta
Even before taking over his family's forest duties, Richard had joined a group of powerful nobles called the "baronial party." These nobles wanted to limit the king's power. He was at an important meeting in Stamford in March 1215.
Richard de Montfichet became one of the twenty-five barons chosen to make sure King John followed the rules of the Magna Carta. This document was a big step in making sure kings couldn't do whatever they wanted. Because he was a strong supporter of this group, the Pope (the leader of the Catholic Church) officially "excommunicated" him in 1216. This meant he was forbidden from church services.
Richard supported Louis VIII of France, who was trying to become King of England, even after King John died. Richard fought against King John's supporters at a battle in Lincoln in May 1217 and was captured. However, he soon returned to supporting the English crown and got his lands back later that year.
Later Public Service
In 1223, Richard's lands were briefly taken by the king again. This happened because he attended a tournament (a knightly competition) that the king had forbidden.
Despite this, Richard continued to serve the kingdom. In 1225, he worked as a "justice-itinerant" for Essex and Hertfordshire. This meant he traveled around to hear legal cases. In the same year, he was also a witness when the Magna Carta was officially confirmed again.
In 1234, Richard became a "baron of the exchequer," which was an important role in the government's finance department. He again witnessed the confirmation of the Magna Carta in 1236. He served as a "justice of the forest" for nineteen counties in 1237, overseeing royal forests. From 1242 to 1246, he was the "sheriff" (a chief law enforcement officer) for Essex and Hertfordshire, where his estates were located.
In 1244, Richard was one of the nobles who helped decide if the king should get more money from taxes. He likely helped create a plan for important government changes that year.
Family and Legacy
Richard de Montfichet was married twice, first to a woman named Alice and later to Jousa or Joyce. He passed away in 1267 without any children. His lands were then passed down to the children of his three sisters.
Richard de Montfichet is mainly remembered for his important role in the fight for the Magna Carta. He was the very last of the original twenty-five barons to pass away. His old age likely kept him from joining in later conflicts between the barons and the king, which he lived through.
