Richard fitz Eustace facts for kids
Richard fitz Eustace (died around 1163) was an important person in medieval England. He held two big jobs: Constable of Chester and Baron of Halton. These roles were part of the County Palatine of Chester, which was like a special area ruled by the Earl of Chester.
Richard's father was Eustace fitz John (died 1157). He was also the Constable of Chester. Richard's mother was Agnes. She was the daughter and heir of William fitz Nigel (died 1134). William was the Constable of Chester and Baron of Halton before her. This meant Richard inherited these important positions from both his parents. During the time of King Henry II, Richard also held a piece of land called a knight's fee in Smathe, Yorkshire. A knight's fee was land given in exchange for military service.
His Family
Richard married a woman named Aubrey (or Albreda) de Lissours. Her father was Robert de Lissours. Her mother, also named Aubrey (or Albreda) de Lacy, was the daughter and heir of Robert de Lacy. The de Lacy family were powerful barons from Pontefract in Yorkshire. Their family name came from a place called Lassy in Normandy, France.
Aubrey de Lissours lived longer than Richard. After he died, she married William FitzWilliam and had more children with him.
Richard's Children
Richard and Aubrey had several children:
- John fitz Richard: He was the oldest son and inherited his father's titles. He became Constable of Chester and Baron of Halton. He married Alice of Essex and had children. Some of his family later used the de Lacy name.
- Roger fitz Richard: Also known as 'Roger of Warkworth', he died in 1177. King Henry II gave him Warkworth Castle in Northumberland. He married Adelisa de Vere and had children.
- Robert fitz Richard: Called 'Robert the Hospitaller', he died around 1197. He became the Prior (a leader) of the Knights Hospitaller in England. The Knights Hospitaller were a famous group of knights who helped people and fought in crusades.
- Mary fitz Richard: She died around 1185 and married Robert de Aldford.
- Aubrey fitz Richard: She died around 1199 and married Henry Bisset.
