Robert Avenel facts for kids
Robert Avenel was an important person in Scotland during the 1100s. He was an Anglo-Norman magnate, which means he was a powerful noble who came from England (but had Norman roots). He controlled areas like Eskdale and Abercorn. Robert Avenel was one of the few Anglo-Norman leaders given land in southern Scotland around that time.
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Who Was Robert Avenel?
Robert Avenel was a powerful figure in 12th-century Scotland. He was known as an Anglo-Norman magnate. This means he was a wealthy and influential landowner. He was among a small group of Anglo-Norman people who received important land areas in southern Scotland. This happened in the early to mid-1100s.
His Important Roles
Robert Avenel held several key positions during his life. He was a ruler of lands and also served as a royal judge.
Ruler of Lands
Robert Avenel was in charge of a small area called Eskdale. This land was once part of a larger region called Northumbria. Eskdale is located in Dumfriesshire. He also ruled over Abercorn in West Lothian. For a time, he also had control over part of a town called Innerwick. He passed this part of Innerwick to his younger son, Vincent.
A Royal Judge
For some years in the 1170s, Robert Avenel worked as a Justiciar in Lothian. A Justiciar was like a chief judge or a high-ranking officer who helped the king manage the law and order in a specific region. Robert was one of four people who held this important job at that time.
His Family and Legacy
Robert Avenel had a family and left a lasting impact through his children.
His Children
Robert Avenel and his wife, Sybil, had three sons: Gervase, Vincent, and Robert. Gervase was the oldest son and inherited most of his father's lands and titles. Gervase also later became a Justiciar of Lothian, just like his father. The youngest son, Robert, became a clerk, which meant he worked with writing and records.
A Royal Connection
Robert Avenel also had a daughter. She had a child with William the Lion, who was the King of the Scots. Their daughter was named Isabella. In 1183, Isabella married Robert III de Brus. He was the son of Robert II de Brus, who was the lord of Annandale. After her first husband died in 1191, Isabella married again. Her second husband was Robert, Baron de Ros, a noble from Yorkshire, England.
His Later Life and Death
Robert Avenel died on March 8, 1185. Before he passed away, he joined the monastery of Melrose. This was a religious community. He gave his land of Eskdale to God, to St. Mary, and to the monks of Melrose Abbey. This gift was recorded in a special document.
