Robert FitzWalter, 1st Baron FitzWalter facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Robert FitzWalter, 1st Baron FitzWalter
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Arms of Robert FitzWalter, 1st Baron Fitzwalter: Or, a fess gules between two chevrons of the last
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| Born | 1247 Henham, Essex, Kingdom of England |
| Died | 18 January 1326 |
| Spouse(s) | Devorguille de Burgh Eleanor de Ferrers Alice de Montfort |
| Issue | Walter FitzRobert Sir Robert FitzWalter Christiana de Burgh Blanche Fitzwalter Ida Fitzwalter Denise Fitzwalter Mary Fitzwalter |
| Father | Sir Walter FitzRobert |
| Mother | Ida Longespée |
Robert FitzWalter, 1st Baron FitzWalter (born in 1247 – died 18 January 1326) was an important English nobleman. A peer is a person who holds a high rank in the nobility, like a baron. Robert FitzWalter was the first person to hold the title of Baron FitzWalter.
Contents
Life of Robert FitzWalter
Early Life and Family Connections
Robert FitzWalter was the only son of Sir Walter FitzRobert. His family came from Woodham Walter in Essex, England. His mother was Ida II Longespée. Ida was related to William Longespée, 3rd Earl of Salisbury, who was a son of King Henry II.
When Robert was young, in 1258, his uncle, Sir Stephen Longespée, became his guardian. This meant his uncle looked after him and his family's lands until Robert was old enough to manage them himself.
Starting His Career
Robert became an adult in 1268. He was made a knight in 1274. Being a knight was a great honor and meant he could serve the king.
In 1275, Robert was allowed to sell Baynard's Castle in London. He sold it to Robert Kilwardby, who was the Archbishop of Canterbury.
Serving the King in Wars and Travels
Robert FitzWalter was very active in serving the king. He fought in wars in Wales in 1277 and again in 1282.
He also traveled a lot. In 1281, he planned a pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela, a famous religious journey. In 1286, he traveled with Edward I to France.
Robert was also given important jobs. In 1293, he became the Constable (the person in charge) of Castell y Bere in Merionethshire. Later that year, he became Constable of Hadleigh Castle in Essex.
More Royal Service and Important Events
In 1294, Robert prepared to go to Gascony to serve the king. He stayed there from 1296 to 1297.
He fought in the Battle of Falkirk in 1298. This was an important battle in Scotland. That same year, he was given permission to hold a weekly fair and market at his manor in Roydon, Essex. This helped the local economy.
In 1299, he was made Captain and Keeper of the Peace in Essex. This meant he was responsible for keeping order in the county. He also took part in the siege of Caerlaverock Castle in 1300 and served in Scotland again in 1303 and 1306.
Robert was often called upon for military service and to attend important meetings. He was also called to Parliament, which is how he became known as Lord FitzWalter.
In 1301, he was one of the noblemen who signed a letter to Pope Boniface VIII. This letter told the Pope that he had no right to claim control over Scotland.
In 1310, Robert and his third wife, Alice, planned a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. He also planned another pilgrimage in 1317. Later that year, he was given control of the town of Colchester, Essex. In 1320, he planned to travel overseas with King Edward II. However, in August 1320, he was excused from any more military service.
Later Life and Legacy
Just before he died, in 1326, Robert was allowed to give two of his manors (large estates) to his son, Robert.
Robert FitzWalter passed away on 19 January 1326. His son, Sir Robert FitzWalter, from his second marriage, inherited his title as Baron FitzWalter. His eldest son, Walter, had died earlier in 1293.
Robert's Family and Marriages
Robert FitzWalter was married three times and had several children.
First Marriage
In 1259, Robert married Devorguille de Burgh. She was the daughter of Sir John de Burgh. Devorguille passed away in 1284 and was buried at Dunmow Priory.
With Devorguille, Robert had a son and two daughters:
- Walter FitzRobert (1275–1293): He was Robert's first son and was expected to inherit his title. Walter married Joan d'Engaine and had a son named Robert, but this son died young. Walter himself passed away in 1293 without any children who lived.
- Christian de Burgh: She married William Marshal, 1st Baron Marshal.
- Blanche Fitzwalter: She became a nun at Barking Abbey.
Second Marriage
Before 1290, Robert married Eleanor de Ferrers. She was the daughter of Robert de Ferrers, 6th Earl of Derby. Eleanor was also buried at Dunmow Priory.
With Eleanor, Robert had one son and three daughters:
- Sir Robert Fitzwalter (1300 – 1328): He was the son who eventually inherited his father's title. He married twice.
- Ida Fitzwalter: She married Sir Robert de la Warde and later Hugh de Neville, 1st Baron Neville.
- Denise Fitzwalter
- Mary Fitzwalter
Third Marriage
After 1308, Robert married Alice de Montfort. Alice was the daughter of Sir Peter de Montfort. She had been married before to Sir Warin de Lisle.
