Robert Marmion, 3rd Baron Marmion of Tamworth facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sir Robert Marmion
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Marmion of Tamworth:- vair, a fess gules
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| Itinerant Justice | |
| In office 1184–1205 |
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| Monarch | Henry II, Richard I, John |
| Sheriff of Worcestershire | |
| In office 1185–1190 |
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| Monarch | Henry II, Richard I |
| Personal details | |
| Died | bef. 15 May 1218 |
| Spouses | 1. Matilda/Maud de Beauchamp, 2. Phillippa |
| Parent | Robert Marmion & Elizabeth? (de Rethel?) |
Robert Marmion, 3rd Baron Marmion of Tamworth (who died in 1218) was an important nobleman from the Anglo-Norman period. He also worked as an itinerant justice, which meant he traveled around to hear legal cases.
People believed he was the King's Champion. This was a special role where someone would challenge anyone who questioned the king's right to rule. However, his grandson, Phillip, was the first Marmion to have a clear claim to this title. Robert's family came from Fontenay-le-Marmion in Normandy. They were said to be the traditional champions for the Dukes of Normandy.
Contents
Robert Marmion's Career
Early Roles and Justice Work
Robert Marmion first appeared as a judge in Caen, France, in 1177. He was one of the judges who handled legal agreements in 1184. From 1185 to 1189, he served as the Sheriff of Worcestershire. A sheriff was like a chief law enforcement officer for a county.
He also worked as a traveling judge in many different areas. These included Warwickshire, Leicestershire, Staffordshire, Shropshire, Herefordshire, Worcestershire, Gloucestershire, and Bristol. He served in these roles for many years, helping to enforce the law across England.
Service to Kings and Later Life
Robert Marmion had promised to join the Third Crusade. This was a big religious war to take back holy lands. However, he paid money to avoid going.
In 1195, he was with King Richard I in Normandy. In 1197, he witnessed an important agreement between King Richard and Baldwin of Flanders. During the early years of King John's rule, Robert was often with the king in Normandy. From 1204 to 1205, he again served as a judge for legal agreements.
Later, he sided with a group of powerful noblemen, called barons, who were against King John. After King John died, Robert rejoined the royal side. This was when Henry III was a young boy of nine years old. Robert Marmion also gave a mill in Barston, Warwickshire, to the Templars. The Templars were a famous group of knight-monks. He also helped Kirkstead Abbey in Lincolnshire.
Robert Marmion passed away before May 15, 1218. After his death, his lands were looked after by his younger son, Robert Marmion the Younger. This arrangement lasted until his older brother, Robert Marmion the Elder, stopped supporting the rebel barons. Once his older son made peace with the King, he could take control of the lands.
Family and Descendants
Robert Marmion was married twice. His first wife was Matilda, or Maud, who was the daughter of William de Beauchamp of Elmley. They had these children:
- Robert the Elder (died 1241). He inherited lands in Tamworth, Scrivelsby, and Normandy.
- Mabel, who married Hugh de Say of Richard's Castle.
- A daughter who married William de Lizures.
His second wife was Philippa. They had these children:
- Robert the Younger. He had lands in Winteringham, Coningsby, and Tanfield.
- William. He had lands in Torrington and Normandy.
Some people believed Robert had more sons named Geoffrey, Philip, and Manasser. However, there isn't strong proof for this. Records suggest that Geoffrey was actually the son of Robert's eldest son. Manasser was likely the son of a different Sir William Marmion. Because of this, it seems most likely that Robert Marmion had only three sons: Robert the Elder, Robert the Younger, and William.
Sources
This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain: "Marmion, Robert". Dictionary of National Biography. (1885–1900). London: Smith, Elder & Co.
