Robert Marmion (died 1144) facts for kids

Robert Marmion (died 1144) was a brave Anglo-Norman knight and baron. He became well-known during a difficult time in England's history, a civil war between King Stephen and Empress Matilda. This war was fought over who should rule England.

Early Life and Family Roots

Robert Marmion was born before 1108. His family came from a place called Fontenay-le-Marmion in Normandy, France. They were an important family who owned land in England, especially in Lincolnshire. Robert was the son of Roger Marmion or Robert de Marmion, and he inherited his family's lands and titles.

A Soldier's Journey

After his father passed away around 1129, Robert Marmion gave some of his inherited lands to religious groups, like the nuns at Polesworth Abbey and the monks at Bardney Abbey. He also had a disagreement with William Beauchamp about who owned Tamworth Castle. Before 1135, King Henry I of England gave Robert a special right called "free warren" at Tamworth Castle, which meant he could hunt there. Some old writings call him the "1st Baron of Tamworth," but modern historians don't agree with that title.

Fighting in the Civil War

When a big civil war, known as The Anarchy, started in 1139, Robert Marmion chose to support King Stephen. King Stephen sent him to defend Falaise Castle in Normandy. This castle was under attack from Empress Matilda's husband, Geoffrey of Anjou. Robert was described as a very "warlike man" who was incredibly bold, fierce, and clever. He successfully defended the castle, which made Geoffrey of Anjou so angry that he destroyed Robert's family castle at Fontenay in revenge.

The Battle for Coventry Castle

Later, Robert Marmion was called back to England. He was involved in attacking Coventry Castle, which was held by a powerful leader named Ranulf II, Earl of Chester. Robert took over the nearby St Mary's Priory, which was a church building. He forced the monks out and turned the stone buildings into a strong base for his attacks on the castle. He also had deep ditches dug in front of the priory to make it harder for his enemies to get close.

Around September 16, 1144, the Earl of Chester arrived with more soldiers to help defend the castle. Robert Marmion and his men went out to fight them. During the battle, Robert was thrown from his horse. He landed in one of the ditches he had ordered dug, breaking his thigh bone. This made him unable to move, and he was sadly killed by a soldier.

Robert Marmion was buried at Polesworth. Because he had taken over the church priory, he had been excommunicated (meaning he was no longer allowed to be part of the church). So, he was buried in ground that was not considered holy.

Family Life

Robert Marmion's wife was named Millicent. She was related to King Henry I's second wife, Adeliza of Louvain. Some records suggest that Millicent was the daughter of Gervais, Count of Rethel, who was the older brother of King Baldwin II of Jerusalem. After Robert died, Millicent married another man named Richard Camville.

Robert and Millicent had a son, also named Robert. This son passed away before October 1181. It is believed that this second Robert was the father of a third Robert, who died in 1218.