Robert de Beaumont, 3rd Earl of Leicester facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Robert de Beaumont, 3rd Earl of Leicester
|
|
|---|---|
.svg) |
|
| Earl of Leicester | |
| Monarch | Henry II and Richard I |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1121 Leicester, Leicestershire, England |
| Died | 1190 Dyrrachium on the Third Crusade |
| Spouses | Petronilla de Grandmesnil, Countess of Leicester |
| Children |
|
| Parents |
|
Robert de Beaumont, 3rd Earl of Leicester (born 1121, died 1190) was an important English noble. He was known for being a strong supporter of Henry the Young King. This young king rebelled against his own father, King Henry II, in a big conflict called the Revolt of 1173–1174. Robert was also known as Robert Blanchemains, which means "White Hands" in French.
Contents
Early Life and Family Background
Robert was the son of Amicia de Gael and Robert de Beaumont, 2nd Earl of Leicester. His father was a very loyal supporter of King Henry II. From his father, Robert inherited many large estates. These lands were located in both England and a region in France called Normandy.
Robert's Role in the Great Revolt
In April 1173, a major rebellion started. This was when Henry the Young King rose up against his father, King Henry II. Robert de Beaumont joined the young king's side. He went to his castle at Breteuil in Normandy. The rebels wanted to take control of Normandy.
However, King Henry II quickly led his own army to attack Breteuil castle. Robert had to escape, and the king's forces captured Breteuil on September 25 or 26.
Raising an Army and Battle
After escaping, Robert went to Flanders, a region now part of Belgium. There, he gathered a large group of paid soldiers, known as mercenaries. On September 29, 1173, Robert and his army landed in England at Walton, Suffolk.
He then joined forces with another powerful noble, Hugh Bigod, 1st Earl of Norfolk. Together, they planned to march across England. Their goal was to divide the country and help Robert's castle at Leicester, which King Henry II's army was attacking.
But the king's supporters stopped them. On October 17, they were defeated at the Battle of Fornham. This battle took place near Bury St Edmunds. Robert, his wife, and many others were captured. King Henry II then took away all of Robert's lands and titles.
Life After Capture
Robert remained a prisoner for a long time, until January 1177. Most other prisoners had already been set free. King Henry II was in a very strong position. He decided to be kind to Robert.
Soon after his release, Robert got his lands and titles back. However, he did not get his castles. Most of his castles had been destroyed on purpose by the king's orders. This was a way to make sure they couldn't be used against him again. Only two of Robert's castles, Montsorrel in Leicestershire and Pacy in Normandy, were not destroyed, but they stayed under the king's control.
Later Years and the Crusade
For the rest of King Henry II's rule, Robert did not have much power. But when King Richard I became king, Robert was back in favor. He even carried one of the special swords during Richard's coronation ceremony in 1189.
In 1190, Robert joined the Third Crusade. This was a big journey to Palestine to fight in the Holy Land. Sadly, on his way back from the crusade, Robert died at a place called Dyrrachium.
Family Life
Robert married a woman named Petronilla. She was the daughter of William de Grandmesnil. Petronilla eventually inherited important English lands.
Robert and Petronilla had five children:
- Robert: He became the next Earl of Leicester after his father.
- Roger: He became the Bishop of St Andrews in 1189.
- William: He might be an ancestor of the House of Hamilton family.
- Amicia: She married Simon de Montfort (died 1188). Their son, also named Simon, later became Earl of Leicester.
- Margaret: She married Saer de Quincy, who later became the first Earl of Winchester.
