Robert de Beaumont, 4th Earl of Leicester facts for kids
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Robert de Beaumont, 4th Earl of Leicester (died around 21 October 1204) was an English nobleman. He was the last person from the Beaumont family to hold the title of Earl of Leicester. Sometimes, he was also called Robert FitzPernel. His family name, de Bellomonte, means "from the beautiful mountain" in Latin.
Life of Robert de Beaumont
Robert was the oldest living son of Robert de Beaumont, 3rd Earl of Leicester. His mother was Petronilla de Grandmesnil, Countess of Leicester. Robert's older brother had passed away in 1189. This meant Robert would inherit his father's important title and lands.
Joining the Third Crusade
As a young man, Robert went with King Richard I of England on the Third Crusade. This was a big journey to the Holy Land. While they were resting in Messina, Sicily, Robert officially became the Earl of Leicester. This happened on 2 February 1191, after his father died in 1190. His father was also on his way to the Holy Land when he passed away.
Defending Normandy
When Robert returned from the crusade, he focused on protecting his lands in Normandy. Normandy is a region in France. He had castles there, including Pacy and Pont-Saint-Pierre. He also controlled a large area called the honour of Breteuil. However, the castle there had been taken apart after a war in 1173-1174.
Robert helped defend the city of Rouen from attacks by King Philip II of France. After this, he tried to get his castle of Pacy back. But the French king's forces captured him. Robert was held prisoner for three years. Later, King John gave Robert a new fortress and lands at Radepont.
Family and Legacy
After his release in 1196, Robert married Loretta de Braose. She was the daughter of William de Braose, 4th Lord of Bramber. Robert and Loretta did not have any children. When Robert died in 1204, the Beaumont family line of earls ended.
In the same year Robert died, Normandy was lost to the French. Robert had tried to make a special deal with King Philip of France. He wanted to keep his lands in Normandy as a loyal supporter of the French king. At the same time, he wanted to keep his English lands as a loyal supporter of the English king.
Robert passed away on 20 or 21 October 1204. His large English estates were then divided between the children of his two sisters. His older sister, Amice, had married a French nobleman named Simon de Montfort. Their son, also named Simon de Montfort, received half of the estates and the title of Earl of Leicester. Robert's younger sister, Margaret, had married Saer de Quincy. They inherited the other half of the estates. Three years later, Saer was given the title of Earl of Winchester.
