Robert de Thweng facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Robert de Thweng |
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|---|---|
| Knight | |
| Born | c. 1205 |
| Died | c. 1268 |
Robert de Thweng (born around 1205, died around 1268) was an English knight. He became famous for standing up against powerful church leaders in Yorkshire. He believed they were unfair, especially when foreign priests were given important jobs.
Contents
Robert de Thweng: A Rebel Knight
Early Life and a Family Dispute
Robert de Thweng became the owner of Kilton Castle in 1222. He gained the castle when he married Matilda. She was the niece of Sir William de Kylton. Matilda was also the widow of Richard de Autrey.
This marriage meant Robert inherited a problem. It was a disagreement with the Prior of Gisborough. This was about who had the right to choose the priest for the church in Kirkleatham. The Prior had tried to take control when Sir William was sick. Robert was very upset by this. He felt that foreign (Italian) priests were being forced into English churches.
Standing Up to the Church
Robert tried every official way to solve the problem. But when nothing worked, he decided to rebel. This happened around Easter in 1232. He started raiding church properties. He especially targeted those belonging to foreign churchmen.
He used the nickname "Will Wither," which means "William the Angry." Robert took what he found and gave it to poor people. Because of his actions, the Pope's special representative in England, Cardinal Otto, removed him from the church. This is called excommunication.
Powerful Friends and a Royal Meeting
Robert de Thweng had support from many powerful families in the north of England. These included the Percy, Neville, Fitz-Randolph, de Vesci, de Maulay, de Menyll, de Roos, and de Brus families.
He even presented his case to Henry III of England, the King. Instead of punishing Robert, the King gave him letters of recommendation. Robert took these letters to Pope Gregory IX. The Pope actually agreed with Robert! This decision brought an end to the "Will Wither" rebellion. Some historians believe that Richard of Cornwall, the King's brother, helped Robert a lot in this case.
Later Adventures
In 1240, Robert went on a Crusade with Richard of Cornwall. A Crusade was a religious journey, often a military one, to the Holy Land. However, Robert probably never reached The Holy Land. He was sent as a messenger to Frederick II, the Holy Roman Emperor, instead.
In 1244, Robert was accused of attacking the Archbishop of York, Walter de Gray. His lands were taken away for a time, but they were later given back to him.
What happened to Robert later in his life is not fully clear. He might have been alive during the Second Barons' War. This was a big conflict in England. One story says he supported King Henry. However, there is also evidence that he might have died by 1257. Around that time, his son Marmaduke seemed to be in charge of the main Thweng family lands.
