Robert de Vaux, Sheriff of Cumberland facts for kids

Robert de Vaux, also known as Robert de Vallibus, was an important English noble in the 1100s. He was the Baron of Gilsland. Robert also served as the Sheriff of Cumberland in 1175 and 1176. He passed away around the year 1195.

Who Was Robert de Vaux?

Robert de Vaux was the oldest son of Hubert I de Vaux. Hubert was the Lord of Gilsland. Robert's mother was named Grace.

Robert took over from his father in 1165. King Henry II of England officially recognized him as the new Lord of Gilsland.

Founding a Priory

Around 1169, Robert started the Lanercost Priory. A priory was a type of monastery. It was a place where religious people, like monks or nuns, lived and prayed.

Serving the King

Robert had to pay a special tax called scutage. This tax was paid instead of joining the king's army. Robert paid it because he did not take part in King Henry II's invasion of Ireland.

In 1174, Robert became the Sheriff of Cumberland. A sheriff was a powerful official. They were in charge of keeping law and order in a county. Robert served as sheriff until 1183.

Defending Carlisle

In 1173 and 1174, King William I of Scotland tried to invade Cumberland. Robert helped defend the city of Carlisle against the Scottish army.

The Scottish king laid siege to Carlisle Castle. A siege is when an army surrounds a castle or city to try and capture it. After a second siege in 1174, Robert had to give up the castle.

Family and Successors

Robert de Vaux was the heir to his uncle Randolph. Randolph had no children, so Robert would inherit his lands.

Robert married a woman named Ada. She was the widow of Simon de Morville. Ada was also the daughter of William de Engaine. Robert and Ada had a son named William, but he died before his father.

Robert de Vaux passed away around 1195. Since his son had died, Robert's brother, Ranulf, became the next Baron of Gilsland.