Robert fitz Martin facts for kids

Robert fitz Martin (born around 10?? – died about 1159) was a brave knight from Devon, England. His father, Martin de Turribus, was the first Norman Lord of Kemes. This was a special area in Wales. Robert took over the Lordship of Kemes from his father. He also started St Dogmaels Abbey around 1118. Robert was the first person in the FitzMartin family line. His family kept their lands in England and Wales for many years, until the 1300s.

Who Was Robert fitz Martin's Family?

Robert fitz Martin came from a noble family called Blois, originally from France. He was the great-grandson of Eudus II, a powerful Count. Robert was born in the late 1000s. His father was Martin de Turribus, a knight who fought for William the Conqueror. His mother was Geva de Burci.

Martin de Turribus helped take over lands in Wales. This happened after a Welsh leader, Rhys ap Tewdwr, fought against the English King William Rufus. Martin sailed from Devon and landed at Fishguard. He faced little fighting and became the Marcher Lord of Kemes. This area stretched between Fishguard and Cardigan.

Robert's mother, Geva de Burci, later married William de Falaise. They had two daughters, Emma and Sybil. Emma de Falaise married William de Courcy. This made Robert fitz Martin a brother-in-law to William de Courcy. William de Courcy was an important helper to King Henry I.

What Did Robert fitz Martin Do?

Robert inherited land from his mother's father, Serlo de Burci. These lands were in Somerset, Dorset, and Devon. Early in the reign of King Henry I, Robert became the Lord of Kemes, just like his father. He made Nevern his main base. Nevern Castle was built on a hill near the church.

Robert married Maud Peverell. Together, they founded St Dogmaels Abbey between 1115 and 1119. Maud was related to William Peverel the Younger. It seems they did not have any children.

Fighting in Wales

In 1134, Robert joined other Norman lords in South Wales. They fought against the sons of Gruffydd, a Welsh leader. Robert also supported the Empress Maud, who was trying to become queen of England.

During a big revolt in 1136–1137, much of Kemes was taken back by the Welsh. Richard Fitz Gilbert de Clare, another lord, was killed by Welsh fighters. This led to more fighting in Ceredigion. The sons of Gruffudd ap Cynan joined forces with Gruffydd ap Rhys of Deheubarth. They marched towards Cardigan.

At the Battle of Crug Mawr, outside Cardigan, Robert fitz Martin led the Norman forces. He was helped by the constable of Cardigan Castle and other lords. After fierce fighting, the Norman forces broke apart. Many tried to cross the River Teifi, but the bridge broke. Hundreds of men and horses drowned. The Welsh then took and burned the town of Cardigan. However, Robert fitz Martin successfully defended and held onto Cardigan Castle. It was the only castle the Normans kept in that area after the war.

Robert spent the years 1136–1141 serving the Empress Maud during a time of civil war called The Anarchy. He also served her son, Henry II. In 1155, King Henry II confirmed that Robert owned the lands he inherited from his grandfather.

Robert's Second Marriage and Family

By the time King Henry II was ruling, Robert's first wife, Maud, had died. Robert fitz Martin then married Alice de Nonant of Totnes (who died in 1194). They had three children:

• William - He married Angharad in 1159. She was the sister of Robert's former enemy, Gruffydd ap Rhys.
  • William - He married Avice De TORITON in 1195.
  • Nicholas - Born in 1193, died in 1242.
• Sybil - She married Warin de Morcells.
• Robert

Robert fitz Martin likely died around 1159. His wife Alice and their children survived him. His son, William, inherited the family lands. Through his marriage to Angharad, William got back the lost territory of Kemes. The FitzMartin family continued to own lands in England and Wales until the main family line ended in 1326. Other branches of the family still exist today.

Sources

• The Baronial Martins, Lionel Nex, Orphington, 1987.
• The Lords of Cemais, Dilwynn Miles, Haverfordwest, 1996.
• The Tribes of Galway, Adrian J. Martyn, Galway, 2001.
• De Courcy:Anglo-Normans in Ireland, England and France in the eleventh and twelfth centuries, Steve Flanders, Four Courts Press, 2009.
• Complete Peerage, Vol VIII, pp. 530–537
• Ancestral Roots of Certain Colonists, lines 63A, 71, 122.

Images for kids

• 

  Newport Castle seen from St Mary's Churchyard. These are the ruins of a castle started by William fitz Martin, Robert fitz Martin's son, in the late 1100s. The towers, gatehouse, and cellars from the original castle were later used in a private home.