Robert of Ropsley facts for kids
Robert of Ropsley was a brave knight who lived a long time ago. He was very close to King John of England. Robert was an important person in the king's household. This means he worked directly for the king and was often by his side.
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Robert of Ropsley: A Knight's Story
Robert of Ropsley came from a knightly family in Lincolnshire. This was a smaller family of knights. They were loyal to a powerful lord named William d'Albini of Bevoir. Being loyal meant they promised to support and fight for him.
Working for the King
Robert had many important jobs for King John. From 1204 to 1208, he was the constable of Bristol Castle. A constable was like the person in charge of a castle. They made sure it was safe and ran smoothly.
He also managed Kenilworth Castle from 1207 to 1210. This castle was very important. It controlled trade routes to Coventry. It was also a key place for the government in Warwickshire.
In 1207, Robert became an itinerant justice in Warwickshire. This meant he was a judge who traveled around. He helped solve legal problems in different areas.
From 1205 to 1209, Robert helped manage the Honour of Leicester. This was a large area of land and power. He shared this job with the archdeacon of Staffordshire. An archdeacon was a church official.
Later, from 1212 to 1215, Robert was the sheriff for both Warwickshire and Leicestershire. A sheriff was a very powerful official. They were in charge of law and order in a county. Because he had managed Leicestershire before, Robert likely had a lot of power there.
A Change of Sides
In 1215, Robert was chosen to represent King John. He traveled with Robert of Burgate to meet Otto of Brunswick. This shows how much King John trusted him.
Robert also witnessed 20 of King John's official documents called charters. This means he was often with the king. He was an important member of the king's court.
However, something big happened in 1215. Robert decided to join the barons who were fighting against King John. This was during the Second Barons' War. Even though he was close to the king, Robert switched sides.
He did this because some of his lands were near or belonged to rebel lords. For example, he held land from William d'Albini of Belvoir. He also had lands in the Honour of Richmond. These lords were part of the rebellion. King John sent Robert four letters. He offered Robert safe travel if he would come back. But Robert stayed with the rebels after 1215.
Important Lands He Held
Robert held lands from two main lords:
- From William d'Albini of Belvoir:
- Manor of Ropsley in Lincolnshire
- From The Barons of Richmond:
- Manor of Frampton in Lincolnshire
- Manor of Donington in Lincolnshire
Robert's Family
Robert of Ropsley married a woman named Mabel de Limsey. She was the daughter of Gerard de Limsey. Mabel was also the widow of Hugh Bardulf. It is believed that King John helped arrange this marriage. It was likely a reward for Robert's loyal service to the king.
