Robert of Thurnham facts for kids

Robert of Thurnham (also known as Thornham or Turnham) was an important English soldier and leader who lived a long time ago, dying in 1211. He was named after his father, who owned land. Robert was the younger brother of Stephen of Thurnham.

Robert became famous during the Third Crusade in 1191. This was a big journey where Christian knights from Europe traveled to the Middle East.

Robert's Adventures with King Richard I

Robert first gained fame during the capture of Cyprus in 1191. This happened while the Crusaders were on their way to the Holy Land.

Taking Control of Cyprus

King Richard I (also known as Richard the Lionheart) ordered Robert to lead half of the ships in the battle for Cyprus. After the island was taken, Robert was put in charge of controlling it. At first, he shared this job with another leader, Richard de Camville. Later, he was in charge by himself. He even stopped a group of people from Cyprus who were rebelling.

Serving King Richard

After leaving Cyprus, Robert became very close to King Richard I. He was like a trusted helper to the king. He even carried Richard's equipment from the Holy Land back to England.

In 1192, King Richard was captured in Vienna. To be set free, Richard had to offer people as "pledges" to make sure a large payment (ransom) would be paid. Robert was one of these hostages. Luckily, he wasn't held for long. He was back with King Richard by 1194.

Important Jobs in France

Robert was given important jobs by King Richard. He became the Seneschal of Anjou, which meant he was a chief officer in a region of France called Anjou. He worked with King Richard in France, mostly in Anjou and Normandy, for the rest of Richard's time as king. Around the same time, he was also made the High Sheriff of Surrey in England. However, he didn't return to England until after King Richard died.

In 1196, Robert led soldiers into Brittany for King Richard. They tried to capture a young boy named Arthur, who was the Duke of Brittany. Arthur's mother, Constance, didn't want King Richard to control her land. But Robert's mission to capture Arthur was not successful.

Robert's Marriage

In 1197, King Richard arranged for Robert to marry a woman named Isabella Fossard. She was the daughter of a powerful baron (a type of lord) from Yorkshire named William Fossard. When Robert married Isabella, he gained a lot of land and power. This included Mulgrave Castle and many other properties.

After King Richard's Death

Robert was not with King Richard when he died in 1199 during a siege (a military attack on a castle). After Richard's death, Robert became an important person for sharing information about what the king had done.

Serving King John

After King Richard died, his brother John became the new king. Robert officially handed over Chinon castle to King John. Robert traveled with King John in France and England for several years.

In 1201, Robert was given another very important job. He became the Seneschal of Poitou and also the Lieutenant of Gascony. These were regions in France. Robert was the first Englishman ever to hold these positions.

Challenges and Later Years

For the next few years, Robert faced many problems. He had to deal with conflicts against the French and also with rebellious barons in Poitou. Because of these troubles, he focused his efforts on the northern parts of his territory.

In 1203, he tried to take back the city of Angers from the French. He caused some damage to the city, but he was captured and didn't succeed. He was set free in 1205 after a payment was made. He continued to serve King John and traveled with him during a military campaign in 1206.

From 1205 to 1207, Robert focused on his role as High Sheriff of Surrey in England. He returned to France in 1207, but he was no longer the Seneschal of Poitou, as someone else had that job.

Robert of Thurnham died on April 26, 1211. The Bishop of Winchester was with him when he passed away.

Robert's Family

Robert's only child and heir was his daughter, Isabella. She married a man named Peter de Maulay in 1214.

Sources

• Tranchant Marie (2020). "Une stratégie au service de la réussite : Robert de Thurnham, un officier anglais en Aquitaine (1189-1211)". Annales de Bretagne et des pays de l'Ouest, 2020/4, 127–4, pp. 35–51. doi: 10.4000/abpo.6461 .