Roger Bigod, 2nd Earl of Norfolk facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Roger Bigod, 2nd Earl of Norfolk |
|
|---|---|
| Arms adopted by Roger Bigod, 2nd Earl of Norfolk, at the start of the Age of Heraldry c. 1200–1215 (dropped after 1269 by Roger Bigod, 5th Earl of Norfolk): Or, a cross gules | |
| Spouse(s) | Ida de Tosny |
| Issue | |
|
|
| Noble family | Bigod family |
| Father | Hugh Bigod, 1st Earl of Norfolk |
| Mother | Juliana de Vere |
| Born | c. 1144/1150 |
| Died | 1221 |
Roger Bigod lived from about 1144/1150 to 1221. He was the son of Hugh Bigod, the first Earl of Norfolk, and Juliana de Vere. Even though his father died in 1176 or 1177, Roger didn't become the Earl of Norfolk until 1189. His stepmother had argued that her own sons should get the title instead. This happened during the time of King Henry II.
King Richard I, also known as Richard the Lionheart, confirmed Roger's title as Earl. He also sent Roger to France as an ambassador, which means a representative for the king. Roger also took over his father's job as a royal steward, helping manage the king's household. He helped negotiate for King Richard's release when the king was held prisoner. After the king returned, Roger became a justiciar, a high-ranking judge or royal officer.
Contents
Roger Bigod's Loyalty and Battles
During a big fight called the Revolt of 1173–74, Roger stayed loyal to the king. This was different from his father, who joined the king's rebellious sons. Roger fought in the Battle of Fornham on October 17, 1173. In this battle, the king's army defeated a rebel group led by the Earl of Leicester.
Roger Bigod and Magna Carta
For most of King John's rule, Roger Bigod was often with the king. He also helped the king with important royal tasks. However, Roger later became one of the main leaders of a group of powerful nobles. These nobles made King John agree to the Magna Carta. This was a very important document that limited the king's power.
Roger's name, along with his son Hugh II, is on the list of 25 barons. These barons were chosen to make sure the king followed the rules of the Magna Carta. Because of this, the Pope removed Roger and his son from the church in December 1215.
In 1216, King John marched to East Anglia with an army of hired soldiers. He then attacked Roger's home, Framlingham Castle. Roger was away at the time. The castle had many knights and soldiers ready to defend it. But the castle gave up after only two days. This was likely a smart move to avoid a long, damaging fight.
Roger got his castle back in 1217. He made peace with the people who were ruling for King John's young son, Henry III. After this, Roger seemed to step back from public life. He passed away in 1221. His family's lands and power were safe, and he was seen as a respected person.
Roger Bigod's Family Life
Around Christmas in 1181, Roger married a woman named Ida. She is believed to be Ida de Tosny. They had several children together, including:
- Hugh Bigod, 3rd Earl of Norfolk: He married Maud, a daughter of William Marshal, in 1206 or 1207.
- William Bigod
- Ralph Bigod
- Roger Bigod
- Margery: She married William de Hastings.
- Mary Bigod: She married Ralph fitz Robert.
Some historians think Roger and Ida also had a third daughter named Alice. They believe she married Aubrey de Vere IV, the Earl of Oxford.
Roger Bigod in Stories
Roger Bigod and his wife Ida De Tosny are the main characters in a book by Elizabeth Chadwick. It's called The Time of Singing (2008), and in the USA it's known as For the King's Favor. They also appear as smaller characters in her other books set around the same time. One of these is To Defy a King, which is about their son Hugh marrying Maud Marshal. Roger Bigod also appears as a character in the play King John by William Shakespeare.
