Roger Bigod, 5th Earl of Norfolk facts for kids
Roger Bigod (born around 1245 – died before December 6, 1306) was an important English nobleman. He held the title of the 5th Earl of Norfolk. An Earl was a powerful leader in England during the Middle Ages, often owning large areas of land and serving the king.
Who Was Roger Bigod?
Roger Bigod was the son of Hugh Bigod, who was a "Justiciar." A Justiciar was a very important judge and royal official in medieval England. Roger became the 5th Earl of Norfolk in 1270. He inherited this title from his father's older brother, Roger Bigod, the 4th Earl.
Roger Bigod's Important Role
Roger Bigod is best known for a famous disagreement he had with King Edward I in 1297. The King wanted Bigod to go to France and fight against the French King in a place called Gascony. King Edward himself planned to go to Flanders.
Bigod argued that his land agreements meant he only had to fight overseas if the King was with him. King Edward was very angry and said, "By God, Earl, you shall either go or hang!" Bigod bravely replied, "By the same oath, O king, I will neither go nor hang!"
Roger Bigod won this argument. After King Edward left for France, Bigod and another nobleman, Humphrey de Bohun, 3rd Earl of Hereford, stopped the King from collecting a special tax for the war. They forced King Edward to agree to certain important laws, called "charters," in 1297 and again in 1301.
Bigod had served the King well before this event. For example, in 1282, he went to Wales to help the King. He also managed his lands in Ireland by letting trusted people, like Reginald Lyvet and William Cadel, act on his behalf. This helped English nobles keep control of their lands even when they were far away.
Family Life
Roger Bigod was married twice. His first wife was Aline Basset. She was the daughter of Sir Philip Basset. Roger and Aline did not have any children together.
His second wife was Alice of Hainault. She was the daughter of John II de Avenes, who was the Count of Hainaut. Roger and Alice also did not have any children.
Later Years and Succession
Because Roger Bigod was elderly and had no children, he gave his earldom back to the King in 1302. The King then gave it back to him, but with a special condition called "entail." This meant that if Roger died without children, the title would not go to his brother, John.
Roger Bigod passed away on December 6, 1306. Since he had no children, his title as Earl of Norfolk ended. His lands went back to the King. Later, these lands were given to Thomas of Brotherton, 1st Earl of Norfolk.
