Roger de Beler facts for kids
,_Kirby_Bellars_Leicestershire.jpg)
Roger Beler was an important official in England during the 1300s. He worked closely with King Edward II and a powerful noble named Hugh le Despencer. Roger Beler was a Baron of the Exchequer, which meant he was a high-ranking judge and helped manage the country's money. Sadly, he was killed in 1326 by a group known as the Folville gang.
Contents
Roger Beler's Early Career
Roger Beler was involved in the political arguments of his time. At first, he supported the Earl of Lancaster during disagreements about Piers Gaveston, a friend of the King. In 1318, Roger was given a special pardon, meaning he was forgiven for any past actions.
Around the same time, Roger received land in Leicestershire as a reward for helping the King. He also took over important jobs as a manager and officer in a place called Stapleford.
Roger Beler Becomes a Judge
In 1322, Roger Beler became a Baron of the Exchequer. This was a very important job, like being a senior judge in charge of royal finances and legal cases.
He was often chosen for special groups called "commissions." These groups investigated serious problems. For example, Roger helped investigate people who had attacked and robbed the homes of Hugh le Despenser. He also looked into how sheriffs and other local officials were doing their jobs in places like Northamptonshire and Rutland.
Roger Beler was called to attend important meetings of Parliament in Westminster in 1324 and 1325. This shows how trusted and important he was to the King.
Roger Beler's Death
On January 29, 1326, Roger Beler was traveling from Kirkby to Leicester. He was killed in a valley near Rearsby. The person who killed him was his distant cousin, Eustace Folville. Roger Beler had previously threatened Eustace, which may have led to the attack.
A powerful lord named Roger la Zouch was said to have planned the murder. Some of his family members were also involved. This killing was not just a personal fight; it was likely connected to the growing unrest against King Edward II and Hugh le Despenser.
After the Murder
After the killing, Eustace Folville and his group ran away to Paris. Their lands and property in England were taken away by the King.
However, things changed quickly in England. In September 1326, Queen Isabella led an invasion against King Edward II. After the King's powerful friends were executed and Edward II gave up his throne in early 1327, Eustace Folville and his gang were pardoned. This meant they were forgiven for their crimes.
The Folville gang became quite well-known, even though they continued to act like outlaws and take justice into their own hands for many years.
Roger Beler's death was part of a bigger pattern of attacks on officials who supported King Edward II and Hugh le Despenser before the 1326 invasion. Other officials were also attacked during this time of political trouble.
Roger Beler was buried in the church of Saint Peter at Kirby. You can still see his stone statue there today, which shows him as a knight in armor.
Roger Beler's Family
Roger Beler's wife, Alicia, lived for almost 20 years after his death, passing away in 1344. Their son, also named Roger, was still a child when his father died. Because he was so young, the King became his guardian. Alicia was allowed to keep control of their family lands in Leicestershire until her son grew up.
Sources
- Close Rolls. Westminster: Parliament of England. 1224–1468.
- Fine Rolls. Westminster: Parliament of England. 1199–1461.
- Patent Rolls. Westminster: Parliament of England. 1232–1509.
- Parliamentary Writs Alphabetical Digest. II. London: Public Record Office. 1834.
