Roger de Montgomery facts for kids

Roger de Montgomery (who died in 1094) was a very important person in England. He was also known as Roger the Great. He became the first Earl of Shrewsbury and Earl of Arundel. An Earl was a powerful noble who ruled a large area of land. Roger's family, the House of Montgomery, was well-known in Normandy. His great-aunt was Duchess Gunnor, who was married to Duke Richard I of Normandy. Duke Richard was the great-grandfather of William the Conqueror. Roger inherited many lands in Normandy from his father.

Roger's Life and Role

Roger took over his father's lands in 1055. He became one of William the Conqueror's main advisors. This was around January 1066, just before William invaded England. Roger played a big part in important meetings.

The Norman Conquest

Roger might not have fought in the first invasion of England in 1066. Some say he stayed in Normandy to help rule it. But another story says he led a part of the Norman army at the Battle of Hastings. After the battle, he went back to Normandy with King William.

Trusted by the King

Later, King William gave Roger important lands in England. These areas were key for defending the Kingdom of England. In 1083, Roger started Shrewsbury Abbey, which was a religious building.

Roger was one of the most powerful nobles in England. This was during William the Conqueror's time as king. He owned many lands across England. These included areas in Sussex, Shropshire, Surrey, Hampshire, Wiltshire, Middlesex, Gloucestershire, Worcestershire, Cambridgeshire, Warwickshire, and Staffordshire.

Roger's lands brought in a lot of money, about £2,000 each year. This was a huge amount back then. It was almost 3% of all the money made in England in 1086.

Rebellion and Loyalty

After King William I died in 1087, his son William II became king. Roger first joined other nobles who wanted to overthrow the new king. This was called the Rebellion of 1088. However, King William II convinced Roger to switch sides. This was a good choice for Roger. The rebels lost, and they lost their lands in England. Roger, however, kept his lands and power.

Roger's Family

Roger first married Mabel de Bellême. She was a powerful woman who owned a lot of land. This land was on the border between Normandy and Maine. Some old stories say Mabel was a very clever but sometimes cruel woman.

Mabel's Death

Mabel was killed in 1077. A man named Hugh Bunel and his brothers attacked her castle. They killed her while she was in bed. They did this because Mabel had taken their family's land.

Roger and Mabel had ten children together:

• Robert de Bellême: He became Count of Alençon. He later became the 3rd Earl of Shrewsbury.
• Hugh of Montgomery, 2nd Earl of Shrewsbury: He became the 2nd Earl of Shrewsbury. He died without having children.
• Roger the Poitevin: He was a powerful lord.
• Philip of Montgomery.
• Arnulf of Montgomery: He married Lafracota, the daughter of an Irish king.
• Sibyl of Montgomery: She married Robert Fitzhamon.
• Emma, abbess of Almenêches: She became an abbess, a leader in a religious community for women.
• Matilda (Maud) of Montgomery: She married Robert, Count of Mortain. He was a half-brother of William the Conqueror.
• Mabel of Montgomery: She married Hugh de Châteauneuf.
• Roger of Montgomery: He died when he was young.

Roger's Second Marriage

After Mabel died, Roger married Adelaide du Puiset. They had one son named Everard. Everard later joined the Church.

Dividing the Lands

After Roger's death, his lands were split between his sons. His oldest living son, Robert of Bellême, received most of the lands in Normandy. He also got his mother's lands. His next son, Hugh, received most of the English lands and the Earldom of Shrewsbury. When Hugh died, Robert inherited the Earldom of Shrewsbury as well.