Roger de Mowbray (died 1188) facts for kids

Sir Roger de Mowbray (born around 1120, died 1188) was a powerful Anglo-Norman nobleman. He owned a lot of land in England. Roger supported King Stephen and was even captured with him during a battle in 1141. Later, he rebelled against King Henry II. Roger also helped start many religious places in Yorkshire. He went on two Crusades to the Holy Land, where he was captured and later died.

Roger's Early Life and Family

Roger was the son of Nigel d'Aubigny and his second wife, Gundreda de Gournay.

When his father died in 1129, Roger was still a child. He became a "ward of the crown," meaning the king looked after his lands until he was old enough.

Roger lived at Thirsk with his mother. In 1138, when he became an adult, he took control of the lands his father had received from King Henry I. These lands included areas in Normandy, like Montbray, which is where he got his family name, Mowbray. He also owned large areas in Yorkshire and around Melton.

Roger's Time with King Stephen

Soon after becoming an adult in 1138, Roger fought in the Battle of the Standard. This battle was against the Scots. People at the time said he fought very bravely.

Roger was known as a strong and skilled fighter. However, he often ended up on the losing side in battles. During the time known as "The Anarchy," when England had a lot of fighting, Roger was captured with King Stephen at the Battle of Lincoln in 1141.

After he was released, Roger married Alice de Gant. They had two sons, Nigel and Robert. Roger also had at least one daughter. He gave some of his land to a church in Caen when she became a nun there.

In 1147, Roger was one of the few English nobles to join Louis VII of France on the Second Crusade. This was a journey to the Holy Land. People said he gained more fame there by defeating a Muslim leader in a one-on-one fight.

Roger's Time with King Henry II

Roger supported a rebellion against King Henry II in 1173–74. He fought alongside his sons, Nigel and Robert. However, they were defeated in several places, including Kinardferry and Thirsk.

Roger went to the Holy Land again in 1186. Sadly, he was captured at the Battle of Hattin in 1187. The Knights Templar, a group of warrior monks, paid a large sum of money to free him. But Roger died soon after. Some stories say he was buried in Tyre in Palestine. However, there is some debate about exactly where he died and was buried.

Roger's Lasting Impact

Roger de Mowbray was a very generous supporter of several religious groups in Yorkshire. He helped places like Fountains Abbey. In 1138, he and his mother gave shelter to monks who were running from the Scots. He then helped them start Byland Abbey in 1143. Later, in 1147, he helped them move to Coxwold.

After returning from the Crusades in 1150, Roger gave a large gift of land and buildings to the Order of Saint Lazarus. This order helped people with illnesses. Roger's cousin, William d'Aubigny, 1st Earl of Arundel, and his wife, Adeliza of Louvain, had also supported this order. This, along with Roger's experiences in the Holy Land, likely encouraged his generosity. His family continued to support the Order for many years. The Mowbray family's lion symbol was even used by the hospital.

Roger also supported the Knights Templar. He gave them land in Warwickshire, where they built a place called Temple Balsall.

In total, Roger is known for helping to establish thirty-five churches.

The House of Mowbray family line continued through Roger's son Nigel. Nigel died during a Crusade in 1191. His descendants became important noblemen known as Barons Mowbray.

See also

• House of Mowbray