Savoyard knights in the service of Edward I facts for kids
Edward I, a king of England, had many close friends and helpers who came from a region called Savoy. This area is now part of France, Italy, and Switzerland. Savoy became connected to the English royal family when Edward I's parents, Henry III of England and Eleanor of Provence, got married in 1236. Eleanor's mother was from Savoy.
These Savoyard knights and nobles were very important to King Edward I. They helped him rule and fight. They were rewarded with important jobs, especially in Wales, which Edward I had recently conquered.
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Otto de Grandson: A King's Best Friend
In 1252, a young man named Otto de Grandson was introduced to the English court. He quickly became a childhood friend of Prince Edward, who would later become King Edward I. In 1268, both Edward and Otto became knights.
Otto even went with Edward on a long journey called the Ninth Crusade in 1271. He served bravely in a place called Acre. Some stories even say that Otto saved Edward's life by sucking poison from a wound after someone tried to hurt the prince! When they returned to England, Otto became Edward's trusted right-hand man. He also helped bring many other knights from Savoy to serve the English king.
Important Roles in Wales
After Edward I conquered Wales, he needed strong and loyal people to help him control the new lands. The Savoyard knights were perfect for these jobs. They became "household knights," meaning they were part of the king's personal team. They were given key positions in the castles and lands of Wales.
Sir Pierre de Champvent: A Trusted Advisor
Sir Pierre de Champvent was an important knight. He had served Edward's father, King Henry III. At first, he wasn't as important to Edward I, but he soon proved himself during the wars to conquer Wales. He became a trusted friend of the king.
Later, in the 1280s, he was the "Steward of the Household." This meant he managed the king's home and staff. He also helped the king by receiving requests from people who wanted to speak to the king. In 1292, he became the "Chamberlain of the Household," an even more important role. He was with the king when rebels trapped them in Conwy Castle in 1295. He also fought with the king in a war in Flanders in 1297.
Sir John de Bonvillars: Castle Builder
Sir John de Bonvillars was from a town near Grandson and was Otto de Grandson's brother-in-law. He was also a knight in King Edward I's household. From 1284 to 1287, he was Otto's helper in Wales, known as the "Deputy Welsh Justicier."
Sir John helped oversee the building of the famous Conwy Castle. He was also the first "Constable" of Harlech Castle from 1285 until he died in 1287. A Constable was like the manager and commander of a castle. He likely drowned during a battle at Dryslwyn Castle in South Wales.
Sir William de Cicon: Castle Commander
Sir William de Cicon came from a place called Vanclans. Otto de Grandson introduced him to King Edward's service. He arrived in England in 1276 with a message from Otto. He fought with the army in South Wales in 1277.
Sir William was the Constable of Rhuddlan Castle from 1282 to 1284. He was also the first Constable of Conwy Castle from the time it was built until he died around 1310. He was in charge of keeping these important castles safe.
Sir Gerard de St Laurent: First at Flint Castle
Sir Gerard de St Laurent was named after a place in Jura. He was with King Edward I and Otto de Grandson during the Crusade in Acre from 1271 to 1272. He was part of King Edward I's closest group of friends.
Sir Gerard was the first Constable of Flint Castle from 1277 to 1281. He died in 1282, possibly during a Welsh attack on the castle.
Sir Guillaume de Grandson: Otto's Brother
Sir Guillaume de Grandson was Otto de Grandson's brother. He also served the king and took over from Sir John de Bonvillars as the Deputy Justicier of Wales in 1288. He helped his brother Otto until 1295.
Sir Guillaume was in charge of making sure Caernarfon Castle was built correctly. He was called to Parliament many times and became known as Lord Grandison. He died in 1335.
Sir Stephen de Rognon: Knighted in Wales
Sir Stephen de Rognon was the brother of Sir William de Cicon. King Edward I made him a knight in Wales in 1284.
Key Roles of Savoyard Knights
The Savoyard knights, led by Otto de Grandson, held many important positions for King Edward I in Wales. They were:
- Justiciar of Wales (like a chief judge and governor)
- Deputy Justiciar of Wales (the assistant governor)
- Constable of Flint Castle
- Constable of Rhuddlan Castle
- Constable of Conwy Castle
- Constable of Harlech Castle
These knights were crucial in helping King Edward I control and manage his new lands in Wales. They were loyal friends and skilled leaders who played a big part in English history.
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