Staller (title) facts for kids
A Staller was an important official in Anglo-Saxon England during the 11th century. This title was used for people who worked closely with the king. However, it stopped being used around the 1070s.
Nobody is completely sure where the word "Staller" came from or what it meant exactly. One idea is that it came from a Latin phrase, comes stabuli, which means "Count of the Stable." This was a title used in the Byzantine Empire and later by the Franks (people from a powerful kingdom in Europe).
Another idea is that "Staller" came from the Old English word steall, which means "seat." This might refer to a special seat in the king's hall. Having such a seat was a privilege given to a thegn (pronounced "thane"), who was a loyal helper or soldier for the king. But neither of these ideas has been fully proven.
It seems that "Staller" was just another name for a job that already existed. The first time we know of the title being used in England was by Edward the Confessor, who was King of England from 1042 to 1066. He gave the title to important people in his personal group of helpers.
The jobs of these Stallers seemed to change depending on what was needed. For example, on an old official document from 1065, some Stallers like Ansgar, Bondi, Robert FitzWimarc, and Ralph were called "Royal stewards." This means they helped manage the king's household and lands.
Who Were the Anglo-Saxon Stallers?
Many important people held the title of Staller. They were often powerful figures in the king's court. Here are some of the known Stallers:
- Ansgar the Staller (active from 1044 to 1066)
- Bondi the staller (active in 1065)
- Eadnoth the Constable (died in 1068), also known as Eadnoth the Staller
- Osgod Clapa, who was important in London
- Ralph the Staller (lived from 1011 to 1068)
- Robert FitzWimarc (died before 1075), also known as Robert the Staller
- Tovi the Proud (active from 1018 to 1043)
