Walchelin de Ferriers facts for kids
Walchelin de Ferrieres (who also went by Walkelin de Ferrers) was an important leader and soldier from the Anglo-Norman times. He was a main captain for King Richard I of England, also known as Richard the Lionheart. Walchelin died in the year 1201. His family name, "de Ferrieres," comes from a Latin word meaning "from the smiths" or "ironworkers."
Contents
Walchelin's Family History
Where the Family Came From
The de Ferriers family started in a place called Ferrières-Saint-Hilaire in Normandy. This area was important because it helped protect Normandy from other powerful regions like Maine and Anjou. However, after 1144, when Normandy and Anjou joined together under Geoffrey V Plantagenet, this land became less important for defense.
Walchelin's Family and Lands
Walchelin was the son of Henry de Ferrieres. His family was related to Robert de Ferrers, 1st Earl of Derby. Walchelin, like his father, controlled the castles of Ferrières-Saint-Hilaire and Chambray in Normandy. He held these lands by providing five knights for military service.
In England, Walchelin owned important estates called Oakham in Rutland and Lechlade in Gloucestershire. We know he had these lands since at least 1172.
The Horse-Shoe Symbol
The de Ferriers family used a horse-shoe as their special symbol. This was a clever play on words! The Latin word ferrarius means "worker in iron," like a blacksmith or farrier who works with horse-shoes.
Because of this, there's a tradition at Oakham Castle today. When important people visit, they leave a ceremonial horse-shoe on the walls of the great hall. This custom honors the de Ferrers family. Later, when family symbols became more common, different branches of the Ferrers family added horse-shoes to their coats of arms.
Walchelin's Adventures and Service
Fighting in the Crusades
Walchelin was a brave soldier who served King Richard I during the Third Crusade. His son, Henry, also fought alongside him. Walchelin stayed with the King in Sicily and was one of his trusted advisors.
Walchelin and his knights arrived at Saint-Jean d'Acre between April and June 1191. Sadly, Walchelin's second cousin, William de Ferrers, 3rd Earl of Derby, had died there earlier during the Siege of Acre.
The Battle of Arsuf
After the siege of Acre ended, King Richard and his allies marched south. They were heading to the city of Jaffa. Along the way, there were many small fights between the crusaders and the army of Saladin.
On September 7, 1191, a huge battle took place at battle of Arsuf. King Richard chose Walchelin to be a commander of one of his best groups of knights. This shows how much the King trusted Walchelin's leadership.
Imprisonment and Release
Later, in 1194, King Richard was captured and held for ransom in Germany. Walchelin showed his loyalty by bringing money from Normandy to help pay the ransom. He even offered himself as a hostage to the Emperor Henry VI.
Walchelin was held captive until about 1197. While he was in prison, his sons, Henry and Hugh, managed his lands and properties. Before Walchelin died, his younger son, Hugh, was given control of the manor of Lechlade.
Walchelin's Death and What Happened Next
Walchelin died in 1201, and his son, Henry, took over his lands and titles. Henry first supported King John of England against King Philip II of France. However, in December 1203, King John left Normandy for good.
At that point, Henry swore loyalty to King Philip for his lands in Normandy. Walchelin's other son, Hugh, left England. The care of the lands of Lechlade and Oakham then went to Walchelin's daughter, Isabella. She was married to Roger de Mortimer. After Isabella died, these lands went back to the English crown.
