Walter Giffard, 1st Earl of Buckingham facts for kids

Walter Giffard, Lord of Longueville and 1st Earl of Buckingham (died 1102) was a very important noble from Normandy, a region in France. He was known as the Lord of Longueville and later became the first Earl of Buckingham in England. He held a lot of land and power in both countries.

Early Life and Family Connections

Walter Giffard was the son of another important person also named Walter Giffard, Lord of Longueville. His father was one of the few people proven to have fought alongside William the Conqueror at the famous Battle of Hastings in 1066. Walter's mother was Ermengarde, daughter of Gerald Flaitel.

Inheriting Vast Lands

After the Norman Conquest of England, Walter's father received many estates. He was given 107 different lordships, which are areas of land controlled by a lord. A large number of these, 48 to be exact, were in Buckinghamshire, England. Walter Giffard inherited all these lands by the year 1085. The main center of his power and land in England was at a place called Crendon in Buckinghamshire.

Power and Influence in England and Normandy

Walter Giffard owned an important castle in Longueville, Normandy. This castle had a great view overlooking the River Scie. He also had huge estates in Buckinghamshire, England. Because he held lands in both England and Normandy, he was a loyal follower, or "vassal," to two different rulers. These rulers were Robert Curthose, who was the Duke of Normandy, and William Rufus, who was the King of England.

Serving King William Rufus

King William Rufus wanted to make sure Walter Giffard was on his side. He bought Walter's loyalty, along with that of several other powerful nobles who owned land on both sides of the English Channel. King Rufus even made Walter Giffard's castles stronger. He placed his own knights in these castles. These knights could then cause trouble in northeastern Normandy, helping the king's plans. Walter Giffard also served King Rufus as a Justiciar of England. This was a very important job, like a chief judge or royal administrator. It was probably King Rufus who gave Walter the title of Earl of Buckingham in 1097.

Later Years and Legacy

In 1101, Walter Giffard joined Robert Curthose in an invasion of England. They were fighting against Henry I of England, who had become king. Walter Giffard died on July 15, 1102, in England. His body was taken back to Normandy. He was buried at St. Mary's Church in Longueville-sur-Scie. This church was at the main center of his Norman lands.

Walter Giffard was married to Agnes de Ribemont. She was the sister of Anselm de Ribemont. Walter's son, Walter Giffard, 2nd Earl of Buckingham, inherited his titles and lands.