Walter Giffard, Lord of Longueville facts for kids

Walter Gautier Giffard was a brave knight from Normandy, a region in France. He was an important supporter of William the Conqueror, who became King of England. Walter fought in many battles, including the famous Battle of Hastings in 1066. He was also known for fighting against the Saracens (a term for Muslims at the time) in Spain. He was one of the key people who helped William conquer England.

A Life of Adventure

Walter was related to William the Conqueror through his mother's side. This made him a trusted friend and ally of William.

Supporting William the Conqueror

From the 1040s, Walter was a loyal helper to William. He fought alongside William in important battles.

Battle of Mortemer

Walter was at the Battle of Mortemer. In this battle, the Normans surprised and defeated the French army. The French were attacking Normandy from the east. Most of the French soldiers were killed or captured while they slept. After this big loss, the French king quickly pulled his remaining forces out of Normandy.

Siege of Arques Castle

In 1054, Walter was in charge of a siege at Arques castle. This was against William of Talou, who had rebelled against William the Conqueror.

Fighting in Spain

Like many knights of his time, Walter also fought as a Christian knight in Spain. This was around 1064–1065. He fought against the Saracens, who were Muslims living in Spain.

The Siege of Barbastro

Walter earned his nickname le Barbastre during the Siege of Barbastro. This was a famous fight against the Moors (another term for Muslims in Spain) in 1064. It was approved by Pope Alexander II.

After this siege, Walter went on a pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela. This was a very important religious journey at the time. He was one of the first people from England to do this.

Preparing for the Conquest of England

By the time of the Norman Conquest, Walter had returned to Normandy. He brought a special gift for Duke William from the King of Spain: a magnificent war-horse. This was the same Spanish war-horse Duke William asked for on the morning of the Battle of Hastings. The Spanish king was probably Sancho Ramírez of Aragon. He was known for making friends and getting knights from Northern France.

The Council of Lillebonne

In early 1066, Duke William heard that Harold Godwinson had become king of England. William then called a meeting called the Council of Lillebonne. Walter Giffard was one of the six most important leaders at this meeting. William told them his plan to invade England and become king himself. They fully supported him.

Providing Ships for the Invasion

Walter was one of the Norman leaders who provided ships for William's invasion fleet. He gave thirty ships!

Battle of Hastings

Walter was offered the honor of carrying William's standard (a special flag) in the battle. But he politely said no. Even though he was an older warrior with white hair, he wanted both hands free to fight.

After William won the Battle of Hastings, Walter was rewarded. He was given the feudal barony of Long Crendon. This included 107 manors (large estates), with 48 of them in Buckinghamshire. The main center of his lands was at Long Crendon, Buckinghamshire.

The exact date of Walter's death is not known. But his son, Walter, took over his lands before 1085.

Family

Walter was married to Ermengarde, who was the daughter of Gerard Flaitel. Walter and Ermengarde had three children:

• Walter Giffard, 1st Earl of Buckingham
• William Giffard, who became the Bishop of Winchester
• Rohese Giffard (died after 1113), who married Richard fitz Gilbert