Walter de Beauchamp (justice) facts for kids
Walter II de Beauchamp (born around 1192 or 1193, died 1236) was an important person from Elmley Castle in Worcestershire, England. He held a special job called the hereditary Sheriff of Worcestershire. This meant his family had been the sheriffs for a long time, and he inherited the role.
Contents
Who Was Walter's Family?
Walter was the second son of William II de Beauchamp. William was also the hereditary Sheriff of Worcestershire and was in charge of Worcester Castle. Walter's father died when Walter was only about five years old.
Early Family History
Walter's great-grandfather was Walter I de Beauchamp, who lived at Elmley Castle. He was also a hereditary Sheriff of Worcestershire. Walter I married Emmeline d'Abetot. Her father, Urse d'Abetot, was a powerful baron and Sheriff of Worcestershire around 1069. Walter I de Beauchamp inherited land and titles from Emmeline's family, including Elmley Castle.
Walter's Important Role
Walter's older brother, William, passed away before 1211. This meant Walter became the main heir when he was about 19 years old. In 1212, before he turned 21 (which was considered an adult age back then), he married Johanna Mortimer. She was the daughter of Roger Mortimer, who was looking after Walter's affairs at the time.
By 1214, Walter was officially in charge of his family's lands and titles. On August 19, 1215, he took over his father's job as the hereditary Sheriff of Worcestershire. However, he lost this job in May 1216. This happened because he joined a group of rebels against King John, along with nineteen of his knights.
Walter soon changed his mind and returned to support King John in August 1216. Because of this, he got his lands back. Walter was also present as a witness when the famous Magna Carta was re-issued on November 11, 1216.
In March 1217, King Henry III gave Walter back his roles as Sheriff and as the person in charge of the castle. He also became the Keeper of the Royal Forests in Worcestershire. Walter witnessed the re-issue of Magna Carta again on February 11, 1225.
Walter's Marriages and Children
Walter married two times:
- His first marriage was in 1212, when he was 20 years old. He married Joan Mortimer (who died in 1225). She was the daughter of Roger Mortimer. Walter and Joan had children, including:
- William (III) de Beauchamp (1215-1269). He was Walter's oldest son and inherited his titles. William married Isabel de Mauduit. Their son was William de Beauchamp, 9th Earl of Warwick, who became a very important Earl.
- Walter's second marriage was in 1225 or later. He married a woman named Angaret (who died between 1280 and 1283). Her family background is not known.
Walter's Death
Walter passed away on April 11, 1236.
