Walter of Douai facts for kids
Walter of Douai (born around 1046, died around 1107) was a important Norman knight. He likely fought in the famous Battle of Hastings. After the Norman Conquest of England, he became a very rich landowner in South West England. He was known as the feudal baron of Bampton in Devon and of Castle Cary in Somerset. People sometimes called him Walter de Douai, Walschin de Douai, or even Walter the Fleming.
Who Was Walter of Douai's Family?
Walter was the son of Urso of Douai. At that time, Douai was a land controlled by the counts of Flanders. Today, it's a town in northern France. It's located on the Scarpe River, not far from the cities of Lille and Arras.
Walter married a woman named Emma (or Eddeva) from Devon. They might have had two children: Richilde de Douai and Ralph Lovel. Walter also had a second wife. His son Robert later built Bampton Castle in Devon.
Walter's Role in the Norman Conquest
Walter probably took part in the Battle of Hastings in 1066. This was a huge battle that changed England forever. Even though we don't have exact proof, it's very likely he was there.
After the Normans won, William the Conqueror gave his half-brother, Robert of Mortain, the job of taking over the southwest of England. Robert expected a tough fight. He marched west into Somerset, and Walter of Douai helped him by coming from the north. Another Norman leader, William de Moyon, arrived by sea along the coast.
What Happened After the Conquest?
After the Normans defeated the Saxons in 1066, they built many castles in places like Somerset. New Norman lords, such as William de Moyon and Walter of Douai, were given large areas of land, called manors, by William the Conqueror.
Walter of Douai became the feudal baron of Bampton in Devon and of Castle Cary in Somerset. This meant he controlled these lands and the people living on them.
The land where the town of Bridgwater now stands was given to Walter of Douai. Because of this, the town was first known as Burgh-Walter, then Brugg-Walter, and Brigg-Walter. Eventually, it became known as Bridgwater. Some people think the name means "Walter's Bridge."
In the Domesday Book of 1086, which was a big survey of England, Walter was listed as owning land in many places in Somerset, including Worle, Weare, Sparkford, and Bratton Seymour.
He also owned many other lands in Somerset and Devon. These included Allerton, Alstone, Alston Sutton, Ansford, Badgworth, Bathealton, Bawdrip, Bradney, Brean, Burnham on Sea, Chilcompton, Crook, Dunwear, Horsey, Huntspill, Pawlett, Stretcholt, Tarnock, Walpole, Watchet, Wembdon, Wincanton, Berrynarbor, Coleridge (Stokenham), Combe Raleigh, Dipford, Dunsford, Goodrington, Greenway, Kerswell (Hockworthy), Knowstone, Little Rackenford, Luppitt, Mohuns Ottery, Shapcombe, Spurway, Stoke Fleming, Townstal, Uffculme, Woodcombe, and Holacombe. Many of these lands were rented out to other people.
Cary Castle, which was a type of castle called a motte and bailey castle, was built either by Walter of Douai himself or by his son Robert. Robert also built Bampton Castle in Devon. Walter also owned the land where Cockroad Wood Castle was built.
