William Bardolf (baron) facts for kids

William Bardolf (died before January 5, 1276) was an important English landowner, a helper to the king, and a soldier. He lived a long time ago, in the 1200s.

Who Was William Bardolf?

William Bardolf was born around 1206. His father was Doun Bardolf, who owned land in a place called Shelford in Nottinghamshire. His mother was Beatrice Warenne. She inherited land in Wormegay, Norfolk, from her father, William Warenne, who was a judge.

After William was born, his father passed away. His mother, Beatrice, married two more times. Her third husband was a very famous person named Hubert de Burgh.

William's Work and Adventures

Even though William was the rightful heir to his mother's lands from 1215, he couldn't fully control them until 1243, after his stepfather, Hubert de Burgh, died.

William spent many years working for King Henry III of England.

• In 1230, he went with the King to France.
• In 1242, he led a group of soldiers to Lundy Island. They captured a pirate named William de Marisco and his gang.
• He also helped the King in military campaigns in Wales and Scotland in 1242.
• In 1255, he traveled with Queen Eleanor to France.

Because of his loyal service, the King gave William many good things. He received money and special rights, like being able to hunt freely on his land. He also got permission to hold markets and fairs in his towns, which helped them grow. The King even gave him good deals on any money he owed.

Joining the Barons

In 1258, there was a big political problem in England. William Bardolf decided to join a group of powerful nobles, called barons, who were unhappy with the King.

• At a special meeting called the Parliament of Oxford, William was chosen as one of 12 barons to help make changes to the country.
• He became the Constable (like a manager) of Nottingham Castle.
• In 1259, he was part of another important committee in Parliament.
• By 1261, he was using his influence in Norfolk to make it difficult for the King's local official (the sheriff) to do his job.

Switching Sides in War

In 1263, the King and the barons agreed to let King Louis IX of France help them settle their disagreements. William was one of the people who promised to follow this agreement, known as the Mise of Amiens.

However, a war called the Second Barons' War started in 1264.

• At first, William was with the barons. But after they lost a battle at Northampton, he switched to the King's side.
• He then fought for the King at the Battle of Lewes.
• But the King's side lost this battle, and William was captured by the very barons he had just left!

After the war ended peacefully in 1267, William didn't get many special rewards from the King, even though he had fought for him.

William Bardolf passed away shortly before January 5, 1276. His son took over his lands and titles.

William's Family

By 1230, William Bardolf was married to a woman named Nichola. We don't know her last name. They had at least one child, a son also named William Bardolf (who died in 1289). This younger William married Juliana Gournay. Their son, Hugh Bardolf, later became the first Baron Bardolf in 1299, which was a very important title.