William FitzOsbern, 1st Earl of Hereford facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Earl of Hereford
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Coat of arms of William FitzOsbern
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| Born | c. 1011 |
| Died | 22 February 1071 (aged 60–61) |
| Cause of death | War |
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| Spouse(s) | Adeliza de Tosny |
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| Parent(s) | Osbern the Steward and Emma of Ivry |
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William FitzOsbern (born around 1011, died 1071) was a very important person in early Norman England. He was a close friend and advisor to William the Conqueror, who became King of England. William FitzOsbern was made the first Earl of Hereford in 1067. This was one of the very first special titles given out in England. He was also one of the few people known for sure to have fought alongside William at the famous Battle of Hastings in 1066. His main home was Carisbrooke Castle on the Isle of Wight, which was one of many castles he helped build.
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Who Was William FitzOsbern?
William FitzOsbern was the son of Osbern the Steward. His father was a nephew of Duchess Gunnor, who was married to Duke Richard I of Normandy. Osbern the Steward worked for his cousin, Duke Robert I of Normandy. When Duke Robert passed away, his young son William became the new Duke. Osbern then became one of Duke William's guardians.
William FitzOsbern's mother was Emma of Ivry. She was the daughter of Count Rodulf of Ivry. Count Rodulf was the half-brother of Duke Richard I of Normandy. Through his mother, William inherited a lot of land in central Normandy. This included important areas like Pacy and Breteuil.
Early Life and Career
William FitzOsbern likely grew up at the court of his cousin, William, Duke of Normandy. Just like his father, he became one of the Duke's stewards. A steward was a person who managed the Duke's household and lands.
Around 1030, William FitzOsbern married Adeliza de Tosny. Together, they started several important religious places. They founded Lyre Abbey (La Vieille-Lyre) and later Cormeilles Abbey. FitzOsbern also founded Saint-Evroul Abbey. These abbeys were like large monasteries.
William FitzOsbern was one of the first and strongest supporters of invading England. It is said that at a meeting called the Council of Lillebonne, he helped convince other Norman nobles. He showed them that invading England was possible. His younger brother, Osbern FitzOsbern, was a chaplain for King Edward the Confessor in England. He had a rich church in Sussex. This brother was in a good position to share important information about England. He later became the Bishop of Exeter.
Life in England After 1066
After William became King of England, FitzOsbern was given the title of earl. He received large amounts of land in places like Gloucestershire, Herefordshire, Oxfordshire, and the Isle of Wight. He also had smaller areas under his control in Berkshire, Dorset, Wiltshire, and Worcestershire.
In the summer of 1067, King William went back to Normandy. He left his half-brother, Bishop Odo of Bayeux, and FitzOsbern in charge of England. The King returned to England in 1068. FitzOsbern went with him to help take control of southwest England. He then visited Normandy, where he was sick for a few months.
In early 1069, King William asked FitzOsbern to help keep peace in York. FitzOsbern returned south to attend the King's Easter court in April 1069. After that, he went back to York.
A leader named Eadric the Wild started a fight against the Normans in the West Midlands. He had help from some Welsh princes. In 1069, this revolt was stopped. It is believed that FitzOsbern played a big part in stopping it. During this time, FitzOsbern and his men moved west into Wales. This was the start of the Norman takeover of the Welsh Kingdom of Gwent.
Building Castles
To help the Normans control England and Wales, FitzOsbern became a major castle builder. Some of the early castles believed to be built by him include:
- Carisbrooke Castle on the Isle of Wight
- Chepstow Castle in South Wales
- Wigmore Castle and Clifford Castle in Herefordshire
- Berkeley Castle in Gloucestershire
- Monmouth Castle in Wales
FitzOsbern also improved or built new defenses in the towns of Hereford and Shrewsbury.
Death in Flanders
In 1070, problems started in Flanders. King William's brother-in-law, Count Baldwin VI of Flanders, had died. He left his land and his young sons to his wife, Richilde, Countess of Mons and Hainaut. But her control of Flanders was challenged by her late husband's brother, Robert the Frisian.
Richilde needed help, so she offered to marry FitzOsbern. He saw a chance to become the Count of this rich area near Normandy. He quickly went there with his army. However, he was defeated by Robert the Frisian and was killed in the Battle of Cassel on February 22, 1071.
Family Life
FitzOsbern was married two times:
- His first wife was Adeliza de Tosny. They had four children:
- William of Breteuil, who took over his father's lands in Normandy.
- Roger de Breteuil, 2nd Earl of Hereford, who took over his father's lands in England and Wales.
- Emma de Breteuil, who married Ralph de Gael, 1st Earl of Norfolk.
- Adela, who married John, Lord of Croy.
- His second marriage was to Richilde, Countess of Mons and Hainaut in 1070, shortly before his death. They had one known child:
- Godfrey de Crepon Candie
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