William FitzRalph facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
William FitzRalph
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Continental domains of the Angevins, the most northern being the Duchy of Normandy, governed by William FitzRalph.
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| Born | 1140 Derbyshire |
| Died | 1200 |
| Tenure | 1178 - 1200 |
| Other names | Guillaume fils Raoul |
| Years active | 1169 - 1200 |
| Nationality | Anglo-Norman |
| Residence | Caen |
| Offices | Seneschal of Normandy, High Sheriff of Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and the Royal Forests |
| Issue | Robert FitzRalph, Matilda de Salicosa Mara, Avice |
| Parents | Ralph FitzGeremund and Hawise |
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William FitzRalph was an important person in England and Normandy during the 1100s. He held two big jobs for the kings of England. First, he was the High Sheriff of Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and the Royal Forests. Later, he became the seneschal of Normandy, a very powerful role. He worked for King Henry II and King Richard I.
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William FitzRalph's Life
William FitzRalph owned land in Derbyshire, England. From 1169 to 1177, he was the High Sheriff of Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, and the Royal Forests. A High Sheriff was like a chief officer for the king in a county. They helped keep the peace and collect taxes.
Becoming Seneschal of Normandy
In 1177, William FitzRalph was chosen to be the seneschal of Normandy. He officially started this job in 1178. The seneschal was the king's main representative in Normandy. It was a very important position, almost like a prime minister for the region. He took over from Richard of Ilchester.
William FitzRalph lived in Caen, a city in Normandy. He often held court there, meaning he helped the king make decisions and solve problems. He also held court in other towns like Argentan and Rouen.
Working for Two Kings
When Richard I became duke of Normandy in 1189, he kept William FitzRalph in his job. This was a big deal because Richard replaced many other officials. It showed how much Richard trusted William FitzRalph.
During William FitzRalph's time as seneschal, the job became even more important. He was almost as powerful as the king himself in Normandy. He handled many important tasks for the king. Some historians believe his strong personality made the job more powerful. Others think it was because of earlier changes to how the government worked.
William FitzRalph stayed as seneschal until he died in 1200. A famous knight, William Marshal, once said that FitzRalph was "brave and wise."
Family and Legacy
William FitzRalph had a son named Robert FitzRalph. Robert became an important church leader, first as Archdeacon of Nottingham, then as Bishop of Worcester.
William FitzRalph was also interested in helping religious groups. He gave land and support to places like Darley Abbey and Dale (Stanley Park) Abbey. He worked with his daughter, Matilda, and her husband, Geoffrey de Salicosa Mara, on some of these projects.
In 1938, a special lead seal belonging to William FitzRalph was found in Exton, England. This seal would have been used to officially sign documents.
