William de Mandeville, 3rd Earl of Essex facts for kids

William de Mandeville was an important nobleman in England. He was known as the 3rd Earl of Essex. He served two kings, Henry II and Richard I, and was very loyal to them. He lived in the 1100s.

Early Life and Becoming Earl

William was the second son of Geoffrey de Mandeville, 1st Earl of Essex. His father was the first Earl of Essex. After his father died in 1144, William grew up in Flanders. This was a region in Europe.

In 1166, William's older brother, Geoffrey, passed away. This meant William became the new Earl of Essex. He then returned to England. He spent a lot of time at King Henry II's royal court. William was very loyal to King Henry II. He supported the king during the Revolt of 1173–1174. This was a big uprising against the king.

Crusader Journey

In 1177, William decided to become a crusader. This meant he traveled to the Middle East. He went with Count Philip of Flanders. They hoped to help the Kingdom of Jerusalem.

However, their plans did not work out. William and Philip then fought for the Principality of Antioch. They were part of a battle called the siege of Harim. William returned to England in the autumn of 1178.

Marriage and New Titles

In 1180, William got married. His wife was Hawise. She was the daughter of William, Count of Aumale. Her father was a powerful lord in Yorkshire.

When Hawise's father died, William gained control of her lands. These lands were in both Normandy and England. He also received a new title. He became the Count of Aumale. This title is sometimes called the Earl of Albemarle.

Serving King Richard I

William fought in wars against the French. These wars happened at the end of King Henry II's rule. He was with the king when he died in 1189.

William was very important at King Richard I's coronation. He carried the crown during the ceremony. The new King Richard I trusted William greatly. King Richard I made William one of the two chief justiciars of England. A chief justiciar was like a top judge and royal advisor.

Sadly, William died a few months later. He was in Rouen, Normandy, on a mission for the king. He passed away on November 14, 1189. William did not have any children. He was buried at Mortemar Abbey in Normandy. His family had founded this abbey. After William's death, Hugh de Puiset and William Longchamp took over his role as chief justiciar.

Who Inherited the Lands?

William's vast estates needed an heir. His elderly aunt, Beatrice de Say, was the next in line. She gave up her claim to her son, Geoffrey de Saye. Geoffrey agreed to pay a large amount of money to inherit the lands. However, he quickly fell behind on his payments.

Another person, Geoffrey Fitz Peter, was important at the royal court. He was married to Beatrice de Say's granddaughter, also named Beatrice. This younger Beatrice was the daughter of William de Say. Geoffrey Fitz Peter used his influence to push his wife's claim to the lands. Eventually, the king gave the Mandeville estates and the earldom of Essex to Geoffrey Fitz Peter. He received them through his wife's right.