William de Mowbray facts for kids

William de Mowbray (born around 1173, died around 1224) was an important English noble. He was known as the lord of Thirsk and Mowbray. William was one of the 25 powerful barons who made King John agree to the Magna Carta. This was a very important document for English law. People at the time said he was small, but also very brave and kind.

Who Was William de Mowbray?

William de Mowbray was the oldest son of Nigel de Mowbray. His father died during a crusade in 1191 at a place called Acre. William's mother was Mabel. His grandfather was Roger de Mowbray, who was also a powerful lord.

Working for King Richard I

In 1193, William de Mowbray was with King Richard I in Germany. King Richard had been captured and was being held there. William might have traveled with the king when he returned from the Holy Land.

By 1194, William was given control of his family's lands. He had to pay a large fee, called a "relief," which was £100. He also had to pay a big share of the "scutage." This was a tax paid instead of military service, used to help pay King Richard's ransom. William was even one of the hostages to make sure the ransom was paid. Later, in 1197, he witnessed an important agreement between King Richard and Baldwin of Flanders.

Challenges with King John

In 1215, William de Mowbray joined other northern barons. They were strongly against King John. William was chosen as one of the 25 "executors" of the Magna Carta. These executors were powerful men who made sure the king followed the new rules.

Because of his role, Pope Innocent III officially removed William from the Christian church. This was called being "excommunicated." It meant he couldn't take part in church services. William's younger brother, Roger, died around 1218 without children. William then received his brother's lands.

Under King Henry III's Rule

During a conflict known as the First Barons' War, William de Mowbray supported Prince Louis of France. William was captured during the Battle of Lincoln (1217). His lands were then given to William Marshal the younger.

However, William de Mowbray was able to get his lands back. He did this by giving up the lordship of Bensted in Surrey to Hubert de Burgh. This happened before a general agreement in September of that year. In 1221, William also helped Hubert de Burgh. They worked together to remove William of Aumâle from his last stronghold at Bytham in Lincolnshire.

Family and Legacy

William de Mowbray was a generous person. He helped establish the chapel of St. Nicholas in Thirsk. He also supported the religious foundations started by his grandfather. These included Furness Abbey and Newburgh Priory. William died in Isle of Axholme around March 1224. He was buried at Newburgh Priory.

William was married to a woman named Avice. They had two sons, Nigel and Roger. Nigel was William's oldest son and took over his father's lands. However, Nigel did not have any children. So, his younger brother Roger became the next lord. Roger was still young and only became an adult in 1241. He died in 1266. Roger's son, also named Roger, later became the first Baron Mowbray.