William de Roumare, Earl of Lincoln facts for kids
William de Romare (born around 1096) was an important person in England and Normandy during the 1100s. He held several important titles, including the Earl of Lincoln. He was also known as the 2nd Baron of Kendal and the Lord of Bolingbroke.
William de Romare was the son of Roger FitzGerold, who was the 1st Baron of Kendal and Lord of Bolingbroke. His mother was Lucy of Bolingbroke. William took over his father's role as Lord of Bolingbroke. He was also the half-brother of Ranulf of Chester, as they shared the same mother, Lucy. In Normandy, a region in France, William was known as the Lord of Roumare.
A Lucky Escape from the White Ship
In the year 1120, something very famous and tragic happened: the sinking of the White Ship. William de Romare was supposed to be on this ship, which was carrying many important people, including William the Aetheling, the son of King Henry I of England.
However, William de Romare got off the ship just before it sailed. This decision saved his life, as the White Ship later sank, and almost everyone on board drowned. It was a very lucky escape for him!
Becoming the Earl of Lincoln
William de Romare was given the title of Earl of Lincoln by King Stephen sometime after 1143. This was a very important position. As Earl, he lived in two main places: Bolingbroke and Lincoln Castle.
He also served as a constable, which is like a military commander, at the fortress of Neufmarche in Normandy. In 1118, he bravely defended this fortress against a rebel named Hugh de Gournay.
Family Life
William de Romare married a woman named Hawise de Reviers. She was the sister of Baldwin de Redvers, 1st Earl of Devon.
William and Hawise had one known child:
- William (Helie) de Roumare. This son married Agnes de Aumale. They had a son, also named William de Roumare, who married twice but did not have any children.
