William de Warenne, 1st Earl of Surrey facts for kids

William de Warenne, 1st Earl of Surrey (died 1088), was a powerful Norman nobleman. He became the first Earl of Surrey under King William II Rufus. William de Warenne is one of the few people we know for sure fought with William the Conqueror at the famous Battle of Hastings in 1066.

By 1086, when the Domesday Book was created, he owned a lot of land. These lands were spread across 13 different counties in England. This included a large area around Lewes, which is now part of East Sussex and West Sussex.

Early Life and Rise to Power

William was the son of Rodulf (or Ralph) de Warenne and Emma. His family came from a small village called Varenne in Duchy of Normandy. This village is now in France, near Arques-la-Bataille.

As a younger son, William wasn't expected to inherit much land. However, he proved himself very loyal to Duke William (who later became William the Conqueror). During a time of rebellions between 1052 and 1054, William de Warenne played a key role. He fought bravely in the Battle of Mortemer.

Because of his loyalty and bravery, Duke William rewarded him. He received lands that had been taken from his relative, Roger de Mortemer. These lands included the Castle of Mortimer. Around the same time, he also got lands and a castle at Bellencombre. This castle became the main base for William de Warenne's holdings in Normandy.

Conquering England

William de Warenne was one of the important Norman lords who met with Duke William. They decided to invade England and challenge King Harold II. William fought bravely at the Battle of Hastings in 1066. This battle was a huge victory for the Normans.

After the conquest, William de Warenne was given many lands in England as a reward. He is one of the few trusted companions of William the Conqueror who fought at Hastings. In 1071, he helped fight against rebels on the Isle of Ely. He was especially keen to find Hereward the Wake, who had killed his brother-in-law the year before. It is said that Hereward even knocked William off his horse with an arrow!

Later Achievements and Death

Between 1078 and 1082, William and his wife, Gundred, went on a trip to Rome. They visited many monasteries along the way. In Burgundy, they were stopped by a war.

They visited Cluny Abbey in France and were very impressed by the monks there. They decided to build a similar monastery on their own land in England. This monastery was called Lewes Priory, and it was dedicated to St. Pancras. It was the first Cluniac priory in England.

William continued to support the King. He helped King William II during the siege of Saint-Suzanne. Because of his strong loyalty, he was made the Earl of Surrey in early 1088.

Sadly, William was badly wounded in the Rebellion of 1088. This happened during the First Siege of Pevensey Castle. He died on June 24, 1088, in Lewes, East Sussex. He was buried next to his wife, Gundred, at Lewes Priory, the monastery he had founded.

Family Life

William de Warenne married twice. His first wife was Gundred, Countess of Surrey. She was the sister of Gerbod the Fleming, 1st Earl of Chester. They married before 1070.

After Gundred died, William married a second time. His second wife was a sister of Richard Gouet. She outlived him.

Children

William and Gundred had several children:

• William de Warenne, 2nd Earl of Surrey (died 1138): He became the next Earl of Surrey. He married Elisabeth (Isabelle) de Vermandois.
• Edith de Warenne: She married Gerard de Gournay, and later Drew de Monchy.
• Reynold de Warenne: He inherited lands from his mother in Flanders. He died around 1106–1108.
• A daughter (whose name we don't know): She married Ernise de Coulonces.

William did not have any children with his second wife.

See also

• De Warenne family
• Rebellion of 1088