William fitz Nigel facts for kids

William fitz Nigel (died 1134) was an important person in England during the 1100s. He lived at Halton Castle in Cheshire. William held two big jobs: he was the Constable of Chester and the Baron of Halton.

Being the Constable of Chester meant he was a powerful military leader. He was in charge of the castle and the soldiers for the Earl of Chester. The Baron of Halton meant he was a lord who owned a lot of land. This land was part of the county palatine of Chester, which was like a special area ruled by the Earl of Chester.

Who Was William fitz Nigel?

William fitz Nigel took over his important roles around the year 1100. He became the Baron of Halton and the Constable of Chester. These were very powerful positions in medieval England.

Where Did William fitz Nigel Live?

William owned lands in many places. He had property in Halton and other parts of Cheshire. He also owned land in Normandy, which is in France.

Thanks to his mother, William also gained control of lands in Lancashire. These included areas like Widnes, Appleton, Cronton, and Rainhill.

What Did William fitz Nigel Do?

In 1115, William fitz Nigel started a religious house called Runcorn Priory. This priory was for a group of monks called the Augustinian Canons. Building a priory was a big deal back then. It showed his power and his support for the church.

William fitz Nigel died in 1134. He passed away at his home, Halton Castle. He was buried in Chester.

William fitz Nigel's Family Life

William fitz Nigel was married to a woman named Agnes. She was the daughter of Gilbert de Gant and Alice de Montfort. Together, William and Agnes had several children.

Who Were William fitz Nigel's Children?

• William (died 1149): He was the oldest son. He took over his father's titles and lands. However, he died without having any children himself.
• Agnes: She was William's eldest daughter. When her brother William died without children, Agnes became the main heir. She married a man named Eustace fitz John. They had children, and their family continued the line of the Barons of Halton.
• Leucha: She married Robert de Mohaut. They also had children.
• Matilda: She married Albert de Grelle. They had children too.