Tripti Joshi (Editor)

Robert fitzRoger

Updated on
Edit
Like
Comment
Share on FacebookTweet on TwitterShare on LinkedInShare on Reddit
Name
  
Robert fitzRoger


Robert fitzRoger was an Anglo-Norman nobleman and Sheriff of Norfolk and Suffolk.

FitzRoger was the son of Roger fitzRichard, who held Warkworth and was lord of Clavering, Essex. FitzRoger was sheriff of Norfolk from Michaelmas in 1190 to Easter 1194 and then again from Michaelmas 1197 to Easter 1200. FitzRoger's first appointment as sheriff was due to the influence of William de Longchamp, who was Lord Chancellor. Longchamp's influence also secured custody of Orford Castle for fitzRoger. Longchamp also arranged for fitzRoger to have custody of Eye Castle in Suffolk. When Longchamp fell from royal favour and was replaced by Walter of Coutances, fitzRoger was one of the few of Longchamp's appointments to retain his office of sheriff.

FitzRoger had confirmation of his ownership of Warkworth in 1199 and in 1205 was granted Newburn and the barony of Whalton in Northumberland. Warkworth and Newburn occasionally were considered baronies, but not consistently. FitzRoger also held Clavering from Henry of Essex for one knight's fee. FitzRoger's holdings were extensive enough that he was considered a baron during the reigns of King Richard I and King John of England.

FitzRoger married Margaret, one of the daughters and heiresses of William de Chesney, the founder of Sibton Abbey. Margaret was one of three daughters, but she inherited the bulk of her father's estates. Margaret was the widow of Hugh de Cressy. Through Margaret, Roger gained the barony of Blythburgh in Suffolk. He also acquired lands at Rottingdean in Sussex from Margaret.

FitzRoger died in 1214, and his heir was his son John fitzRobert, by his wife Margaret. Margaret survived fitzRoger and paid a fine of a thousand pounds to the king for the right to administer her lands and dower properties herself.

References

Robert fitzRoger Wikipedia