Geoffrey FitzPiers (1162 - 1213)

Born 1162 in Walden, Essex, England

Ancestors

Husband of Aveline (Clare) de Mandeville — married 29 May 1205 in England

Descendants

Died 14 Oct 1213 at about age 51 in Norfolk, England

Problems/Questions Profile manager: Jean Maunder [send private message]

Biography

Geoffrey was the son of Peter, forester of Ludgershall, Wiltshire, under Henry II, and the younger brother of Simon, Henry II's sheriff of Northamptonshire, Buckinghamshire, and Bedfordshire. His mother's name was Matilda or Maud. The family was one of local royal officials who were minor landholders. In the survey of 1166 Geoffrey held lands of mesne lords: of Girard Giffard a knight's fee at Cherhill in Wiltshire, and, together with Hugh de Diva, another knight's fee of the countess of Clare, and a third of a knight's fee with the wife of Adam son of John son of Guy, held of Walter of Beck.

(b: 1162 christened: Cherhill, Wiltshire, England- d: 14 Oct 1213, buried: Shouldham Priory Norfolk, England)

Husband of Beatrice, Heiress of Mandeville and Essex and Aveline de Clare

Father of Maud de Saye; Maud de Mandeville,; William Mandeville, Earl Of Essex; Geoffrey Mandeville Earl Of Essex, Earl of Gloucester; Henry Mandeville, Dean Of Wolverhampton; Saveric 'Cecily' FitzGeoffrey; John FitzGeoffrey, Lord of Shere; Hawise FitzGeoffrey, Lady of Streatley and Isabel de Vipontde

Brother of Robert FitzPiers; Julienne Lutegareshale; Perronnelle Fitzpiers; Hawise Lutegareshale and Maud Lutegareshale

Half brother of William de Boclande; Beatrice De Boclande; Sir de Boclande and Hawise De Boclande

Adopted the name "Mandeville" after the death without issue of William de Mandeville Earl of Essex in 1189.

Beatrice de Say, daughter and eventual co-heiress of William de Say II. This William was the elder son of William de Say I and Beatrice, sister of Geoffrey de Mandeville, 1st Earl of Essex. This connection with the Mandeville family was later to prove unexpectedly important. In 1184 Geoffrey's father-in-law died, and he received a share of the de Say inheritance by right of his wife, co-heiress to her father,(de iure uxoris). He also eventually gained the title ofEarl of Essex 27 May 1199 by right of his wife, .

The Continuator of Florence of Worcester records, “Gaufridus filius Petri comes Essex” donated the chapel of St Peter, Drayton to York Cathedral by undated charter[551]. The Red Book of the Exchequer, listing scutage payments in [1194/95], records "Galfridus filius Petri" paying "iv xx xviii [=98?] l vi s viii d" in Essex, Herefordshire.

The Continuator of Florence of Worcester records that King John gave "comitatum Estsexiæ" to "Galfrido filio Petri" the day of his coronation "VI Kal Jul" 1199[553]. The Annals of Waverley record the death in 1213 of “Gaufridus filius Petri comes de Essexe et justitiarius totius Angliæ”[554].

The History of the foundation of Walden abbey records the death in 1214 of “Galfridus filius Petri, comes Essexiæ” and his burial “apud Soldham”[555]. m firstly (before 25 Jan 1185) BEATRICE de Say, daughter and co-heiress of WILLIAM de Say of Kimbolton, Huntingdonshire & his wife --- (-before 19 Apr 1197, bur Chicksand Priory).

The History of the foundation of Walden abbey names “Beatricem” as daughter of “Willielmus de Say”, son of “Beatrix de Mandavilla domina de Say, soror Galfridi primi, fundatoris, et amita Willielmi” and adds that she married “domino Galfrido filio Petri”. Through her paternal grandmother, Beatrice de Mandeville, Beatrice was heir to William de Mandeville Earl of Essex. Life

He was from a modest land owning family that had a tradition of service in mid-ranking posts under Henry II. Geoffrey's elder brother Simon was at various times sheriff of Northamptonshire, Buckinghamshire, and Bedfordshire. Geoffrey, too, got his start in this way, as sheriff of Northamptonshire for the last five years of Henry II's reign.

Around this time Geoffrey married Beatrice de Say, daughter and eventual co-heiress of William de Say II. This William was the son of William de Say I and Beatrice, sister of Geoffrey de Mandeville, 1st Earl of Essex. This connection with the Mandeville family was later to prove unexpectedly important. In 1184 Geoffrey's father-in-law died, and he received a share of the de Say inheritance by right of his wife, co-heiress to her father. He also eventually gained the title of earl of Essex by right of his wife, becoming the 4th earl.

When Richard I left on crusade, he appointed Geoffrey one of the five judges of the king's court, and thus a principal advisor to Hugh de Puiset, Bishop of Durham, who, as Chief Justiciar, was one of the regents during the king's absence. Late in 1189, Geoffrey's wife's cousin William de Mandeville, 3rd Earl of Essex died, leaving no direct heirs. His wife's inheritance was disputed between Geoffrey and his in-laws, but Geoffrey used his political influence to eventually obtain the Mandeville lands (but not the earldom, which was left open) for himself.

On 11 July 1198, King Richard appointed Geoffrey Chief Justiciar, which at that time effectively made him the king's principal minister. He continued in this capacity after the accession of king John until his death on October 14, 1213.[1] On his coronation day the new king also recognized Geoffrey as Earl of Essex.

Children

a) GEOFFREY de Mandeville (-London 23 Feb 1216, bur Trinity Prior within Aldgate). The History of the foundation of Walden abbey names “Galfridus…Willielmus cognomina Mandavilla…et Matildis, Humfrido de Bohun comiti Herefordiæ maritata” as children of “domino Galfrido filio Petri” & his wife[557].

He succeeded his father in 1213 as Earl of Essex. He became Earl of Gloucester on his marriage, by right of his wife. He supported the barons against King John in 1215, and was excommunicated by the Pope 16 Dec 1215 and his lands given to Savary de Mauleon 20 Dec 1215 or before. He was mortally wounded at a tournament in London.

m firstly Matilda, daughter of ROBERT FitzWalter of Woodham Walter, Essex & his first wife Gunnor de Valoignes (-1212, bur Dunmow Priory). The 13th century Histoire des ducs de Normandie et des rois d´Angleterre records that "Joffrois de Mandeville" married "la fille Robiert le fil Gautier".

m secondly ([16/26] Jan 1214) as her second husband, Isabel [Avise] Countess of Gloucester, divorced wife of John King of England, daughter of William FitzRobert Earl of Gloucester & his wife Avise de Beaumont ([before 1176]-14 Oct or [18 Nov] 1217, bur Canterbury Cathedral Church).

The Chronica de Fundatoribus et Fundatione of Tewkesbury Abbey records the second marriage of “Isabellam” and “Galfrido de Mandevile comiti Essexiæ”, and her third marriage to “Huberto de Burgo justiciario Angliæ”. She must have been considerably older than her second husband, although his precise birth date is not known. Her lands and title were confiscated on the death of her second husband. She married thirdly ([Sep] 1217) as his second wife, Hubert de Burgh, who was created Earl of Kent in 1227. The Annals of Waverley record the death in 1217 of “Isabel comitissa Gloucestriæ”[561]. The Annals of Dunstable record that “Johannam comitissam Gloucestriæ” died “paucos dies” after her marriage to “Hubertus de Burgo justiciarius Angliæ” and was buried “apud Cantuarium”[562].

b) WILLIAM de Mandeville (-8 Jan 1227, bur Shouldham Priory). The History of the foundation of Walden abbey names “Galfridus…Willielmus cognomina Mandavilla…et Matildis, Humfrido de Bohun comiti Herefordiæ maritata” as children of “domino Galfrido filio Petri” & his wife. He succeeded his brother in 1216 as Earl of Essex, although his lands were not returned to him until 4 Oct 1217[564]. The Annales Londonienses record the death in 1227 of "Willelmus de Mandeville comes Essexiæ".

The History of the foundation of Walden abbey records the death in 1228 of “Willielmus Mandeville comes Essex ex parte matris et filius Galfridi Petri” and his burial “apud Soldham”[566]. The Annals of Tewkesbury record the death in Jan 1227 of “W. de Mandeville”[567].

m (before 18 Nov 1220) as her first husband, CHRISTINE, daughter of ROBERT FitzWalter of Woodham Walter Essex & his first wife Gunnor de Valoignes (-before 17 Jun 1232, bur Shouldham Priory). Her older sister had been the first wife of her husband's older brother Geoffrey Earl of Essex. She married secondly ([9 Jan/15 May] 1227) Raymond de Burgh of Dartford, Kent. The Annals of Dunstable record that “Hubertus de Burgo…Remundus nepos eius” married “comitissam Essexiæ” in 1227[568]. The History of the foundation of Walden abbey records that “Cristiana uxore sua, comitissa Essexiæ” was buried with her (first) husband “apud Soldham”.

c) HENRY (-[5 Aug 1205/before 1227]). Dean of Wolverhampton 5 Aug 1205[570].

d) MATILDA (-27 Aug 1236). The History of the foundation of Walden abbey names “Galfridus…Willielmus cognomina Mandavilla…et Matildis, Humfrido de Bohun comiti Herefordiæ maritata” as children of “domino Galfrido filio Petri” & his wife[571]. She succeeded her brother, William de Mandeville Earl of Essex, in 1227 as Ctss of Essex, suo iure. Her divorce [from her second husband] by a church council convened at St Alban's, mandated by the Pope, was recorded by Matthew of Paris.The Annals of Dunstable record that “comitissa Herfordiæ” died in 1236[573].

m firstly Henry de Bohun Earl of Hereford, son of Humphrey de Bohun, hereditary Constable of England & his wife Margaret of Huntingdon (-1 Jun 1220, bur Llanthony Priory, Gloucester). m secondly (before 1227, divorced St Alban's 1231 [before 24 Apr 1233], divorce revoked before Jul 1236[574]) ROGER de Daunteseye of Dauntsey, Wiltshire (-after Aug 1238).

Earl Geoffrey m secondly (before 29 May 1205) Aveline de Clare, daughter of Roger de Clare Earl of Hertford & his wife Matilda de Saint-Hilaire (-(-[22 Nov 1220/4 Jun 1225), had three children:

e) John FitzGeoffrey of Shere, Surrey (-1258). He was not entitled to succeed his half-brother as Earl of Essex in 1227, the Earldom having devolved from his father's first wife. Justiciar of Ireland. "John Fitz Geoffrey" was appointed justiciary of Ireland by King Henry III by charter dated 4 Nov 1245.

m as her second husband, Isabel widow of GILBERT de Lacy of Ewyas Lacy, daughter of [Hugh Bigod Earl of Norfolk & his wife Matilda Marshal of Pembroke].

The sources which report the parentage of the wife of Gilbert de Lacy are conflicting. A manuscript which narrates the descents of the founders of Lanthony Abbey records that “Gilbertus de Lacy” married “Isabellæ Mareschal”, presumably confusing her with Isabel daughter of William Marshal Earl of Pembroke who married firstly Gilbert de Clare Earl of Gloucester and Hereford and secondly Richard Earl of Cornwall.

The Chronicle of Tintern Abbey, Monmouthshire names "Isabella soror Johannis" as daughter of ”Rogerus sive Radulphus Bigod, secundus filius Hugonis le Bigod com. Norfolke et Suffolke…” and his wife “Bertam de Fornivale”, adding that she married firstly "Gilberto de Lacy" and secondly "Johanni Fitz-Geffrey". This must also be incorrect, as any children of Ralph Bigod could not have been born before the late 1220s at the earliest, which is inconsistent with the timing of Isabel´s first marriage. If Isabel was a member of the Bigod family, she must have been the daughter of Hugh and Matilda Marshal of Pembroke. This is the solution adopted by the Complete Peerage, although the primary source on which this is based has not yet been identified.

He had five children by his 1st wife, Beatrice de Say, namely, three sons: Geoffrey, William, and Henry; and two daughters, Maud and Alice. He likewise had a total of five children by his 2nd wife, Aveline de Clare, namely one son, John Fitz Geoffrey, and four daughters: Cecily (wife of Savary de Bohun), Hawise (wife of Reynold de Mohun), ______ (wife of _____ de la Rochelle), and Maud (wife of Henry d'Oilly II and William de Cantelowe). (Ref: Magna Carta Ancestry, 2005)

John FitzGeoffrey & his wife had six children:

i) RICHARD FitzJohn of Shere (-1297). The Chronicle of Tintern Abbey, Monmouthshire names "Ricardus le Fitz John, Johannes et Willielmus" as the three sons of "Johanni Fitz-Geffrey" and his wife "Isabella Bygod…"[579]. Lord FitzJohn 1290. m as her first husband, EMMA, daughter of --- (-1332). She married secondly Robert de Mohaut of Mold.

ii) JOHN FitzJohn of Shere (-1275). The Chronicle of Tintern Abbey, Monmouthshire names "Ricardus le Fitz John, Johannes et Willielmus" as the three sons of "Johanni Fitz-Geffrey" and his wife "Isabella Bygod…"[580]. m MARGERY Basset, daughter of PHILIP Basset of Wycombe & his wife --- (-1271).

iii) WILLIAM FitzJohn . The Chronicle of Tintern Abbey, Monmouthshire names "Ricardus le Fitz John, Johannes et Willielmus" as the three sons of "Johanni Fitz-Geffrey" and his wife "Isabella Bygod…"[581].

iv) MATILDA (-16/18 Apr 1301, bur 7 May 1301 Worcester, Friars Minor). The Chronicle of Tintern Abbey, Monmouthshire names "Matilda uxor Guidonis comitis Warwici" as the oldest daughter of "Johanni Fitz-Geffrey" and his wife "Isabella Bygod…"[582]. m firstly GERARD de Furnivalle Lord of Hallamshire (-1261). m secondly WILLIAM de Beauchamp Earl of Warwick, son of WILLIAM de Beauchamp of Elmley, Worcestershire & his wife Isabel Mauduit ([1237/41]-Elmley 5 or 9 Jun 1298, bur 22 Jun 1298 Worcester, Friars Minor).

v) AVELINE (-[20 May 1274], bur Dunmow Priory). The Chronicle of Tintern Abbey, Monmouthshire records that the second (unnamed) daughter of "Johanni Fitz-Geffrey" and his wife "Isabella Bygod…" married "comiti Ultoniæ"[583]. m WALTER de Burgh Lord of Connaught, son of RICHARD de Burgh Lord of Connaught & his wife Egidia de Lacy of Meath (-Galway Castle 28 Jul 1271). He was created Earl of Ulster in [1264].

vi) JOAN (-1303). The Chronicle of Tintern Abbey, Monmouthshire records that the third (unnamed) daughter of "Johanni Fitz-Geffrey" and his wife "Isabella Bygod…" married "le Botyler Hiberniæ"[584]. m THEOBALD le Botiller of Thurles, Nenagh (-1285).

vii) ISABEL . The Chronicle of Tintern Abbey, Monmouthshire records that the fourth (unnamed) daughter of "Johanni Fitz-Geffrey" and his wife "Isabella Bygod…" married "domino --- de Westmoreland", adding that they had two daughters "Idonia et Isabella, de quibus una" married "Rogero de Clifford" by whom she had "Robertus de Clifford"[585]. m ROBERT de Vespont Lord of Westmoreland (-1264).

f) HAWISE (-1247). m as his first wife, REYNOLD de Mohun of Dunster, son of REYNOLD de Mohun & his wife Alice Briwere (-Tor Mohun, Devon 20 Jan 1258, bur Newenham).

g) CECILY (-1253). m SAVARY de Bohun of Midhurst (-1246).

Geoffrey died on 2 October 1213, but his burial place is unknown, though he had founded Shouldham Priory, Norfolk, before 15 June 1198, and a hospital at Sutton de la Hone, Kent, and was a benefactor of the hospital of St. Thomas of Acre in London.

bur. Shouldham Priory, Shouldham, Norfolk.

^[1]

Burial of Geoffrey Fitz Peter and his wife Beatrice (de Say)

(Royal Ancestry) Geoffrey Fitz Peter, Earl of Essex, died 14 October 1213, and was buried at Shouldham Priory, Norfolk. His wife Beatrice died in childbed (childbirth) before 19 April 1197. Her body was initially buried at Chicksands Priory in Bedfordshire, but later transferred to Shouldham Priory, in Shouldham, Norfolk.

Shouldham was a Gilbertine priory dedicated to the Holy Cross and Blessed Virgin, founded in the late 12th century by Geoffrey Fitz Peter, Earl of Essex, in the reign of Richard I for canons and nuns of the order of St. Gilbert of Sempringham. On foundation of Shouldham priory. c.1200, Geoffrey Fitz Peter removed the body of his first wife Beatrice, eldest daughter and heiress of William de Say, to this church from the Gilbertine priory of Chicksands, Bedfordshire.

Sources

1. ↑ Entered by Jean Maunder.

• Royal Ancestry by Douglas Richardson Vol. I page 406

• Royal Ancestry 2013 Vol. II p. 176-180, 512-516

• Oxford Dictionary of National Biography

• http://fmg.ac/Projects/MedLands/

• Dugdale Monasticon VI.3, St Peter´s Cathedral, York, Yorkshire LXXXIV, p. 1191.
• Red Book Exchequer, Part I, Anno VI regis Ricardi, ad redemptionem eius, scutagium ad XXs, p. 94.
• Florentii Wigornensis Monachi Chronicon, Continuatio, p. 164.
• Dugdale Monasticon II, Tewkesbury Monastery, Gloucestershire I, Chronica de Fundatoribus et Fundatione Ecclesiæ Theokusburiæ, p. 61.
• Dugdale Monasticon IV, Walden Abbey, Essex, I, Fundationis Historia, p. 140.
• Dugdale Monasticon IV, Walden Abbey, Essex, I, Fundationis Historia, p. 139.
• Dugdale Monasticon VI, Lanthony Abbey, Gloucestershire, II, Fundatorum progenies, p. 135.
• Dugdale Monasticon V, Tintern Abbey, Monmouthshire V, In Chronicis Abbatiæ Tynterne in Wallia, pp. 270 and 271.
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• CP V 129.
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• MP, Vol. III, 1231, p. 210, which dates the event "xvi kal Januarii" and calls her "comitissam Esexiæ" but names neither her nor her husband.
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• Mason, E. (ed.) (1980) The Beauchamp Cartulary Charters 1100-1268 (London, Pipe Roll Society NS 43) ("Beauchamp"), 41, p. 22.
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• Powicke, F. Maurice and E. B. Fryde Handbook of British Chronology 2nd. ed. London:Royal Historical Society 1961 Powicke Handbook of British Chronology p. 70

Footnotes

Geoffrey's first two sons died without issue. Apparently the earldom was associated with their mother's Mandeville heritage, for the earldom was inherited by the husband of their sister Maud, instead of their half-brother John.

Acknowledgments

Thanks to Jean Maunder, Liisa Small, Michael Stephenson, Jason Murphy, Ted Williams, Johanna Amnelin Tom Rhodes, for starting this profile and through the import of Spencer Family Tree 4 2002.GED, ISCUS Family Tree.ged, 104-B.ged, Ancestors of Lois Greene.ged, Weaver.ged, Rose Family Tree.ged, Bwiki.ged, Acrossthepond.ged on 21 February 2011, FAMILY 6162011.GED, Murphy Family Tree.ged, 124-DeCoursey.ged, WILLIAMS 2011.GED, My Family_2011-08-21.ged, Sheppard_Duncan_Bickham_Stroud.ged, David Rentschler Family Tree_2010-09-30.ged, Bishop Family Tree.ged, heinakuu2011-6.ged, Rhodes 2011_2011-07-09_01_01.ged, Tribal Pages 0004.ged on 25 March 2011, Woods Beedle Wiki.GED on Mar 1, 2013.