ANCHETIL DE GRAI

From Grai between Bayeux and Caen. M. de Ste-Marie in Researches sur le Domesday states that this Anchetil belonged to a family of considerable importance in the Bessin, who were sires de Luc and Grai. In 1082 Gisla, daughter of Turstin de Grai made a donation to Holy Trinity at Caen, which convent she entered. He was the son of Hugh, brother of another Turstin de Grai who remained in Normandy, both sons of Turgis. Anchetil came to England with the Conqueror and held lands in Oxford, 1086 (Domesday), viz. Redrefield (Rotherfield) and five other lordships from William Fitz Osberne (Domesday). Columbanus de Gray, his son, witnessed a charter of Raoul de Limesay, temp. Henry I, whose sons Robert and Roger held extensive lands in 1165 as recorded in the Liber Niger. Hence the lords of Grey, earls of Kent and Stamford, marquesses of Dorset, dukes of Suffolk and the Greys, earles of Tancarville. The Greys were also the ancestors of lady Jane Grey. The claimed Grey descent from Arlette's father said to have held the castle of Croy in Picardy is incorrect.

--(This name appears on the Falaise Roll).