Dreu de la Beuvriere

Dreu de La Beuvriere was a Fleming of high standing, who, according to the book of Meaux and the register of Fountains abbey, came to England at the conquest for which he received the isle of Holderness, where he erected the strong castle of Skipsey. He was the recipient of considerable other estates in various counties, among which was Bytham in Lincolnshire.

Church of St Medard and St Gildard, Little Bytham
Photo © Tim Heaton May, 2006

Dreu is said to have married a kinswoman of the Conqueror, whom he killed in 1086, whether by accident or intent does not appear. However, he hastened "to king William and pretending that he needed money to take his wife to Flanders, borrowed what he was able to get from the king and hastily made his exit from England. His possessions were immediately confiscated by king William and he died later dishonoured and in want in his native land. --(This name appears on the Falaise Roll).