William Crispin

Wallingford Castle, Oxfordshire
Photo © Lord Otterby, April 2006

William Crispin and his two brothers, Gilbert and Milo were all present at the Battle of Hastings. William Crispin was the son of Gilbert, Baron of Bec. William was married to Eva, daughter of Simon de Montfort L’Aumary, having two sons William and Gilbert. William, the son, fought at the battle of Bremule while Gilbert, the other son, became a monk at the Abbey of Bec, later becoming Abbot of Westminster. Milo, brother of William Crispin is recorded as possessing no less than eighty-eight lordships in England at the time of the Domesday survey. Milo, by marriage to Robert d’Oiley’s daughter Maud, became Lord of Wallingford. Wallingford Castle became his principal seat. Gilbert, William Crispin’s other brother was the one who in 1066, along with Henry de Ferrers charged the English together, each having brought a large company into the field. All who opposed them were either killed or captured. William Crispin, in 1054, fought in the Battle of Mortemer being one of its victorious leaders.