Robert comte de Mortain

Berkhamstead Castle, Hertfordshire
Photo © www.etrusia.co.uk

Robert, comte de Mortain the half brother of duke William, is known to have been at the battle of Hastings and is so reported by the historians of this event. He was the son of Herluin de Conteville and Arlette. He received from king William 797 manors in different parts of England and two castles (Dunhever and Tremeton) in Cornwall, of which county he was created earl.

He married Matilda, daughter of Roger de Montgomery, by whom he had three daughters and one son William, who inherited his earldom. After the death of count Robert, his son William demanded of king Henry I, besides his own inheritance, the earldom of Kent, which had belonged to his deceased uncle, bishop Odo. On being refused the request, he started a revolt in Normandy, was captured at the battle of Tenchebrai, thrown into prison, had his eyes put out and died there. Wace mentions (l. 13765) "Li Quens Robert de Moretoing," and his name occurs three times on the Bayeux tapestry. --(This name appears on the Falaise Roll)

Berkhamsted Castle

Berkhamsted Castle, at Berkhamsted in Hertfordshire, had a leading role in English medieval history, but only a few ruins now remain. The original fortification dates from Saxon times, and the castle was later given by William the Conqueror to his half-brother, Robert, Count of Mortain. Thomas Becket lived here during his term as Chancellor of England. The castle later passed into the hands of the Earls of Cornwall , one of whom was Piers Gaveston, favourite of King Edward II of England. Another, Edward, the Black Prince, spent much of his time at this residence.