Hugh de Grentmesnil was one of the principal combatants in the great battle and has been described as being in great danger during the action in consequence of his horse becoming masterless through the breaking of his bridle-rein in leaping over a bush. He was near falling, and the English perceiving his flight ran towards him with their long axes, but the horse taking fright, and wheeling suddenly round, bore his rider safely back into the ranks of the Normans. Hugh was appointed Governor of Hampshire and Sheriff of Leicestershire and for his valour in the battle was rewarded with 100 manors, 65 of which were in Leicestershire.