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Walter Giffard IIAnglo-Norman nobleman, 1st Earl of Buckingham from 1097
Date of Birth: .
Country:  Operator |
Content:
- Walter Giffard I: The 1st Earl of Buckingham
- A Supporter of the Norman Conquest
- A Loyalist During the Baronial Revolt
- Involvement in Robert Courteheuse's Rebellion
- Amnesty and Reconciliation
- Later Years and Legacy
- Marriage and Children
Walter Giffard I: The 1st Earl of Buckingham
Walter Giffard I was an Anglo-Norman nobleman who held the titles of 1st Earl of Buckingham from 1097 and Lord of Longueville-sur-Scie from 1102. As the son of Walter Giffard II and Agnes de Ribemont, he inherited extensive lands in England and Normandy.
A Supporter of the Norman Conquest
Walter's father, Gautier Giffard, actively participated in the Norman Conquest of England in 1066 and was rewarded with vast estates by William the Conqueror. These lands were later inherited by Walter Giffard I after his father's death in 1084.
A Loyalist During the Baronial Revolt
During the Anglo-Norman baronial rebellion of 1088, Walter supported King William II. His loyalty was recognized, and around 1097, he was granted the title of Earl of Buckingham.
Involvement in Robert Courteheuse's Rebellion
Upon the death of William II in 1101, Walter Giffard initially supported his successor, Henry I. However, he later joined the plot led by Robert Belesme and William de Warenne to install Robert Courteheuse, Duke of Normandy, as the English king.
Amnesty and Reconciliation
Despite his involvement in the rebellion, Walter Giffard was pardoned by Henry I and retained his lands and titles. His support for Robert Courteheuse did not diminish his standing with the new king.
Later Years and Legacy
The Earl of Buckingham died in 1102, leaving behind a legacy as a powerful and influential Anglo-Norman nobleman who played a significant role in the political landscape of his time.
Marriage and Children
Walter Giffard was married to Agnes de Ribemont, with whom he had two children:
- William Giffard (d. 1129): Bishop of Winchester and Chancellor of England
- Walter Giffard III (c. 1084 - 1164): 2nd Earl of Buckingham and Lord of Longueville-sur-Scie
