Notes
Note N1609
Index
Ralph DE FERRERS of Bere Ferrers 9792
Born: Abt 1135, Ferrières, Manche, Normandy, France
Died: After 1168, Bere Ferrers, Devonshire, England
General Notes:
FERRERS of Bere Ferrers and Newton Ferrers, Devon.
Ferrieres: Manche, arr. Mortain, cant. Le Tilleul.
In 1086 Bere Ferrers (Birland) and Newton Ferrers (Niwetona) were both held by Reginald de Valletorte of Robert count of Mortain. At a later date both were held by Ferrers of Valletorte as of the barony of Trematon. The earliest recorded existence of this family in Devon was Ralf de Ferrers in 1168. Ferrieres is 12 kil. S of Mortain and 26 kil. N of Vautorte (dept. and arr. Mayenne, cant. Ernee). In 1112 Roger de Ferrariis occurs among the witnesses 'de valle Moritonii' to Henry I's charter of confirmation for the abbey of Savigny. Ferrers of Churston Ferrers, Devon appear to have been cadets of this family, and it is probable that all those of the name in Devon and Cornwall were of the same stock. [Origins of some Anglo-Norman Families] 9792
Marriage Information:
Ralph married Sibilla DE PYN, daughter of William DE PYN and Unknown. (Sibilla DE PYN was born about 1140 in Pinhay Bay, Lyme Regis, Devon, England.)
Notes
Note N1610
Index
Merevale Abbey Merevale, Warwickshire
52.5766°N 1.5728°W Merevale Our Lady Church - geograph.org.uk - 480715.jpg Cistercian The Church of Our Lady has been developed from the gatehouse chapel.[9][78]
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Merevale Abbey[edit]
An abbey was built in Merevale in 1148 by Robert de Ferrers the Earl of Derby, it was a relatively small abbey with only around 10 monks, The abbey of Merevale itself was dissolved in October 1538, during the reign of Henry VIII and fell into ruin, but some traces of it still remain to the present day. One of the most significant parts of the abbey to have survived is the Gate Chapel, which is now used as the parish church. The church is significant for its Cistercian stained glass, including its famous Jesse window (one of the most important in the British Isles), and for being the only Cistercian Gate Chapel to be open for regular weekly services throughout the year.
Notes
Note N1611
Index
William Peverel the Younger
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia [2014-04-13]
William "the Younger" Peverel (c. 1080-1155) was the son of William Peverel. He lived in Nottingham, England.[1]
He married Avicia de Lancaster (1088 - c. 1150) in La Marche, Normandy, France. She was the daughter of Roger "The Poitevin" Montgomery and Countess Almodis of La Marche. In 1114, she bore a daughter, Margaret Peverel.[1] Another member of his family, Maude Peverel (a sister or daughter) was - by 1120 - the first wife of Robert fitz Martin.
William inherited the Honour of Peverel.
Scottish atrocities depicted on the 14th century Luttrell Psalter.
He was a principal supporter of King Stephen, and a commander in the Battle of the Standard. He was captured at The Battle of Lincoln.[2]
King Henry II dispossessed William of the Honour, for conspiring to poison the Earl of Chester - though historians speculate that the King wished to punish him for his 'wickedness and treason' in supporting King Stephen. The Earl died before he took possession of the Honour, and it stayed in the Crown for about a half century.[2][3]
References[edit]
1. a b "Peverel Family Genealogy". Our Folk. Retrieved 2008-05-13.
2. a b Cokayne, George E.; other authors (1887-98). The Complete Peerage (extant, extinct or dormant). Volume 4 (4th Edition ed.). pp. 762-768. Retrieved 2008-05-13.
3. "Langar Hall ~ A Microcosm of English History". Baronage. Retrieved 2008-05-13.
Notes
Note N1612
Index
Merevale Abbey Merevale, Warwickshire
52.5766°N 1.5728°W Merevale Our Lady Church - geograph.org.uk - 480715.jpg Cistercian The Church of Our Lady has been developed from the gatehouse chapel.[9][78]
==========
Merevale Abbey
An abbey was built in Merevale in 1148 by Robert de Ferrers the Earl of Derby, it was a relatively small abbey with only around 10 monks, The abbey of Merevale itself was dissolved in October 1538, during the reign of Henry VIII and fell into ruin, but some traces of it still remain to the present day. One of the most significant parts of the abbey to have survived is the Gate Chapel, which is now used as the parish church. The church is significant for its Cistercian stained glass, including its famous Jesse window (one of the most important in the British Isles), and for being the only Cistercian Gate Chapel to be open for regular weekly services throughout the year.
Notes
Note N1613
Index
BOOK REVIEW: “Defending the City of God” : A Medieval Queen, the First Crusades, and the Quest for Peace in Jerusalem, by Sharan Newman
BY MEDIEVALISTS.NET - MAY 9, 2014 - POSTED IN: BOOK REVIEWS, BOOKS, FEATURES
Defending the City of God - Sharan Newman
BOOK REVIEW: Defending the City of God: A Medieval Queen, the First Crusades, and the Quest for Peace in Jerusalem
Sharan Newman
Publisher: Palgrave MacMillan (2014)
Famed historical fiction writer and respected medieval historian, Sharan Newman, has returned with her latest offering, Defending the City of God: A Medieval Queen, the First Crusades, and the Quest for Peace in Jerusalem. This book is not historical fiction; it’s an alternative look at the First Crusade, its aftermath and the culture that grew out of Crusader’s lives once they settled in the Holy Land. Newman’s initial focus is Queen Melisande of Jerusalem (1105 - 1161), a remarkable woman who was raised in and later ruled the newly formed Crusader States. This book isn’t just a run-of-the-mill biography of Melisandre. The book is divided into segments based on Melisande’s life but spends a lot of time discussing the warring between the newly settled Crusaders and their Muslim enemies, cultural clashes and internal power struggles. Newman’s book takes an indepth, well researched look at life in the Holy Land.
Melisande’s life was not without a fair share of family problems. Her father, Count Baldwin of Edessa, (later King Baldwin II of Jerusalem) was absent due to his imprisonment until 1108, and again in 1123. Once he became king, he had to fight to retain his kingdom from regular incursions by the Seljuks. Since he had no sons, and four daughters, he named his eldest, Melisandre as his heir. What is interesting is that Melisandre was not relegated to a supporting role after marrying Fulk V, Count of Anjou; he was her co-ruler. She witnessed many charters and had a wider degree of influence in political matters than her European counterparts.
During the first part of their union, Fulk assumed power. His previous wife, Erembourg of Maine (1096 - 1126) wasn’t involved in political matters with Fulk so he wasn’t used to his wife asserting power. It wasn’t until his falling out with her cousin, Hugh Count of Jaffa that Melisandre let her voice be heard and established her place as a rightful ruler alongside Fulk. Prior to 1138, Fulk did not have her assent on charters even though it was made clear to him that she was to be co-ruler. After the revolt with Hugh, Melisandre makes her position known and her name once again appears on charters made by Fulk, ”with the consent and approval of Queen Melisandre”.
Newman discusses at length the tensions between Crusading families, the constant switching of loyalties and alliances between Frankish lords and Muslim rulers, political intrigues and battles. While this is level of detail is informative, at certain points it can get overwhelming. The reader has to wade through a sea of names, dates and intricate family relationships. For the reader who is not well versed with the Crusades, it can get quite confusing and leaves one asking, “why is this piece of information relevant to the main storyline?”.
What was enjoyable about the book was the glimpse Newman offered into the customs of the Crusaders and people of the Holy Land and the merging of the two cultures. It was interesting to note that later arrivals to the Region tried to restrict this assimilation and mixture but it appeared to have been in vain. New generations were born and raised in the Crusader States far removed from the culture of their parents and grandparents. Melisandre was one such case, being the product of a French father and Armenian mother. Melisandre grew up speaking Armenian and Arabic fluently and spent much of her early years in Edessa where she saw a wide range of religions and cultures. Her upbringing influenced her rule and outlook.
Would I recommend this book? For those who are interested in the beginnings of the Crusader States and the Crusades in general, this is a great book. If you have background knowledge of the region and period, you will most certainly enjoy it. It’s interesting, very detailed and well researched. For those who are new to the subject, the complexity of the relationships between the main players may be somewhat daunting and confusing, however, having said that, it’s still not a dull read. It is an excellent look at the culture of the Crusader States, how women ruled there, and the politics of the time. Newman makes the life of Melisandre and those around her come to life on the page.
For more information on Sharan Newman and her books, please visit: www.sharonnewman.com