Ellis suggests that this family "must have come from that now rural village of Pitres…on the banks of the Seine, some miles above Rouen, at the foot of the Coté des Deux Amants"[248].
1. ROGER [de Pitres] (-before 1086[249]). The Chronicle of Abingdon records a precept addressed by William I King of England to "Lanfranco archiepiscopo, Roberto de Oilleio et Rogero de Pistri" in favour of the monastery of Abingdon[250]. A charter dated to [1164/74] records that the burial at Lanthony of "domini Milonis comitis Herefordiæ" and records that "Rogerum de Pistres" was granted "custodi castri Gloucestriæ" after the conquest and that his family succeeded him "Durandum de Pistres fratrem eius" and "filium…Walteri de Gloucestria"[251]. Sheriff of Gloucester. m ADELISE, daughter of --- (-after 1125). The Chronicle of Gloucester St Peter records that "Adeliza vicecomitissa mater Walteri de Gloucestria" donated "domos, redditus omnes…in Gloucestria" to the monastery dated 1125[252]. "Adeliz vicecomitissa" donated "quicquid burgagii…in Gloucestria" to Gloucester St Peter, with the consent of "Walterius constabularius filius suus", by undated charter[253]. A charter of King Henry II confirms donations to Gloucester St Peter including the donation of "burgagium…in Gloucestria" donated by "Athelays vicecomitissa…concessu Walteri filii eius"[254]. Roger & his wife had [three] children:
a) WALTER of Gloucester (-1129 or after[255]). The Domesday book records "Cernei" {South Cerney, Gloucestershire} held by "Walter FitzRoger; Roger from Ralph de Tosny"[256]. A charter of King William I dated 1086 confirmed various donations to Gloucester St Peter, including the donation of "in Erchenefelde unam terram Westwode" for the soul of "patris sui"[257]. Sheriff of Gloucester. Constable [of Gloucester Castle][258]. The Chronicle of Gloucester St Peter records that "Rogerus [presumably an error for Walterus] de Gloucestria" donated "Westwode in Jerchenfeld…" to the monastery for the soul of "Herberti fratris sui" dated 1101[259]. The Historia fundationis cum fundatoris genealogia of the priory of Abergavenny records that “Brientio filio comitis de Insula, nepoti suo de sorore sua…Lucia” granted the lordship of Abergavenny to “Waltero constabulatio totius Angliæ, consanguineo suo”[260]. The precise relationship between Walter and his predecessor has not yet been established. Henry I King of England confirmed the grant of "heredibus suis Herefordiam [parvam et] Ullingeswicam" to "Waltero de Gloec" by the bishop of Hereford by charter dated 1121, witnessed by "…Ricardo filio Poncii…"[261]. The Chronicle of Gloucester St Peter records that "Walterus de Gloucestria" donated "terram de Westwode in Jerchenffeld in Lawaran"[262]. "Walterus de Gloucestria, assensu Milonis filii mei et Berthæ uxoris meæ" donated "ecclesiam de Cernay…ecclesiam… Sanctæ Helenæ de Halgestane…terram…de Westwode in Herchenefelde" to Gloucester St Peter by undated charter[263]. Henry I King of England granted the lands of "Edrici fil Chetelli" to "Walto de Gloec" by charter date [3/10] Jun 1123[264]. A charter dated to [1123] records that "Walt de Gloec" gave Little Hereford in fee to "Willo de Mara nepoti suo"[265]. "Walter de Gloecestria, Milo fili ei…Willelm de Mara" witnessed the charter dated to [1127] which records that "Ricard Puncii filii" granted Aston, Gloucestershire ("Hestoniam") to "Mathilli uxori mee"[266]. m BERTHE, daughter of ---. "Walterus de Gloucestria, assensu Milonis filii mei et Berthæ uxoris meæ" donated "ecclesiam de Cernay…ecclesiam… Sanctæ Helenæ de Halgestane…terram…de Westwode in Herchenefelde" to Gloucester St Peter by undated charter[267]. The Complete Peerage suggests that Berthe was a relative of Hamelin de Ballon Lord of Abergavenny, citing the passage from the Historia fundationis cum fundatoris genealogia of the priory of Abergavenny quoted above[268]. However, there are two difficulties with this hypothesis. Firstly, it is Walter, not his son, who is described as “consanguineo” of Brien FitzCount, suggesting that the relationship must have been through Walter´s parents not his wife. Secondly, doubt exists about the relationship between Brien FitzCount (generally identified as the illegitimate son of Alain IV Duke of Brittany, although the primary source which confirms that this affiliation is correct has not yet been traced) and Hamelin de Ballon, as discussed more fully in the document WALES (Lords of Abergavenny). The Complete Peerage also cites[269] the undated charter under which “Willielmus de Braosa” confirmed donations to Abergavenny Priory by “Hamelinus de Balon et Brientius comitis filius et Walterus de Herefort et Henricus de Herefort”[270]. This document does suggest a close relationship between the two families. However, a family connection through the mother of Miles of Gloucester is not the only possibility. Walter & his wife had [three] children:
i) MILES of Gloucester (-24 Dec 1143, bur Lanthony Priory, Gloucester). The Historia fundationis cum fundatoris genealogia of the priory of Abergavenny names “Milonem” as son of “Waltero constabulatio totius Angliæ”[271]. Henry I King of England appointed him Constable of England[272]. He was created Earl of Hereford in 1141.
- see below.
ii) [MATILDA (-after [1127]). A charter dated to [1127] records that "Ricard Pontii filii" granted the manor of "Lechia" to "Mathildi uxori mee in matrimoniu" in exchange for her original marriage portion, the manor of Ullingswick in Herefordshire, which he gave to "Helie Giff in mat-monu cum filia mea Berta"[273]. Round indicates that this charter means that Matilda must have been the daughter of Walter of Gloucester, noting that Ullingswick was recorded in Domesday Book as belonging to the church of Hereford, and also that King Henry I confirmed its grant and that of Little Hereford by the bishop of Hereford to Walter of Gloucester by another charter (see above)[274]. The fact that Matilda named two of her children after her supposed parents also indicates that this parentage is probably correct (although the name Walter was already used in the FitzPons family before Richard´s marriage). "Ricardus filius Puncii" donated “ecclesiam de Lecha" to Great Malvern monastery, Worcestershire, for the soul of "uxoris meæ Mathildis et liberorum meorum…", by undated charter, witnessed by "Simon et Osbernus fratres mei…"[275]. m RICHARD FitzPons, son of PONS & his wife --- (-[1127/29]).]
iii) [--- .] m ---. One child:
(a) RENAUD (-25 Aug 1149). A manuscript listing abbots of Evesham records that ”Reginaldus, monachus Gloucestriæ, nepos comitis Milonis Herefordiæ” was appointed abbot in 1122 and died “VIII Kal Sep 1149”[276], although another manuscript records his death “VIII Kal Sep 1136”[277].
b) HERBERT (-[before 1101]). The Chronicle of Gloucester St Peter records that "Rogerus [presumably an error for Walterus] de Gloucestria" donated "Westwode in Jerchenfeld…" to the monastery for the souls of "patris sui et matris et pro anima Herberti fratris sui" dated 1101[278]. The wording suggests that Herbert was deceased at the time of the donation.
c) [--- . Her parentage and marriage are established by the charter dated to [1123] which records that "Walt de Gloec" gave Little Hereford in fee to "Willo de Mara nepoti suo"[279], although it is always possible that "nepos" should be interpreted in this document as indicating a more remote relationship than nephew of Walter of Gloucester. m --- de la Mare, son of ---.]
2. DURAND [de Gloucester] (-[1101], bur Gloucester). A charter dated to [1164/74] records that the burial at Lanthony of "domini Milonis comitis Herefordiæ" and records that "Rogerum de Pistres" was granted "custodi castri Gloucestriæ" after the conquest and that his family succeeded him "Durandum de Pistres fratrem eius" and "filium…Walteri de Gloucestria"[280]. Sheriff of Gloucestershire. The Domesday book records "Bernesleis" {Barnsley, Gloucestershire} (and other manors) held by "Durand and Eudo from Bishop of Worcester" and several places held from "Durand the Sheriff"[281]. m ---. The name of Durand´s wife is not known. Durand & his wife had [one child]:
a) [EUDO (-after 1086). The Domesday book records "Bernesleis" {Barnsley, Gloucestershire} held by "Durand and Eudo from Bishop of Worcester"[282]. There is no indication of the relationship between the joint land-holders but presumably they were family members. It seems unlikely that land would be held jointly by brothers, it is more likely that the two were father and son or uncle and nephew. If Eudo was Durand´s son, it is unlikely that he survived his father as Durand´s nephew Walter is recorded as Sheriff of Gloucester after Durand.]
MILES of Gloucester, son of WALTER of Gloucester & his wife Berthe --- (-24 Dec 1143, bur Lanthony Priory, Gloucester). The Historia fundationis cum fundatoris genealogia of the priory of Abergavenny names “Milonem” as son of “Waltero constabulatio totius Angliæ”[283]. "Walterus de Gloucestria, assensu Milonis filii mei et Berthæ uxoris meæ" donated "ecclesiam de Cernay…ecclesiam… Sanctæ Helenæ de Halgestane…terram…de Westwode in Herchenefelde" to Gloucester St Peter by undated charter[284]. "Walter de Gloecestria, Milo fili ei…" witnessed the charter dated to [1127] which records that "Ricard Puncii filii" granted Aston, Gloucestershire ("Hestoniam") to "Mathilli uxori mee"[285]. Henry I King of England appointed him Constable of England in succession to his father[286]. The 1130 Pipe Roll records "Miloni Gloec" in Wiltshire (two entries)[287]. Stephen King of England granted him the honour of Gloucester and Brecknock in [1136] and appointed him Constable of Gloucester Castle. “Mylo constabularius de Gloucestria” donated property to Lanthony abbey, naming “antecessores mei Rogerus de Gloecestria et Walterus constabularius”, by charter dated 1137, supplemented by another later donation (undated) jointly with "uxor mea Sibilla et filii mei Rogerus et Walterus atque Henricus" in the presence of "…Roberto Corbet…"[288]. He joined Empress Matilda on her arrival in England in 1139, acting as her Constable. She created him Earl of Hereford at Oxford 25 Jul 1141, and granted him the castle of Abergavenny[289]. Brien FitzCount, illegitimate son of Alain IV "Fergant" Duke of Brittany, and his wife transferred the honour of Abergavenny to Earl Miles in [1141/42][290]. The Gesta Stephani Regis records that "Paganus filius Joannis…et Milo" of Gloucester were killed, dated to [1137/40][291]. It is unclear why the two deaths are reported at the same time as a later passage in the Gesta records that "comes…Herefordiæ, Milo" was killed by arrow, and in a third passage that he was killed while hunting, dated from the context to [1142/43][292]. A manuscript in Aske´s collections names “Milo…Erle of Herforde, Lord of Bricone and of all the Forest of Done, and also Constable of England…” among those buried at Lanthony Priory[293].
m ([Apr/May] 1121) SIBYLLE de Neufmarché, daughter and heiress of BERNARD de Neufmarché Lord of Brecknock & his wife Nesta [Agnes] --- (-bur Lanthony Prior, Gloucester). A manuscript narrating the history of Brecknock priory records that the founder “Bernard de Nefmarche, Norman” married “Neste qe fut apele Agnes, la file Griffin le fiz Lewelin…cruel tyrant de Gales” by whom he fathered “Mael…noble chevalier” whom it was claimed was not his son and who was deprived of Brecknock in favour of “la file [de] Neste, Sibile” wife of “Miles…fiz Watir le conestable de Gloucestre e de Hereford”[294]. The Historia fundationis cum fundatoris genealogia of the priory of Abergavenny names “Sibillam, legitimam hæredem totius terræ Breconiæ…Bernardi et Agnetis de Novo-Mercato” as wife of “Milonem”, son of “Waltero constabulatio totius Angliæ”[295]. A charter dated to [10 Apr/29 May] 1121 records the arrangements for the marriage of "Miloni de Gloec" and "Sibilia filia Beorndi de Novo Mercato", the dowry being all the possessions of her father and of her mother[296]. “Mylo constabularius de Gloucestria” donated property to Lanthony abbey, naming “antecessores mei Rogerus de Gloecestria et Walterus constabularius”, by charter dated 1137, supplemented by another later donation (undated) jointly with "uxor mea Sibilla et filii mei Rogerus et Walterus atque Henricus"[297]. A manuscript in Aske´s collections names “Milo…Erle of Herforde, Lord of Bricone and of all the Forest of Done, and also Constable of England…Sibbill wiff of the seid Milo…” among those buried at Lanthony Priory[298].
Earl Miles & his wife had seven children:
1. MARGARET ([1121/23]-6 Apr 1187, bur Lanthony Priory, Gloucester). The Historia fundationis cum fundatoris genealogia of the priory of Abergavenny names “Margaretam, Bertam et Luciam” as the three daughters of “Milonem” & his wife, adding that Margaret married “Humphredo de Boun” and inherited “comitatu Herefordiæ”[299]. Her birth date range is estimated from the date of her parents' marriage and the likely birth date of her daughter Matilda. "…Margarita filia ipsi Mil…" subscribed the charter dated to [1123] records that "Walt de Gloec" gave Little Hereford in fee to "Willo de Mara nepoti suo"[300]. This document suggests that Margaret must have been her parents´s oldest child. “Humfridus de Bohun regis dapifer et Marger. uxor mea” founded Farleigh Priory by undated charter[301]. She certified the knights' fees made in the fee of her father during the time of King Henry I[302], which may imply that her husband had died by then. The Red Book of the Exchequer refers to "Margareta de Bohun xvii m" in Gloucestershire in [1167/68][303]. A manuscript which narrates the descents of the founders of Lanthony Abbey records the death 6 Apr 1187 of “Margeriam”, wife of “dominum Hunfredum de Bohun tertium” and her burial “in capitulo Lanthoniæ, juxta Gloucestriam”[304]. A manuscript in Aske´s collections names “Milo…Erle of Herforde, Lord of Bricone and of all the Forest of Done, and also Constable of England…Sibbill wiff of the seid Milo…Ladi Margaret the furst begotton daughter of the said Milo…married to Humfre of Bohun the third…” among those buried at Lanthony Priory[305]. King John confirmed the possessions of Lanthony abbey by charter dated 30 Jul 1199, including the donation of "duas partes de Onedesleye" made by "Margar de Bohun", in accordance with the division made "inter ipsam et Luciam sororem suam"[306]. m HUMPHREY de Bohun, son of HUMPHREY de Bohun & his wife Matilda of Salisbury ([1100/10]-[1164/65]).
2. ROGER FitzMiles (-1155, bur Lanthony Priory, Gloucester). The Historia fundationis cum fundatoris genealogia of the priory of Abergavenny names “Rogerum comitem, Henricum, Walterum, Maiel et Wilielmum” as the five sons of “Milonem” & his wife, adding that Roger died childless[307]. “Mylo constabularius de Gloucestria” donated property to Lanthony abbey, naming “antecessores mei Rogerus de Gloecestria et Walterus constabularius”, by charter dated 1137, supplemented by another later donation (undated) jointly with "uxor mea Sibilla et filii mei Rogerus et Walterus atque Henricus"[308]. He succeeded his father in 1143 as Earl of Hereford. The Gesta Stephani Regis records that "Rogerius, Milonis filius, juvenis…ætate" succeeded "in comitatum Herefordiæ" after his father was killed[309]. Constable of England. Lord of Abergavenny. He was in dispute with Henry II King of England in [1154], probably about the castle of Gloucester, and surrendered the castle and his earldom, although the king made a re-grant of the latter to Roger[310]. The Chronicle of Gervase names "comes Herefordensis Rogerius…magni Milonis filius" when recording his dispute with King Henry II in 1155[311]. The History of Gloucester St Peter records the donation by "Rogeri comes Herfordiæ" on becoming a monk at the monastery, and the donation of "Walterus constabularius Herefordiæ frater eius" (both undated)[312]. The Annals of Tewkesbury record that “Rogerus comes Herefordiæ” died in 1155[313]. On his death the earldom granted by King Henry II became extinct. A manuscript in Aske´s collections names “Milo…Erle of Herforde, Lord of Bricone and of all the Forest of Done, and also Constable of England…Roger…his first begotten sonne…” among those buried at Lanthony Priory[314]. m (before [Dec 1137/May 1138]) as her first husband, CECILY, daughter of PAYN FitzJohn of Ewyas, co. Hereford, Sheriff of Hereford and Shropshire & his wife Sibyl de Lacy (-1207). She is referred to as the wife of Roger in King Stephen's charter dated [Dec 1137/May 1138][315]. A manuscript narrating the foundation of Lilleshall Abbey, Shropshire records that “Rogerus comes Hereford” married “vicecomes Paganus…filiam”[316]. King Stephen confirmed to "Rogo filio Milonis Gloec et Cecilie uxori sue filie Pag fil Johis" the lands of her father by charter dated to [Dec 1137/May 1138][317]. She married secondly Guillaume de Poitou. The primary source which confirms her second marriage has not yet been identified. She married thirdly (before 1166) Gauthier de Mayenne. "Walter de Maine" confirmed the donation of land in Perriton to Bruton by undated charter witnessed by "Cecilia comitissa uxore mea…"[318]. The Red Book of the Exchequer, listing scutage payments in [1190/91], records "comitissa Hereford quæ fuit uxor Walteri de Meduana" paying "xiv l x s de scutagio militum de veteri feffamento xxix milites" in Kent[319]. The Red Book of the Exchequer, listing scutage payments in [1196/97], records "honor Walteri de Meduana" paying "xxix l, per Ciciliam comitissam Herfordiæ et Willelmum de Monte Kanisio, xxix milites" in Kent[320].
3. WALTER FitzMiles (-1159 or after). The Historia fundationis cum fundatoris genealogia of the priory of Abergavenny names “Rogerum comitem, Henricum, Walterum, Maiel et Wilielmum” as the five sons of “Milonem” & his wife, adding that Walter died childless[321]. “Mylo constabularius de Gloucestria” donated property to Lanthony abbey, naming “antecessores mei Rogerus de Gloecestria et Walterus constabularius”, by charter dated 1137, supplemented by another later donation (undated) jointly with "uxor mea Sibilla et filii mei Rogerus et Walterus atque Henricus"[322]. “Waltero fratre meo” witnessed the undated charter under which “Rogerus comes Herefordiæ” donated property to Brecknock priory[323]. The Gesta Stephani Regis records that "Walterius…frater comitis Herefordiæ" captured "Rogerium de Berchelai" and tortured him, dated from the context to [1147][324]. He was Constable of Henry II King of England in 1154[325]. Sheriff of Gloucester 1155-1157, and of Hereford 1155-1159[326]. The History of Gloucester St Peter records the donation by "Rogeri comes Herfordiæ" on becoming a monk at the monastery, and the donation of "Walterus constabularius Herefordiæ frater eius" (both undated)[327]. He succeeded his brother in 1155 as Lord of Abergavenny and Brecknock. He left for Palestine [Michaelmas] 1159, dying soon after[328].
4. HENRY FitzMiles (-murdered Castle Arnold, near Abergavenny Easter [1159/63], bur Lanthony Priory, Gloucester). The Historia fundationis cum fundatoris genealogia of the priory of Abergavenny names “Rogerum comitem, Henricum, Walterum, Maiel et Wilielmum” as the five sons of “Milonem” & his wife[329]. “Mylo constabularius de Gloucestria” donated property to Lanthony abbey, naming “antecessores mei Rogerus de Gloecestria et Walterus constabularius”, by charter dated 1137, supplemented by another later donation (undated) jointly with "uxor mea Sibilla et filii mei Rogerus et Walterus atque Henricus"[330]. He succeeded his brother Walter as Lord of Abergavenny and Brecknock. The Historia fundationis cum fundatoris genealogia of the priory of Abergavenny records that “Waltero constabulatio totius Angliæ” granted “castrum de Abergavenny cum tota terra superioris Wenciæ” to “Henrico…filio Milonis” during the lifetime of his father, and that Henry succeeded on the death of his brother Roger, was killed by “quodam satellite…Senell, filio Donwaldi, iuxta castrum Arnaldi in superiore Wencia”, and was buried “apud Lanthoniam primam”[331]. He was murdered by Seisyll ap Dyvnwal[332]. A manuscript in Aske´s collections names “Milo…Erle of Herforde, Lord of Bricone and of all the Forest of Done, and also Constable of England…Roger…his first begotten sonne…Henri his brother Lord of Bricone…” among those buried at Lanthony Priory[333]. m ISABELLA, daughter of --- (-after 1166). "Ysabele uxor Henrici de Herford" held "v milites in dotem" from "Margareta de Boun" in Gloucestershire in 1166[334].
5. MAHEL FitzMiles (-after [Jan 1162/64], bur Lanthony Priory, Gloucester). The Historia fundationis cum fundatoris genealogia of the priory of Abergavenny names “Rogerum comitem, Henricum, Walterum, Maiel et Wilielmum” as the five sons of “Milonem” & his wife, adding that Mahel died childless[335]. He succeeded his brother Henry as Lord of Abergavenny and Brecknock. “Maihelus de Hereford” donated property to Brecknock priory by undated charter which names “Bernardus de Novo-mercato avus meus…Milo pater meus…fratres mei Rogerus comes, et Walterius constabularius et Henricus”, witnessed by “…Humfridus de Buhun nepos meus…”[336]. A manuscript in Aske´s collections names “Milo…Erle of Herforde, Lord of Bricone and of all the Forest of Done, and also Constable of England…Roger…his first begotten sonne…Henri his brother Lord of Bricone…Michel Lord of Bricone…” among those buried at Lanthony Priory[337].
6. WILLIAM FitzMiles (-Bronllys Tower, co. Brecon [1164/66]). The Historia fundationis cum fundatoris genealogia of the priory of Abergavenny names “Rogerum comitem, Henricum, Walterum, Maiel et Wilielmum” as the five sons of “Milonem” & his wife, adding that William died childless[338]. He succeeded his brother Mahel as Lord of Abergavenny and Brecknock. He was mortally wounded by a stone dropped from Bronllys Tower, co. Brecon[339].
7. BERTHA . The Historia fundationis cum fundatoris genealogia of the priory of Abergavenny names “Margaretam, Bertam et Luciam” as the three daughters of “Milonem” & his wife, adding that Berthe married “Philippo de Brusa domino de Duelth“ (naming their descendants) and inherited “tota terra Breconiæ, Wenciæ superioris et Gower”[340]. A manuscript narrating the history of Brecknock priory records that “Berte” married “Willame de Brewes”, and also lists her descendants[341]. "Willielmus de Braiosa" confirmed the donations to the church of Saints Gervais et Protais de Briouze by "Philippus de Braiosa pater eiusdem Willielmi", by undated charter, witnessed by "Bertam conjugem meam, Philippum fratrem meum"[342]. m (before [1140]) WILLIAM [II] de Briouse, son of PHILIPPE de Briouse & his wife Eleanor of Barnstaple (-[1175]). He was Lord of Abergavenny and Brecon from [1173] by grant of his brother-in-law Mahel FitzMiles[343].
8. LUCY (before 1143-[1219/20] or after, bur Lanthony Priory, Gloucester). The Historia fundationis cum fundatoris genealogia of the priory of Abergavenny names “Margaretam, Bertam et Luciam” as the three daughters of “Milonem” & his wife, adding that Lucy married “Herberto filio Hereberti” and inherited “foresta de Dene et aliis terries in Anglia”[344]. King John confirmed the possessions of Lanthony abbey by charter dated 30 Jul 1199, including the donation of "duas partes de Onedesleye" made by "Margar de Bohun", in accordance with the division made "inter ipsam et Luciam sororem suam"[345]. The Testa de Nevill lists knights who held land from bishop of Worcester, whose assets had been confiscated by King John, dated to [1208/13]: "Henricus de Boun comes Herefordie et domina Lucia que fuit uxor Herberti filii Herberti" held "manerio in Suham et Brokhamt ii milites…in comitatu Glouc"[346]. A feodary of the bishop of Worcester´s estates drawn up in [1219/20] records that "Dame Lucia, widow of Herbert fitz Herbert" held shares in two Gloucestershire manors[347]. A manuscript in Aske´s collections names “Milo…Erle of Herforde, Lord of Bricone and of all the Forest of Done, and also Constable of England…Sibbill wiff of the seid Milo…Luce the third daughter of the seid Milo Erle…” among those buried at Lanthony Priory[348]. m HERBERT FitzHerbert [II], son of HERBERT FitzHerbert [I] & his wife Sibyl Corbet (-before 18 Jul 1204).