John, Earl of Comyn, and Baron of Tonsburgh, in Normandy, being general of the king's forces and governor of his chief towns, there obtained the surname "De Burgh," and took his motto, "Ung roy, ung foy, ung loy," from that of Caen, a chief town in his jurisdiction.

He had issue. The eldest son, Harlowen de Burgh, m. Arlotta, mother of William the Conqueror, and dying before his father, left issue, Odo, bishop of Bayeux, created Earl of Kent, and Robert, Earl of Moreton, in Normandy, who, participating with his brother, the bishop of Bayeux, in the triumph of Hastings, was rewarded by his virtuous kinsman, Duke William, with the Earldom of Cornwall, anno 1068, and grants of not less than seven hundred and ninety-three manors. This nobleman m. Maud, dau. of Roger de Montgomery, Earl of Shrewsbury, and had issue, William, his successor, and three daus.