Bolbec:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bolbec

http://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Osbern

Osbern de Bolbec, noble normand d'origine viking, père de Gautier Ier Giffard, lié aux "Richardides".

http://fmg.ac/Projects/MedLands/NORMAN%20NOBILITY.htm#OsbernBolebec

[updated 3/2015] MEDIEVAL LANDS

A. VICOMTES d´ARQUES, SEIGNEURS de LONGUEVILLE

The pagus Tellau , within the episcopal diocese of Rouen, was located north-east of Rouen and was bordered by the pagus Vimnau to the north-east, the sea to the north-west, the pagus Caletensis to the west, and the pagus Rotomagensis to the south-east[639]. The county of Talou was granted in the mid-11th century by Duke Guillaume II to his uncle Guillaume, who transformed the territory into the county of Arques after constructing the castle of that name on his land, although no further counts are recorded as he died childless. It is assumed that after that time the nobility in the territory of the former county were direct vassals of the dukes of Normandy.

Three brothers, parents unknown, but their names suggest a Viking origin:

1. OSBERN de Bolbec, son of --- . "Duke Richard [II]" donated property to the abbey of Mont Saint-Michel by charter dated to [1026], subscribed by "…Osbernus frater comitisse, Hunfredus frater eius…"[640]. It is assumed that "comitisse" in this document refers to Gunnor, wife of Richard [II] Duke of Normandy, and that "frater comitisse" should be interpreted as "brother-in-law". A manuscript at Caen, which commemorates the death of Abbess Mathilde, daughter of William I King of England, names "Osbernus Giffardus, Haduisa eius conjunx" among the deceased at "sancti Stephani Fontanensis", presumably indicating that they were buried there[641]. It is assumed that "Osbernus Giffardus" refers to Osbern de Bolbec given that his son used the name Giffard. “...Osbernus avunculus comitis, Walterius fr. eius...” subscribed the charter under which Guillaume Duke of Normandy donated the church of Arques to Saint-Wandrille, dated to [1035/55][642].

m [firstly] [AVELINE], sister of GUNNORA [mistress of Richard I Duke of Normandy], daughter of ---. Guillaume de Jumièges records that "Gunnor" had “excepta Sainfria...duas sorores Wewam et Avelinam”, adding that “tertia...sororum Gunnoris comitissæ” [Aveline, from the context] married “Osberno de Bolebec”, by whom she had “Galterium Giffardum primum et Godefridum patrem Willelmi de Archis”[643]. She and her three sisters, as well as their husbands, are named by Robert de Torigny[644]. On the other hand, the Genealogia Fundatoris of Tintern Abbey, Monmouthshire names ”Turketillus…frater…Turulphi, cuius filius Hasculfus d´Harcourt” married “aliam sororem…comitissæ Gunnoræ” by whom he was father of “duos…filios…Walterum de Giffard primogenitum…”[645]. As noted below, another primary source indicates that the wife of "Osbernus Giffardus" was named Hawise[646]. It is not known whether Osbern was married twice or whether all the sources cited refer to the same person, one or other mistaking the name.

[m secondly HAWISE, daughter of --- . A manuscript at Caen, which commemorates the death of Abbess Mathilde, daughter of William I King of England, names "Osbernus Giffardus, Haduisa eius conjunx" among the deceased at "sancti Stephani Fontanensis", presumably indicating that they were buried there[647]. It is supposed that "Osbernus Giffardus" refers to Osbern de Bolbec, given that his son used the name Giffard. If this is correct, Hawise was presumably his second wife, unless "Aveline" is an error for "Hawise" in Guillaume de Jumièges and Robert de Torigny which names Osbern´s supposed first wife.

Osbern & his [first/second] wife had four children:

a) GAUTHIER Giffard . Guillaume de Jumièges records that "Gunnor" had “excepta Sainfria...duas sorores Wewam et Avelinam”, adding that “tertia...sororum Gunnoris comitissæ” [Aveline, from the context] married “Osberno de Bolebec”, by whom she had “Galterium Giffardum primum et Godefridum patrem Willelmi de Archis”[648]. “...Walterius Gyfardus...” subscribed the charter under which Guillaume Duke of Normandy donated the church of Arques to Saint-Wandrille, dated to [1035/55][649]. Seigneur de Longueville, Normandy. "…Walterius Giffardus…" witnessed the charter dated 29 Aug 1060 under which "milite…Richardo…fratribus Willelmo…atque Balduino" donated "Gausberti Villa" to Chartres Saint-Père[650]. The Brevis Relatio de Origine Willelmi Conquestoris records that "Waltero Giffardo" contributed 60 ships towards the invasion of England in 1066[651]. Orderic Vitalis names “...Galterius Giphardus et Radulphus Toenites...” among those who took part in the battle of Hastings[652]. He received grants of 107 lordships as his reward[653]. Orderic Vitalis records that King William installed “Guillermum Osberni filium” at his new fortress at Winchester and appointed him “vice sua toti regno versus Aquilonem”, while he granted “Doveram...totamque Cantiam” to “Odoni fratri suo”, and thus he entrusted “his duobus præfecturam Angliæ”, seconded by “Hugonem de Grentemaisnilio et Hugonem de Monteforti, Guillelmumque de Garenna”, dated to 1067[654]. Orderic Vitalis states that the king "gave [Walter Giffard] the county of Buckinghamshire", in the chronicler's description of post-conquest grants made by King William, without specifying that he was created earl[655].

m ERMENGARDE, daughter of GERARD Flaitel & his wife ---. Guillaume de Jumièges records that "Galterium Giffardum primum” married “unam filiarum Girardi Flatelli”[656]. [The necrology of Longueville records the death 13 May of “domina Hermengauda comitissa condam hujus loci” and her confirmation of the donation made by “illos de Saukervilla” of “molendino de Longa Villa”[657]. It is not certain whether this entry refers to the wife of Gauthier Giffard or to the wife of his grandson Walter Giffard.]

Gauthier & his wife had [five or more] children:

i) WALTER Giffard . Guillaume de Jumièges names "Galterium Giffardum primum” as father of “secundum Galterium Giffardum...”[659]. He succeeded his father in his lands. Orderic Vitalis records that King William I granted "comitatum Buchingeham" to "Gualterio...cognomento Gifardo"[660]. Domesday Book records land held by “Walter Giffard” in West Hanney in Wantage Hundred in Berkshire[661]. Orderic Vitalis records that “Rodbertus Aucensium comes et Gauterius Gifardus et Radulfus de Mortuomari” and nearly all the seigneurs who lived “trans Sequanam usque ad mare” joined King William II against his brother Robert Duke of Normandy and received considerable sums to fortify their castles, dated to [1089/90][662]. He was created Earl of Buckingham [after 1093] by King William II, although known contemporarily as Earl Giffard[663]. See EARLS of BUCKINGHAM.

ii) WILLIAM Giffard . Bishop of Winchester. The History of the foundation of St John´s abbey, Colchester names “Rohaisam…soror Willielmi Giffardi episcopi Wintoniæ” as wife of “Ricardi…filius Gilberti comitis”[664]. "…Willelmi Giffardi episcopi…" subscribed a charter dated 14 Sep 1101 under which Henry I King of England donated property to Bath St Peter[665].

iii) ROHESE Giffard . Guillaume de Jumièges names "Galterium Giffardum primum” as father of “secundum Galterium Giffardum et filias plures” of whom “una...Rohais” married “Richardo filio comitis Gisleberti”[666]. Orderic Vitalis records that “Gisleberti comitis [filium] Ricardum” married “Roaldem Gualterii Gifardi filiam”[667]. Domesday Book records “Rohais wife of Richard son of Gilbert” holding Standon in Braughing Hundred in Hertfordshire[668]. According to the Genealogia Fundatoris of Tintern Abbey, Monmouthshire, ”Rohesia” married secondly “Eudoni dapifero Regis Normanniæ” after the death of “Ricardo filio comitis Gisleberti” and that they were both buried “tempore Henrici primi” in “castrum Clecestriæ…cœnobio in honore sancti Johannis” which Eudo constructed[669]. According to the Complete Peerage, this genealogy is “probably erroneous” but it does not explain the basis for the doubts[670]. From a chronological point of view, the connection would be tight, assuming that the death date of Richard FitzGilbert is correctly estimated to [1090] and the birth of Rohese´s granddaughter by her alleged second marriage, Beatrix, is correctly assessed at [1105]. This supposed second parentage is disproved by sources quoted in the section dealing with Eudes de Rie. m [firstly] RICHARD FitzGilbert de Brionne, son of GILBERT de Brionne "Crespin" Comte d'Eu & his wife --- . [Incorrect supposed second marriage: m secondly EUDES de Rie dapifer, son of HUBERT [I] de Rie & his wife ---.]

iv) daughters . Guillaume de Jumièges names "Galterium Giffardum primum” as father of “secundum Galterium Giffardum et filias plures” of whom “una...Rohais” married “Richardo filio comitis Gisleberti”[671].

v) [AMFRIDA . The Chronicon Beccensis Abbatiæ records that "tempore S. Anselmi abbatis Becci tres matronæ nobiles…Basilia uxor Hugonis de Gornaco, et Amfrida neptis ipsius Basiliæ, et Eva uxor Guillelmi Crispini" entered Bec and lived at the abbey, adding that they died on three consecutive Sundays "Amfrida Basiliæ neptis...minor...ætate, virgo…IV Non Jan, qua sepulta…Basilia domina eius…XVII Kal Feb…tertia Eva…X Kal Feb...post mortem...viri sui Guillermi Crispini...Beccique usque ad finem vitæ...perseuerauit"[672]. Gurney dates the passage to [1099/1100][673]. The parentage of Amfrida is uncertain. However, Ermengarde is the only sibling of Basilie Flaitel who is known to have had children, so it is possible that she was the daughter of Gauthier Giffard.]

b) GODEFROI Giffard . Guillaume de Jumièges records that "Gunnor" had “excepta Sainfria...duas sorores Wewam et Avelinam”, adding that “tertia...sororum Gunnoris comitissæ” [Aveline, from the context] married “Osberno de Bolebec”, by whom she had “Galterium Giffardum primum et Godefridum patrem Willelmi de Archis”[674]. Vicomte d'Arques, which he presumably inherited from his father-in-law “Willelmus...comes filius...Ricardi Normannorum quondam ducis” restored “insulam in fluvio magno Secane...Belcinaca...ecclesias eciam Vatheuille et Brotonii” to Saint-Wandrille by charter dated to [1032/47], subscribed by “Godofredi vicecomitis, comitis, Walterus filius, Lambertus, Willelmus, Osbernus”[675]. m --- de Rouen, daughter of GOZELIN Vicomte de Rouen et d´Arques & his wife Emmeline ---. Her parentage is confirmed by a charter dated 1080 which relates that "Gozelinus vicecomes de Archis…cum coniuge sua et filiis" founded Sainte-Trinité de Rouen and donated property, and that "Willelmus de Archis heres defuncti…avi sui Gozelini" confirmed the donation[676]. "Grandfather" must be "maternal grandfather" as the paternal ancestors of Guillaume d'Arques are confirmed by Guillaume de Jumièges . Godefroi & his wife had [three] children:

i) GUILLAUME d'Arques . Guillaume de Jumièges records that "Gunnor" had “excepta Sainfria...duas sorores Wewam et Avelinam”, adding that “tertia...sororum Gunnoris comitissæ” [Aveline, from the context] married “Osberno de Bolebec”, by whom she had “Galterium Giffardum primum et Godefridum patrem Willelmi de Archis”[677]. "Guillelmus et Gislebertus filii Godefredi Archarum vicecomitis" donated land in Montvilla to Sainte-Trinité de Rouen dated 1059[678]. Vicomte d'Arques. Lord of Folkestone[679]. A charter dated 1080 relates that "Gozelinus vicecomes de Archis…cum coniuge sua et filiis" founded Sainte-Trinité de Rouen and donated property, and that "Willelmus de Archis heres defuncti…avi sui Gozelini" confirmed the donation[680]. [Orderic Vitalis records “Edgarus Adelinus et Robertus Belesmensis atque Guillelmus de Archis monachus Molismensis” as the advisers of Robert [III] Duke of Normandy, dated to [1089][681]. It is possible that the third named person was Guillaume Vicomte d´Arques but no other record has been found that he became a monk at Molesme in Burgundy before he died.] m BEATRIX Malet, daughter of GUILLAUME [I] Malet & his wife Esilia [Crespin]. “Beatrix soror Roberti Malet” donated property to Eye priory, for the souls of “fratrum meorum Roberti Maleth et Gilberti Malet”, by undated charter[682]. Brown indicates that Beatrix donated Redlingfield to Eye by undated charter which confirms her as husband of "William vicomte of Arques"[683]. “Willielmus de Abrincis miles dominus de Folkestan” confirmed donations to Folkestone priory, including the donations made by "Beatrix post mortem domini sui Willielmi de Archis" of "terram dotis suæ de Newenton" by undated charter[684]. Guillaume & his wife had two children:

MATHILDE d'Arques . Guillaume de Jumièges records "Mathildis" as the daughter of “Willelmi de Archis”, adding that she married “Willelmus camerarius de Tancarvilla” by whom she had “filium Rabellum qui ei successit”[685]. m GUILLAUME [I] de Tancarville, son of RAOUL [I] de Tancarville & his wife Avicia --- .

EMMA d'Arques . “Willielmus de Abrincis miles dominus de Folkestan” confirmed donations to Folkestone priory, including the donations made by "domini Nigelli de Munevilla quondam domini de Folkestan antecessoris mei…cum uxore sua Emma" for the souls of "antecessorum suorum…Willielmi de Archis et Beatricis uxoris illius" by undated charter, which also records that Nele died without male heirs and that Henry I King of England married "filiam eius…Matildam" to "Rualoni de Abrincis"[686]. “Manasses Gisnensis comes et Emma uxor eius…filia Willielmi de Arras” founded Redlingfield priory by charter dated 1120, witnessed by “Widonis fratris mei, Rosæ filiæ meæ”[687]. The Historia Comitum Ghisnensium names "Emmam filiam Roberti camerarii de Tancarvilla in Normannia, viduam Odonis de Folkestane in Anglia" as wife of "Manasses"[688], which appears to be incorrect. "Manasses Gisnensium comes et Emma comitissa" granted the administration of the church of Saint-Léonard to Saint-Bertin by charter dated 1129[689]. According to Domesday Descendants she became a nun at Saint-Leonard de Guines after the death of her second husband[690]. m firstly NELE de Muneville, son of --- . Lord of Folkestone. m secondly MANASSES Comte de Guines, son of BAUDOUIN Comte de Guines & his wife Adela [Christina] [of Holland] . Emma & her first husband had one child:

MATHILDE de Muneville . “Willielmus de Abrincis miles dominus de Folkestan” confirmed donations to Folkestone priory, including the donations made by "domini Nigelli de Munevilla quondam domini de Folkestan antecessoris mei…cum uxore sua Emma" for the souls of "antecessorum suorum…Willielmi de Archis et Beatricis uxoris illius" by undated charter, which also records that Nele died without male heirs and that Henry I King of England married "filiam eius…Matildam" to "Rualoni de Abrincis"[691]. m RUALON d´Avranches, son of --- .

ii) GISELBERT d'Arques . "Guillelmus et Gislebertus filii Godefredi Archarum vicecomitis" donated land in Montvilla to Sainte-Trinité de Rouen dated 1059[692].

iii) [OSBERN d'Arques . He is named in Europäische Stammtafeln[693] as possible son of Godefroi Giffard but the primary source on which this is based has not yet been identified. Domesday Book records “Osbern d´Arques” holding numerous properties in Yorkshire[694].] m ---. The name of Osbern's wife is not known. Osbern & his wife had [two] children:

GUILLAUME . The primary source which confirms his parentage has not yet been identified. GISELBERT . Orderic Vitalis records that, after the death of “Guillelmo Ebroicensium episcopo”, “Balduinus ducis capellanus” was appointed and was bishop for seven years, dated to 1070, and was in turn succeeded by “Gislebertus Osberni filius canonicus et archidiaconus Lexoviensis” who was bishop for more than 30 years[695]. Bishop of Evreux [696].

c) [JOSCELINE de Bolbec . Josceline and her marriage are shown in Europäische Stammtafeln[697]. This is presumably based on Robert de Torigny, continuation of William of Jumièges[698], the unreliability of this part of whose chronicle is discussed in the Complete Peerage[699]. Guillaume of Jumièges records that “nepotes...plures...Gunnor...earum...quintam” married “Hugo de Monte-gummerici” by whom she had “Rogerius pater Roberti de Bellismo”[700]. There must be considerable doubt about whether this can be correct as Osbern de Bolbec´s wife and Hugues de Montgommery´s mother would have been first cousins.] m HUGUES de Montgommery Vicomte d'Hiémois, son of ROGER I Seigneur de Montgommery and Vicomte de l'Hiémois & his wife Josceline --- .

2. HUNFRED . "Duke Richard [II]" donated property to the abbey of Mont Saint-Michel by charter dated to [1026], subscribed by "…Osbernus frater comitisse, Hunfredus frater eius…"[701].

3. GAUTHIER . “...Osbernus avunculus comitis, Walterius fr. eius...” subscribed the charter under which Guillaume Duke of Normandy donated the church of Arques to Saint-Wandrille, dated to [1035/55][702].