June 5th 1118
The death has been announced of one of the most prominent men of the last half century. Soldier, diplomat, adviser and royal confidant, Robert of Meulan was an indispensable member of the court for nearly fifty years, the last survivor of the generation of heroes who conquered at Hastings and made England the kingdom it is today.
Born Robert de Beaumont on 6th December 1046 at Pont Audemer, Eure, he became one of the foremost knights of the last decades, many times crossing the channel to carry out campaigns abroad. His father, also Robert de Beaumont, Sire de Pont-Audemer, and his mother Adeliza de Meulan, were proud parents of eight children of whom Robert was the eldest.
Robert de Beaumont registered for military service in the propitious year of 1066, and came to England in the army of William of Normandy. He took a prominent role in the Battle of Hastings as leader of the infantry on the right wing. He was known to be fearless in leading charges and bold in tactical manoeuvres, for which he was handsomely rewarded.
His service earned him the grant of more than 91 English manors. When his mother died in 1081, Robert inherited the title of Count of Meulan, by which he came to be known. Extensive properties in Normandy made him a powerful magnate on both sides of the channel which he crossed many times in his long and distinguished life.
On the death of the Conqueror in 1087, Meulan gravitated to the orbit of William Rufus. Over the next thirteen years he became senior adviser and confidant to the king, joining his inner circle and often attending the royal hunts in Brockenhurst Forest. It was there on August 2nd 1100 that William Rufus was shot and killed in a still unexplained hunting accident.
On the death of William Rufus, Meulan immediately declared support for Henry, the younger brother of William Rufus, thus lending indispensable support during a time which demanded swift and decisive action.The considerable weight of Meulan’s influence and reputation ensured that Henry was crowned at Westminster only three days after his brother’s death, a lightning transfer of power.
Meulan became prominent in the entourage of Henry from the first day of his reign. He undoubtedly contributed much to stabilising the regime especially in the following year, 1101, when Henry faced the invasion fleet of his elder brother, Robert Curthose. Throughout the crisis of that desperate summer, Meulan gave unflinching backing to Henry and was instrumental in the establishing peace talks.
One observer close to the court said: “ Meulan was a wise counsellor and a man of celebrated judgement who had the reputation of never ducking an issue.” In private he was a family man with nine children, the eldest twin sons, Waleran and Robert. He remained loyal throughout Henry’s reign, sometimes at a high cost. Meulan was excommunicated by Pope Paschal II on 26 March 1105 for advising King Henry against the papal wishes, but was reinstated the following year and was raised to the peerage becoming the Ist Earl of Leicester.
Throughout his working life Meulan acquired assets stretching over vast territories in Normandy and England, building a portfolio of property which served to make the Beaumont family one of the greatest dynasties of the age.
In private he was a generous supporter of charities and endowed churches on both sides of the channel. In later life he became especially attached to the Abbaye de St Pierre au Préaux in Normandy to which he retired when his health declined in 1116. His last years were spent as a simple monk at this abbey where he will be buried at a date yet to be announced.