The Norman Knights in Glamorgan

Extracted by Bernard Mainwaring from an article by The Rev. Dan Bryant M.A. D.C.L. printed in Historical Sketches of Glamorgan. Published by The Glamorgan Society in 1912 and submitted to the Glamorgan mailing list

In 1093 A.D. a Lord Fitz-hamon, became the first Norman Lord of Glamorgan.

His full titles were:-

Sir Robert Fitz-hamon, Earl of Corbeil, Baron Thorigny and Granville, Lord of Gloucester, Bristol, Tewkesbury and Cardiff. Conquerer of Wales, near kinsman of the King, and General of his Highness' army in France.

He was accompanied by twelve knights:-

William de Londres

Richard de Granville (his brother)

Paganus de Turberville

Robert St. Quentin

Richard de Syward

Gilbert de Humfreville

Roger de Berkrolls

Reginald de Sully

Peter Le Soor

John Le Fleminge

Oliver de St. John

William de Esteringe ( Later known as Stradlinge)

Fitz-hamon took as his personal share the towns of Cardiff, Cowbridge and Kenfig, the castles of Cardiff and Kenfig and as demesne lands, Miscin, Glyn-Rhondda, Tir-y-Iarll and Boverton or Llantwit.

De Londres had the Lordship of Ogmore with the sub-manor of Dunraven.

De Granville settled in Neath and founded Neath Abbey in 1129

De Turberville had Coyty. He married the daughter of Morgan, the Welsh Lord of Coyty.

St. Quentin settled at Llanbethian. The family had died out by 1249 A.D.

De Syward had the Lordship of Talavan, with the sub-manor of Merthyr-Mawr.

Humfraville settled in Penmark and built Penmark Castle.

St. John may have held Fonmon Manor under De Humfraville.

Note:   At this time there were still Welsh Lords holding land in Glamorgan.

Bernard Mainwaring, May.2000 

[Last Updated : 27 Sept 2002 - Gareth Hicks]