Page 49 - Redditch People

Redditch People

Waleran de Beaumont

The founder of Bordesley Abbey

His betrothal to King Stephen's infant daughter
Matilda strengthened his relationship with the King
and it was this that brought him the title of the Earl
of Worcester. The building of Bordesley Abbey
followed on from this shortly after. However when
Stephen's rival the Empress Maude briefly gained the
ascendant it was she who signed Bordesley Abbey's
charter in 1141, making it a royal house.

1104 - 1166

Waleran de Beaumont
(Source: J. M. Woodwood)

Source/Researched by: Sally Whytehead

Life and Times of Waleran de Beaumont

Waleran's grandfather fought at the battle of Hastings and was an influential Norman
Lord. Waleran's father died when he was 14 and he became a ward of King Henry I of
England. He inherited lands in France and England and in his prime was a wealthy,
educated man much involved in politics and the many power struggles in both England
and Normandy at that time.

His betrothal to King Stephen's infant daughter Matilda strengthened his relationship with
the King and it was this that brought him the title of the Earl of Worcester; the building
of Bordesley Abbey followed on from this shortly after. However when Stephen's rival the
Empress Maude briefly gained the ascendant it was she who signed Bordesley Abbey's
charter in 1141, making it a royal house.

His first wife died in 1137 aged only 4, but in 1141 he married again and had 8 children
ensuring his line continued for many generations.

He was a joint leader of the Anglo-Norman crusaders on the Second Crusade in 1147
-1149 and on his return, having survived a shipwreck, founded a second Cistercian Abbey
at Le Valasse, Normandy as thanks for his survival.

Soon after that his power in Normandy and England declined, and his lived out his
remaining years in relative simplicity.

In March 1166 he entered the abbey of St Peter of Preaux, where he died as a monk about
3 weeks later.

© RLHS 2015 Page: 49