Robert de Mowbray

Quick Facts: Who was Robert de Mowbray?

Subject:

Robert de Mowbray

Known for:

Norman nobleman who held the Earldom of Northumbria, known for his military prowess.

Born:

1060

Died:

1125

Century / Era:

1060s Historical Era Archive

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Robert de Mowbray (died 1125), a Norman, was Earl of Northumbria from 1086 until 1095. Robert joined the 1088 rebellion against King William II on behalf of Robert Curthose, but was pardoned and later led the army that killed Malcolm III of Scotland at Alnwick. In 1095, he conspired to put Stephen of Aumale on the throne, was besieged by the king, and captured. As punishment, his marriage was dissolved and his lands confiscated, given to the new husband of his former wife, while Mowbray was imprisoned for life and later became a monk. Robert was the son of Roger de Mowbray and nephew of Geoffrey de Montbray, bishop of Coutances.

Career & Major Achievements

The family name, Mowbray, is an Anglicisation derived from Montbray in Manche, Normandy. Mowbray was made Earl of Northumbria after Aubrey de Coucy, the previous earl, decided that he no longer wished to remain in his post. Coucy was made earl in 1080 and, probably that same year, resigned his position and returned to Normandy, losing all of the lands that he held in England. He was not replaced until Robert was appointed in 1086. Mowbray joined his uncle, Geoffrey, in the failed rebellion of 1088 against William Rufus on behalf of Robert, duke of Normandy, but both were pardoned and Mowbray remained in his post as Earl of Northumbria.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

In November 1093, Malcolm III of Scotland invaded Northumbria for the second time since 1091, and attacked Alnwick. Mowbray raised an army and attacked the Scots, taking them by surprise on 13 November (St Brice's Day). In the ensuing Battle of Alnwick, Malcolm and his son Edward were slain. Earlier that same year, Geoffrey de Montbray died and Mowbray succeeded to his uncle's large estates, becoming one of the most powerful barons in the kingdom. Mowbray married in 1095 Matilda, daughter of Richer de l'Aigle, and niece of Hugh d'Avranches, 1st Earl of Chester.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1060: Birth of Robert de Mowbray — Norman nobleman who held the Earldom of Northumbria, known for his military prowess.
2. 1080: 1080 Milestone — Coucy was made earl in 1080 and, probably that same year, resigned his position and returned to Normandy, losing all of the lands that he held in England.
3. 1086: 1086 Milestone — He was not replaced until Robert was appointed in 1086.
4. 1088: 1088 Milestone — Robert joined the 1088 rebellion against King William II on behalf of Robert Curthose, but was pardoned and later led the army that killed Malcolm III of Scotland at Alnwick.
5. 1093: 1093 Milestone — In November 1093, Malcolm III of Scotland invaded Northumbria for the second time since 1091, and attacked Alnwick.
6. 1095: 1095 Milestone — In 1095, he conspired to put Stephen of Aumale on the throne, was besieged by the king, and captured.
7. 1125: Passing & Historical Legacy — Robert de Mowbray passed away on 1125, leaving an enduring historical legacy.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Robert de Mowbray

True or False: “Robert de Mowbray was executed by William Rufus after the rebellion in 1095.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): He was captured and subsequently imprisoned for life; his lands were confiscated rather than leading to immediate execution.

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• 1060 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1060
• 1125 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1125

Frequently Asked Questions about Robert de Mowbray