Hugh of Avranches
Hugh (the Wolf, the Fat) (1071-1101: First Earl)
(Kings: William I, William II (Rufus), Henry I)
Given a Palatine county with the power
Hugh of Avranches
Hugh (the Wolf, the Fat) (1071-1101: First Earl)
(Kings: William I, William II (Rufus), Henry I)
Given a Palatine county with the power to make and break any law save treason in return for bankrolling Duke William's Invasion, Hugh built castles in England and made a poor job of invading Wales. He managed to arrange the marriage of his son into the monarchs family, but this was to end in tragedy.
- Parents: Son of Richard Goz, Viscount of Avranches, in the far southwest of Normandy.
- Spouse: Ermentrude of Claremont.
- Children: One legitimate son, Richard of Avranches, who succeeded him. - see below for illegitimate issue.
Hugh was born around 1047. His father was Richard Goz (otherwise Le Gotz, or Le Gois) believed to be himself descended from Ansfrid, a Dane. One Hrolf Thurstain apparently followed his uncle Rollo, first Duke of Normandy to Normandy and married Gerlotte de Blois, daughter of Thibaut Count of Blois and Chartres. "Rollo" is a Frankish-Latin name