Sir Robert de Beaumont , Earl of Leicester

     Sir Robert de Beaumont , Earl of Leicester was born circa 1049.^1,2,3 He was the son of Sir Roger de Beaumont , Siegneur of Beaumont and Adeline de Meulan. Robert de Beaumont's full titles were the Earl of Leicester; the Seigneur de Beaumont, Pont-Audemer, and Brionne; and Count de Meulan.^1,2,4

Sir Robert de Beaumont , Earl of Leicester married first wife.¹ He was a companion of William the Conqueror at Hastings and distinguished himself in battle.^2,5 Robert was created, in December 1066, the first Earl of Leicester.² Robert succeeded his father as the Comte de Meulan in 1081.⁵

Sir Robert de Beaumont , Earl of Leicester married Isabel de Vermandois , Countess of Leicester, daughter of Hugh Magnus de Crépi ~ Duke of France and Burgundy and Adelaide de Vermandois ~ Countess de Vermandois and Valois, in 1096.^1,2,3,4,5,6 After William I died, Robert supported William Rufus with whom he sided against Robert "Courtheuse" in 1098. When William Rufus died, he became a leading adviser to Henry I. When Ives de Grandmesnil died on Crusade, Robert obtained his estates which he had mortgaged to him. He therefore held about one quarter of the town of Leicester.⁵ He was among the barons who joined with Henry I on his arrival in Normandy, and was part of the King's army at Tenchebrai on 28 September 1106. His castle at Meulan was besieged by Louis VI and carried by storm. He retaliated the next year with a plundering raid on Paris.⁵ Sir Robert de Beaumont , Earl of Leicester died on 5 June 1118.^1,2,3,4,5,6 He was buried at Préaux Abbey, Les Préaux, Normandy, France.⁵