Osbern Giffard


Osbern Giffard was one of the knights who invaded England in 1066 under William the Conqueror. He was rewarded with holdings throughout Gloucestershire, Hampshire, Wiltshire and Somerset. He settled in Brimpsfield, where he built a castle which was destroyed by Edward II in 1322. It is believed that the Gloucestershire village of Stoke Gifford is named after him. Giffard's nephew, Walter became the 1st Earl of Buckingham.

Family

Giffard was a son of Osborn de Bolebec, Lord of Longueville-le-Giffard by either Avelina or Wevia, sisters of Gunnor, Duchess of Normandy. One of Giffard's siblings was Walter Giffard, Lord of Longueville.
His notable descendants include the sons of Hugh Giffard of Boyton in Wiltshire: Walter Giffard and Godfrey Giffard.