Roger Bigod, 4th Earl of Norfolk


Roger Bigod was 4th Earl of Norfolk and Marshal of England.

Origins

He was the eldest son and heir of Hugh Bigod, 3rd Earl of Norfolk by his wife Maud, a daughter of William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke, Marshal of England. His younger brother was Hugh Bigod, Justiciar. After the death of his father in 1225, the young Roger became the ward of William Longespée, 3rd Earl of Salisbury.

Inheritance

In 1228, although still under-age but by now married and in a second wardship to Alexander II of Scotland following his 1225 marriage to Alexander's sister Isabella, he succeeded to his father's estates including Framlingham Castle. He did not, however, receive his father's title until 1233.

Career

After the death without male heirs of the last of his mother's brothers, in 1246 Roger inherited the office of Marshal of England. Together with his younger brother Hugh Bigod, Justiciar, he was prominent among the barons who wrested control of government from the hands of King Henry III and assisted Simon de Montfort in the Second Barons' War.

Marriage

His first warder married him to Isabella of Scotland, daughter of William the Lion, King of Scotland, whereupon still under-age he became a ward of his new brother-in-law, Alexander II of Scotland until 1228.

Succession

Roger had no children, and was succeeded by his nephew Roger Bigod, 5th Earl of Norfolk.