Walter de Clifford (died 1190)


Walter de Clifford was an Anglo-Norman Marcher Lord of Bronllys Castle on the Welsh border, and was feudal baron of Clifford, seated at Clifford Castle in Herefordshire.

Life

According to Eyton, he succeeded to the estates of his uncles Walter and Drogo.
These two brothers figure in Domesday as the possessors of lands in Herefordshire, Berkshire, and other counties.
His father Richard seems to have died between 1115 and 1138, in which latter year we find 'Walter de Cliffort' signing a Gloucester charter.
He reappears under the same name in 1155.
He probably obtained the barony of Clifford, from his wife Margaret, asserted to be the daughter of Raoul IV de Conches and thus the Granddaughter of Raoul II of Tosny, feudal lord of Flamstead, who is shown, in 1086, as 'tenant-in-chief' of this fee, the multiple lords being listed as Drogo ; Gilbert ; Herbert; and Roger.
According to another theory, his mother Maud, wife of Richard FitzPonce, was the original holder of it.
Towards the middle of Henry II's reign, he was possessed of the manors of Corfham, Culmington, in Shropshire.
He was a benefactor to several monasteries, e.g. Haughmond Abbey, Dore, and Godstow.
Clifford's name occurs in the Welsh annals as lord of the castle of Llandovery.
He ravaged the lands of Rhys ap Gruffydd, who, finding his complaints to Henry II disregarded, surprised his castle.
In 1163, he is said to have slain Einion ab Anarawd, son of Anarawd ap Gruffydd. In 1164, he is said to have slain Cadwgan, son of Maredudd. He was still living in 1187, and according to Eyton died in 1190.

Family

He was the son of Richard FitzPons and Matilda, who was the sister of Miles de Gloucester, 1st Earl of Hereford, and daughter of Walter de Gloucester.
He is now best known for his daughter, Rosamund Clifford, with Margaret de Toeni, daughter of Ralph de Toeni.
Walter and Margaret's children were:
The main part of the Clifford estates passed to Matilda, a great-granddaughter, wife of Sir William Longespée, whose daughter, Margery Longespée, brought them to her husband, Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln.
Walter de Clifford's grandson Roger was father of Roger.