Sir Robert de Stourton, Knight - Father of Robert de Stourton ?

Started by Steven Mitchell Ferry on Sunday, March 20, 2022
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In History of the Noble House of Stourton, the author gives the father of Sir Robert as Botolph de Stourton, which is the line followed in Geni. Robert is here given a birth year of 1107. (I would put him closer to 1095.) Botolph is here given a birth year of c. 1175.

But that does not work with the information provided in the book. The author makes a point of the fact that Botolph fought against the Norman invasion in 1066, and that William met with Botolph at his residence, after that event, to discuss settlements. In addition, the claim is made that Botolph was married to Ann, daughter of Earl Godwin. Ann does not sound very Saxon, but I suppose it could be a translation. Perhaps Private User can help us with that. Cawley does not list her, although he lists only 10 children for Godwin and wife Gytha, whereas the Wikipedia article on the man lists 11 children. Godwin was Earl from c. 1020 to his death in 1053. Botolph would have needed to attain marriage age during that period, and also to show his worthiness of a daughter of Godwin. Ann would have also had to be of marriage age before 1053. I would date Botolph at around c. 1030, and Ann at c. 1035/40. Clearly not the parents of a c.1095 Sir Robert.

So where does that leave us? The book mentions that Domesday (1086) affirms that a Rudolphus held Stourton from Walter de Dowai (c. 1046 - 1107.) If my estimate for Botolph's birth is correct he would have been 56. It is possible that Rudolphus was a son of Botolph (there will be other Ralph's later in the line,) or it is possible that Rudolphus was just a misunderstanding of Botolph.

The book also mentions a Bartholomew of Stourton, who possibly could have been another son of Botolph's. Or, again, another name used for Botolph.

So, did a 65 year old man and his 55 year old wife have a son they called Robert, or are we missing either a Ralph or Bartholomew in the lineage?

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