Robert D'Oilly
Robert d'Oilly himself was an interesting character. A minor Norman noble, he, too was a vassal of Roger de Montgomery, as well as being linked to William fitzOsbern - William's two best friends. He distinguished himself in Normandy's wars with its neighbours prior to 1066, and also shone at Hastings. As a result, William trusted him with the important task of guarding Wallingford.
Robert threw himself energetically into building a complex polygonal motte and bailey fortress out of wood there. When he was given the opportunity to marry the English heiress of his newly acquired land, he jumped at the chance, since it would secure his new holdings and ensure the loyalty of the locals now under his control. By 1071, Wigot of Wallingford was dead, and Robert had inherited the thegn's lands in neighbouring Oxfordshire as well. He moved to Oxford in 1071, as its sheriff. There, he became a great patron of the city, founding one of the religious houses that would eventually form the University of Oxford and building a new stone castle there in 1073. One of his original Norman towers still stands on the castle site today. His daughter, Matilda, married another Norman noble called Miles Crispin who took over the castle of Wallingford.
Published: 2001-05-01
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