Robert of Burgate


Robert of Burgate was a 13th-century landowner, nobleman, and household knight for John, King of England.

Origins

Before the early years, Robert was a minor knight who held two knights' Fiefs in Burgate, Suffolk. By 1205, the barony, Honour of Eye, was in the hands of the King John's half-brother, Earl William Longsword. In the same year, Robert and his squire, William Talbot, made a pledge of surety for the Earl to have two casks of wine. It is likely that Robert was able to use his association with Earl Longsword as a stepping stone to becoming a member of the royal court.

Life and career

By 1208, Robert had acquired the Honour of Eye through his service in the royal household. He had a clear connection with the Earl and was often mentioned in documents together with him.. One example of the extent of their bond is when Robert was responsible for collecting the Earl's monetary payment from the exchequer in 1210. Additionally, the Earl was one of the men who vouched for Robert for his ability to pay the 700 marks due for his marriage to Gallina Brewer. This is important because it gives a glimpse of just how close the Earl was with Robert. As the King's half-brother, the Earl Longsword's word carried weight and his decision to vouch for Robert combined with the other aforementioned links implies that the two were quite close. In 1210, Robert of Burgate helped the King pay imprests and wages for troops in the Ireland campaign.
Though Robert held a significant amount of land in Suffolk, after he was married he gained additional Suffolk property by right of his wife. Robert is also known to have acquired several manors and estates for his service to the crown. Throughout his career, he acquired the great house of Wascheth in Oxfordshire and the Manor of Daventry.
In 1213, he was the King's paymaster and commander for his sergeants in order to prepare for the expected French invasion. This was not the only time Robert was employed to handle money and he was one of the King's go-to men in financial matters.. He was also Castellan of Dover Castle from 1211-1213. Around 1215, he was a member of a diplomatic mission to Otto of Brunswick. In 1216, Robert, and fellow knights Engelram de Furnet and Gilbert de Sanes were given the custody of Framlingham Castle. However, Robert was ordered to return to the King's side leaving the other two knights to manage the castle, presumably because Robert was one of the King's closest men. At some point in King John's reign, Robert was briefly custodian of the archbishopric of York and of the castle and honour of Knaresborough during Brian de Lisle's short estrangement with the king.

Family

He married Gallena Brewer, widow of John Brewer and heir of William de Dammartin.