Elizabeth of Vermandois, Countess of Leicester

In 1096 Robert de Beaumont, 1st Earl of Leicester (d. 1118) reputed to be the "wisest man in his time between London and Jerusalem" insisted, in defiance of the laws of the Church, on marrying the very young Elizabeth,[5] he being over fifty at the time.

Robert was a nobleman of some significance in France, having inherited lands from his maternal uncle Henry, Count of Meulan.

[9] The count of Meulan was one of Henry I's "four wise counsellors and was one of the king's commanders at the Battle of Tinchebray" 28 September 1106.

[17] William had sought a royal bride in 1093, but failed in his attempt to wed Matilda of Scotland (also known as Edith), who later married King Henry I.

[18] The historian James Planché claimed in 1874 that she was seduced by or fell in love with William before Robert's death, resulting in an affair.