Roger de Beaumont

Roger de Beaumont (c. 1015 – 29 November 1094), feudal lord (French: seigneur) of Beaumont-le-Roger and of Pont-Audemer in Normandy, was a powerful Norman nobleman and close advisor to William the Conqueror.

His Norman feudal lordship had its caput and castle at Beaumont-le-Roger, a settlement situated on the upper reaches of the River Risle, in Normandy, about 46 km SW of Rouen, the capital of the Duchy.

The explanation for his exalted position appears to be that as an older cousin who had never rebelled against the young Duke, he was part of the kinship group of noblemen that William relied upon in governing Normandy and fighting-off frequent rebellion and invasions.

Wace, the 12th-century historian, wrote that: "At the time of the invasion of England, Roger was summoned to the great council at Lillebonne, on account of his wisdom; but he did not join in the expedition as he was too far advanced in years".

However it is possible that he crossed the Channel so he could continue to act as a valued member of the Duke's council, perhaps giving advice on military tactics, yet stayed well behind the line of battle at headquarters.

Bearded Norman nobleman depicted in the Bayeux Tapestry (c. 1066), possibly representing Roger de Beaumont (died 1094). The figure is seated at the right hand of Duke William of Normandy , who himself occupies the place of honour at the ceremony of the blessing of the food at Hastings by Bishop Odo, well before the time of the battle
ET HIC EPISCOPUS CIBU(M) ET POTU(M) BENEDICIT ("And here the bishop blesses the food and drink"). The feast at Hastings, after which a castle was ordered to be built, following which battle was joined. Roger de Beaumont is possibly depicted as the bearded figure, see detail above. Bayeux Tapestry