His brother, Walter de Coutances, was a bishop and archbishop and likely helped advance Roger's career.

Roger was the brother[2] or brother-in-law[3] of Walter de Coutances, who was Archbishop of Rouen from 1184 to 1207,[2] and whose parents were named Reinfrid and Gonilla.

[9] In 1176, Henry II summoned Roger as a Serjeant-at-law, one of the first identifiable members of that order in the historical record.

[14] King Henry II of England named Roger as Sheriff of Sussex in 1176, which office he retained until 1187.

He also held land at Ramsden Bellhouse, half a knight's fee, which he was granted by Gilbert Foliot, Bishop of London.

[1] Another son was William, who became a canon of Lincoln Cathedral, and was named Archdeacon of Rouen by Walter de Coutances.