Judith of Lens

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Countess Judith (between 1054 and 1055, – after 1086), was a niece of William the Conqueror (Born Normandy). She was a daughter of his half-sister Adeliza, Countess of Aumale and Lambert II, Count of Lens. She later became the widow of Earl Waltheof of Huntingdon and Northumbria, whom she betrayed to her uncle and who was executed as a result at Winchester.

Judith founded Hitchin church.

She had land-holdings in 10 counties in the Midlands and East Anglia. Her holdings included land at:

• Grendon
• Earls Barton
• Potton

Sawtry Judith is named after the Countess

[edit] From the Doomsday Book

In POTONE Hugh holds ½ virgate of land from the Countess. Land for 1 plough; it is there, with 1 smallholder. The value is and was 5s; before 1066, 2s. Earl Tosti held this land in Potton, his manor.

Countess Judith holds POTONE herself. It answers for 10 hides. Land for 12 ploughs. In lordship 3½ hides; 3 ploughs there. 18 villagers and 2 Freemen with 8 ploughs; a ninth possible. 13 smallholders and 3 slaves. 1 mill, 5s; meadow for 12 ploughs; pasture for the village livestock. In total, value £12; when acquired 100s; before 1066 £13. King Edward held this manor; it was Earl Tosti's. There were 4 Freemen who had 1 hide and 1 virgate; they could grant to whom they would.

In (Cockayne) HATLEY Countess Judith holds 3 hides and 2½ virgates as one manor. Land for 6½ ploughs. In lordship 1 hide and ½ virgate; 2 ploughs there. 8 villagers with 4½ ploughs; woodland, 4 pigs. Value £6 5s; when acquired 100s; before 1066 £6. Earl Tosti held this manor. It lies in Potton, the Countess' own manor. A Freeman had 1 virgate; he could grant and sell, and withdraw to another lord.

Ranulf brother of Ilger holds EVERTON from the Countess. It answers for 5 hides. Land for 5 ploughs; 2 ploughs there; 3 possible. 4 villagers; 5 smallholders. Meadow for 1 plough. Value £3; when acquired 100s; as much before 1066. Earl Tosti held this manor. It lay in Potton, the Countess' own manor.

After the execution of her husband Waltheof, Judith was betrothed by her uncle, William the Conqueror to Simon I of St. Liz, 1st Earl of Northampton. Judith refused to marry Simon. This refusal angered William, who confiscated Judith's estates after she fled the country.