Robert FitzWimarc

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Robert FitzWimarc (c.1015, Moyaux, Calvados, Normandy - before 1075, Theydon Mount, Ongar, Essex) was a kinsman of both Edward the Confessor and William of Normandy, and was present at Edward's death bed.

Born in Normandy, his mother Wimarc (c.990-c.1016) was a well-connected noblewoman and his father, Ansfrid de Normandy (born c.987), a rising noble. Brought to England by Edward he had a successful career and was rewarded with numerous lands in various parts of the country.. He had a special interest in Essex and set up his main base at Clavering. It was to Clavering that many of Edward's Norman favourites fled when they were ousted from political power in 1052, before taking ship into exile.Despite being a Norman, Robert stayed in England and found further favour with Edward, and possibly with Harold Godwinson after him.

Robert was later made Sheriff of Essex and was described as regalia palatil stabilitor - high officer or sometimes staller - of the royal palace. When Edward died in January 1066, Robert was one of the four inner councillors present at his death bed, along with the Queen, Edith of Wessex, Earl Harold Godwinson and Archbishop Stigand, an event captured on the Bayeux Tapestry.

Robert seems to have acquiesced with Harold's succession to the throne, but also seems to have kept in touch with his homeland. When William landed at Pevensey it was Robert who contacted him to advise a retreat back to France. The advice was, apparently, that William had neither the strength or numbers to win a battle against Harold, particularly as Harold was bouyed by his victory against the Norwegians at Stamford Bridge.

Robert clearly remained in favour with William after his victory at Hastings, and subsequent succession, as he retained his estates, and was further rewarded with others. He left his extensive estates to his son Suen, who went on to build Rayleigh Castle.

Robert FitzWimarc seems to have been a prudent man, with a fair degree of wisdom who helped to ease the transition from Saxon to Norman England..

He is remembered in Rayleigh, Essex, where one of the town's secondary schools is named The FitzWimarc School.