Roger Fitzmiles, 2nd Earl of Hereford

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Roger Fitzmiles, 2nd Earl of Hereford, was born some time before 1125 and, according to the Hereford Cathedral Book of Obits, died on 22 September 1155. He was the son of Miles de Gloucester, 1st Earl of Hereford and Sybil de Neufmarché, the heiress of Brecon.

He became earl on the death of his father on 24 December 1143 and immediately took his father's place as one of the mainstays of the Empress Matilda in the war against King Stephen. On being told by King Henry II to relinquish the royal castle of Gloucester he rebelled, only to submit almost immediately on 13 March 1155. He then fought in the royal war against Hugh de Mortimer of Wigmore. When this ended at the beginning of July he gave up his lands to his brother, Walter Hereford and retired to Gloucester monastery where he died three months later. Possibly he had been seriously wounded in the summer fighting.

Roger married Cecily Fitz John, the daughter of Pain Fitz John in January 1137/8. She remained countess of Hereford in right of her dower until 1199. She died in 1207. The earldom of Hereford remained in abeyance from the death of Roger until 28 April 1199 when King John of England created Henry Bohun, the grandnephew of Earl Roger.

Preceded by Miles de Gloucester

Earl of Hereford 1143–1155

Succeeded by Cecily Fitz John

[edit] References

• Remfry, P.M., Hay on Wye Castle, 1066 to 1521 (ISBN 1-899376-07-0)
• Remfry, P.M., Saint Briavels Castle, 1066 to 1331 (ISBN 1-899376-05-4)
• Remfry, P.M., The Herefordshire Beacon, 1043 to 1154 (ISBN 1-899376-32-1)