Earl of Wordenshire
The Earl of Wordenshire, from the county of Wordenshire, is a title that has been created three times in the Peerage of England. It has been associated with three families in particular: the Fitzwalters, who held the title when it was created in 1148 AD; the Fitzmalcolms, who held it from its second creation through to the 19th century; and the Sheldrakes, in whose name the title is still held.
History
First Creation by Empress Matilda
The title was first created for Sir William Fitzwalter by Empress Matilda for his support in her war against King Stephen in 1148 AD. While Stephen did not recognise the title, it seems to have been tacitly recognised by King Henry II, Matilda’s son. That recognition shifted again in 1191 AD when Prince John arranged for the murder of Robert Fitzwalter, the 2nd Earl, on trumpeted-up charges. The 2nd Earl’s death occurred whilst John was trying to secure England in the absence of his brother, King Richard I, who was participating in the Third Crusade.
Second Creation by King Richard I
Robert’s daughter, Marian De Worden, escaped John’s men and became infamous as “Maid Marion”, the common law wife of the outlaw Robert Fitzmalcolm, alias Robin Hood. Fitzmalcolm was a soldier who had served with King Richard at the Siege of Acre. His resistance to John and Marian’s petitions resulted in the restoration of her family’s land upon King Richard’s return to England. The title was recreated for her husband, Robert Fitzmalcolm, who became the 3rd Earl.
Robert Fitzmalcolm’s title was passed on to his son, Richard, in 1247 AD, who became the 4th Earl.
Arms
The Coat of Arms of the Earls of Wordenshire is the Arms of the Fitzmalcolm family. It is a shield quartered in argent and vert, showing heraldic oaks (strength) and two arrows saltirewise (symbolising defence). Family legend has it that the oak symbolised the Great Oak from Sherwood Forest, which was associated with the 3rd Earl’s resistance campaign against Prince John. However, it had been in the Arms of William Fitzwalter at the time of the title’s first creation.
The supporters are two rampant lions which flank the shield; these are said to have been added as an allusion to Fitzwalter’s association with Richard the Lionheart.
Above the shield is the coronet of an earl, which is gold with a rim adorned with large pearls and a central cross.
Below the shield is the family’s motto, inscribed in Latin: Pauperes subleva, avaros continue, which translates to “Support the poor, restain the greedy.” This was added at the title’s third creation, a play on the traditional motto of the Merry Men to “Rob from the Rich and Give to the Poor”.
List of Earls of Wordenshire
| Name | Reign | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| William Fitzwalter | 1148 AD — c1170 AD | First Earl, first creation of title |
| Robert Fitzwalter | c1170 AD — 1191 AD | Second Earl. |
| Robert Fitzmalcolm | 1197 AD — 1247 AD | Restored, second creation, Third Earl. |
| Richard Fitzmalcolm | 1247 AD — | Fourth Earl. |
Earls of Wordenshire, first creation
- William Fitzwalter, 1st Earl of Wordenshire (died c1170)
- Robert Fitzwalter, 2nd Earl of Wordenshire (died 1191 AD, forfit)
Earls of Wordenshire, the second creation
- Robert Fitzmalcolm, 3rd Earl of Wordenshire (died 1247 AD)
- Richard Fitzmalcolm, 4th Earl of Wordenshire
Timeline for Earl of Wordenshire
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The European Middle Ages Creation of the Earl of Wordenshire
The title of Earl of Wordenshire is created for Sir William Fitzwalter by Empress Matilda for his support in her war against King Stephen of England.
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The European Middle Ages Birth of Marian de Worden
Marian De Worden, the only child of Robert Fitzwalter, 2nd Earl of Wordenshire, and his wife Matilda de Staynton.
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The European Middle Ages Death of William Fitzwalter
William Fitzwalter, the first Earl of Wordenshire dies. He is succeeded as Earl by his eldest son, Robert Fitzwalter.
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Folklore and Legends, Pseudo-Historical, The European Middle Ages Robert Fitzwalter killed; Marian in hiding
Robert Fitzwalter, 2nd Earl of Wordenshire is murdered by Prince John’s men. His daughter, Marian de Worden (23) is spirited away to Great Worden Abbey where her cousin, Elizabeth de Staynton, is the Abbess.
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Folklore and Legends, Pseudo-Historical, The European Middle Ages A Royal Pardon and Return to Wordenshire
With King Richard’s return and the subsequent pardon of Robert Fitzmalcolm (34), Marian de Worden (27) also sees her family’s lands and titles restored. She returns to Wordenshire at Christmas time to rebuild her family’s legacy and restore order to the region. During this time, Marian begins the process of restoring her father’s estate, with plans to bring justice to the people wronged by Prince John of England’s rule.
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Folklore and Legends, Pseudo-Historical, The European Middle Ages Marriage of Marian and Robin
After the death of Matilda de Staynton, the mother of Maid Marian (29), Marian inherits her family’s remaining wealth, which helps fund her efforts to support the poor and provides a reward to those who aided Robin Hood’s rebellion. This loss further strengthens Marian’s resolve to stand against the corruption that led to her father’s death. She and Robert Fitzmalcolm marry. Robert is created the 3rd Earl of Wordenshire.
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Folklore and Legends, Pseudo-Historical, The European Middle Ages Birth of Richard de Wordenshire
Richard, the eldest son of Robert Fitzmalcolm (39), 3rd Earl of Wordenshire, and Countess Marian (31), is born.
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Folklore and Legends, The European Middle Ages Death of Robert Fitzmalcolm (alias Robin Hood)
Robert Fitzmalcolm (87), the legendary outlaw known as Robin Hood, dies aged of old age. He is buried in Great Worden Abbey, Wordenshire. The Earl of Wordenshire title passes to this son, Richard Fitzmalcolm, who becomes the 4th Earl.
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