Defenders of the Norman Crown: Rise and Fall of the Warenne Earls of Surrey

by Sharon Bennett Connolly

In the reign of Edward I, when asked Quo Warranto - by what warrant he held his lands - John de Warenne, the 6th earl of Surrey, is said to have drawn a rusty sword, claiming “My ancestors came with William the Bastard, and conquered their lands with the sword, and I will defend them with the sword against anyone wishing to seize them”

John's ancestor, William de Warenne, 1st Earl of Surrey, fought for William the Conqueror at the Battle of Hastings in 1066. He was rewarded with enough land to make him one of the richest men of all time. In his search for a royal bride, the 2nd earl kidnapped the wife of a fellow baron. The 3rd earl died on crusade, fighting for his royal cousin, Louis VII of France…

For three centuries, the Warennes were at the heart of English politics at the highest level, until one unhappy marriage brought an end to the dynasty. The family moved in the highest circles, married into royalty and were not immune to scandal.

Defenders of the Norman Crown tells the fascinating story of the Warenne dynasty, of the successes and failures of one of the most powerful families in England, from its origins in Normandy, through the Conquest, Magna Carta, the wars and marriages that led to its ultimate demise in the reign of Edward III.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Medieval, Medieval History, British Literature

288 pages, Hardcover

Published July 8, 2021

Reviews

[Toni Mount · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great readWhat a great read The author brings to life that turbulent period of Anglo-Norman history, from 1066-1366, dealing with 300 years of intrigue, complex family affairs and rivalry. So much excellent research has gone into this book. I met Hamelin Plantagenet-de Warenne for the first time – an individual I hadn’t heard of before and a fascinating character. The determined de Warenne ladies were certainly not the shrinking violets that medieval women were expected to be and the author explores their lives in the detail they deserve.
The involvement of the de Warennes in Scottish politics was another revelation. The author does a superb job of untangling the problems of thirteen rival claimants to the throne of Scotland in the late thirteenth and early fourteenth centuries. That’s quite an achievement and done without bloodshed or tears by the use of excellent prose and clear explanations.
That said, the intricacies of the de Warenne relationships, through marriage and kinship, the inclusion of a family tree, or at least a list of dramatis personae, would have been very helpful to the reader. A map of the de Warenne estates in Normandy and England would also be a useful addition to the book for those whose knowledge of historical geography is sketchy at best but the lack may be down to editing and publishing limitations. Despite this, the events are so well told that I found the lack merely a slight disappointment.
I thoroughly recommend Defenders of the Norman Crown for students of the Anglo-Norman period of history with it comprehensive end notes and extensive bibliography. Yet it also works well as a popular history book for those whose interest is less academic – a fine addition to anyone’s history bookshelf.
All brilliant stories should have a cliff-hanger and Defenders of the Norman Crown doesn’t disappoint, concluding with the chapter headed ‘The Mysterious Knight’, the perfect ending to a great book. I’m off to visit Conisbrough Castle next week, taking this book along for guidance.
I wish to thank Pen and Sword Books Ltd who sent me this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Sarah - All The Book Blog Names Are Taken · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantastic read, but I expect nothing less from this author. Review to come.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been waiting for this book and it did not disappoint. The Warenne earls have long fascinated me, and I even have a half finished novel featuring Isabel de Warenne written that I hope to return to one day. Sharon Bennett Connolly has made that goal closer to reality with this deep dive into the Warenne family. One of the frustrations I ran into in my own work was questions that I could not answer. Connolly has taken the time to uncover information and cross-reference sources regarding the earls of Surrey in a way that nobody has before and answered several of those questions.

This book is the result of careful and exhaustive research, however, one need not be a scholar to read and enjoy it. The academic will appreciate the new research and useful endnotes, while the casual reader will be caught up in the endless drama through generations of the Warenne family who always seemed to stay just a step or two away from the ruling family.

Another worthy contribution to any British history library! I look forward to seeing what Sharon Bennett Connolly writes next.

Thank you Pen & Sword for my review copy of Defenders of the Norman Crown. Opinions are my own.

[Rebecca Hill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh my goodness, Sharon Bennett Connolly has done it again! This was the perfect romp through a medieval family! Honor, scandal, marriages, and intrigue all play into the Warrene family lines.
Beginning with William of Normandy, and going down through the Wars of the Roses, this book will read as an action-packed, give me all the information book!

I loved this one! The Warrene family was very prominent throughout the medieval history of England, and this book will dive into their past, and share everything that you could ever want to know about this ambitious family.

[Paula Lofting · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having read most of Ms Bennett Connolly's works, I expected great things from this book and I was not disappointed.
The de Warenne name is one that I am familiar with especially with the first ancestor, William arriving in England with the entourage of William the Conqueror in 1066. However I had no idea that the power of the family continued for centuries after their arrival, despite seeing the name here in there in the history books. I never imagined the extent of their success and power as a driving force in the later medieval period.
Each earl, his deeds and his misdemeanours and those of his family are examined in full and are brought to life in this wonderful exploration of these dynastic giants, integrating the politics and machinations of the royal courts spanning 300 years.
One of the most fascinating aspects of this amazing family, is the connections they have to Scotland and their role in the Scottish royal family. I had no idea that the Scottish royal line was descended through the second William de Warenne's daughter, Ada. The chapters that concentrated on the de Warenne branch of the Scottish royals were definitely my favourite and gave so much insight into the family and the power play that went on behind the scenes.
One thing that always sticks with me when I read the work of this author is that she is a powerhouse of knowledge. She knows her subjects well and I really enjoyed reading this very well written book which has been a very different foray for her this time in the medieval world of one of the great families of the era.
I highly recommend this to those who love the facts of history especially the medieval period. Written in such a way it is easy to follow and so accessible, you cannot go wrong if you make this your reading choice.

[David Santiuste]

Between the Norman Conquest and the mid-fourteenth century, the Warennes were one of the most powerful and wealthy families in England. The first Warenne earl of Surrey, William de Warenne, was a trusted companion of William the Conqueror. In the years following the Conquest, he was extensively rewarded for his service. Earl William’s successors continued to profit from his achievements, and a series of marriages connected the family with the ruling dynasties of England, France and Scotland. Ada de Warenne married Prince Henry of Scotland, and this ensured that Warenne descendants would sit on the Scottish throne. Ultimately, however, a less successful marriage became the family’s undoing, as the seventh earl died without direct heirs. In Defenders of the Norman Crown, Sharon Bennett Connolly provides an engaging account of the Warennes’ rise and fall.

The most vividly written sections appear towards the end of the book. Two chapters are devoted to the life of the sixth earl, John, who is probably the best known of the Warennes. Connolly does full justice to Earl John’s colourful career - including his substantial, albeit not always effective role in Edward I’s many wars. Somewhat earlier, the significance of Hamelin Plantagenet – the fourth earl by marriage, who commissioned the splendid keep at Conisbrough Castle – is also covered well. Most of the other earls do not emerge quite so clearly as personalities, but Connolly consistently includes interesting details, as well as providing useful contextual information.

The discussion of extended family members, such as Reginald de Warenne, is also valuable. Whilst noble medieval people often found themselves in conflict with their relations (and even with their siblings), that was not usually the case for the Warennes. A study of the family therefore demonstrates how kinship links could help to facilitate cooperation and cohesion. Finally, Connolly has built on her previous work, taking opportunities to highlight the role of women in medieval society. Elite women could exert influence as wives and mothers, but records of their patronage and litigation are also suggestive of agency. Overall, Defenders of the Norman Crown should help to consolidate Sharon Bennett Connolly’s growing reputation as an author of well-researched, accessible history.

[Alexandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was provided via NetGalley.

This book represents a phenomenal amount of research into the Warenne family. There's a chapter on each Earl, and a few others on their children who didn't go on to inherit. Given the first earl becomes that thanks to his helping William the Bastard/ the Conqueror in the 1060s, that means using a lot of charter evidence, and medieval chronicles, and wills, and other fairly difficult primary sources. For anyone interested in the intricacies of the Warennes, or the intricacies of high-born medieval family politicking, this showcases the way the earls were involved in marriage alliances, scheming, and supporting the English crown very well.

Unfortunately for me, all of that information did not translate into a particularly approachable narrative. There are large chunks that are basically genealogy, and I frequently get bogged down in such lists - not helped by the fact that Williams, Henrys, and a few other names just keep getting repeated. So family lists aren't much fun to read, for me.

As well, there are slabs of text from charters or chronicles that are included verbatim, and the reason for their inclusion isn't always fully explained. I find it a bit problematic when authors like Henry of Huntingdon are quoted uncritically. I know it's not always possible to offer a full contextual critique, but... I think it's important to say something about the reliability/not of your main sources. I don't think that was done adequately here.

The book does what it sets out to do: provide a history of the Warenne family, through their trials and turmoils, and particularly in relation to the English crown. Hopefully it will prove to be useful to those researching the era, or particular places in England and Scotland with which the family are associated.

[Dori · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an incredible look into one of the most Mediaeval families that no one has ever heard of. Sharon Bennett Connolly has woven a masterpiece detailing the lives of the de Warenne earls from the time of the Norman Conquest all the way through to the last earl of that name. She includes not only the men, but the women as well, giving incredible detail about their lives and choices.

I found this book easy to follow, except for some of the references to duties or monies owed. As this is a non-fiction book written by a professional historian, I would expect some of the lingo from that era to seep through; as an amateur I am still learning what it means. It does not detract from the reading at all, and I encourage anyone with an interest in British history to pick up this book.

[Becky Warren · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a Warrene descendant and hobby genealogist, I was delighted to find a book that focused specifically on my ancestors. This book takes the reader on a journey through 300 years of English history beginning with joining William the Conqueror on his invasion of England in 1066 and ending with the death of the last Earl in 1347. The book goes into great detail at the actions, activities, and families of each Earl, giving us a sense of what was most important to them. Ms. Connolly is also sure to discuss the Warrene women and the roles they shared within the family, including but not limited to Ada de Warrene, Queen Mother of Scotland, Isable de Warrene, Countess of Surrey in her own right (whose 2nd husband took her last name), and Mahelt Marshal, daughter of William Marshal, the Greatest Knight Who Ever Lived. These women are dynamic powerhouses of their time. I appreciate that the book shared both the highs and lows of each Earl and their families, making them real and relatable people. The vast interconnectedness of the Warrene family with royals and nobility put them front and center of to the major goings on of their times. If you're interested in Medieval history and how one family navigated the turbulence of politics, wars, and various kings while remaining close to one another, I highly recommend reading this book!

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Defenders of the Norman Crown: Rise and Fall of the Warenne Earls of Surrey
By Sharon Bennett Connolly
Reviewed March 15, 2022

Defenders of the Norman Crown tells the story of the Warenne family from its founder, William I de Warenne, a companion of William the Conqueror, through wars and marriages, and ultimately its end during the reign of Edward III.

The Warenne family origins are hazy at best after so long a time. Being from Normandy, they were probably descended from the Nordic settlers who came there at the time of Rollo, the first Duke of Normandy. (Okay, time to take a deep breath and stop imagining Clive Standen as Rollo in Vikings.)

William I, founder of the Anglo-Norman de Warenne line, was the son of a minor Norman lord Rodulf and his wife, Beatrix. When Duke William of Normandy (aka, William the Bastard or William the Conqueror) headed off to conquer England and claim the throne, William de Warenne was there with him and benefited greatly from his association with now King William. (And if you think there are a lot of Williams in this book, you’re right. It appears that William was as popular a name during late 11th/early 12th century England as Richard would be in the latter half of the 15th century.)

At the time of the Domesday Book Survey in 1086, William de Warenne owned land in 13 English counties, as well as manors and castles in Norfolk, Suffolk, Yorkshire, and Essex. Among his Yorkshire holdings were Conisburgh and Wakefield, two names later associated with the House of York during the time of the Wars of the Roses. His most important and extensive lands were in East Anglia, where he was the largest landowner in the shire, holding 139 manors.

I guess you could say that in modern terms, he was an astute real estate mogul, often involved in disputes with neighboring landowners over claims to lands. Sometimes the disputes were settled by use of force, while other times more peaceful means were used. By the time of his death, William I de Warren had been created 1st Earl of Surrey (this only weeks before his death) with a net worth in today’s currency of about $148 billion/£105 billion. That would put him up there in the lofty heights with the likes of Bill Gates, Jeff Bezos, and Elon Musk.

The family continued to do well under his son, William II, 2nd Earl of Surrey, who when he died left the earldom with more land than when he had inherited it. He managed to effectively manage his way through the struggle for the crown between William the Conqueror’s three sons, and married a member of the French royal family.

Among his children was a daughter, Ada de Warenne, who married the heir to the Scottish throne, Prince Henry. Although Henry died before his father, his two sons by Ada became kings of Scotland – Malcolm IV and William “the Lion.”

William II’s son and heir, William III, 3rd Earl of Surrey, was active during The Anarchy, the conflict for the English throne that erupted between the Empress Matilda, who her father Henry I named as his heir, and Stephen of Blois, the man preferred by the city of London and the Church. For the most part, William III remained loyal to Stephen.

Like many lords of this time, William III spent much of his life fighting, although his military career is described as “unspectacular.” In 1146, he and a number of other nobles took crusading vows and accompanied French King Louis VII to the Holy Land in the Second Crusade. William III didn’t quite make it, however, and was killed in battle at Mount Cadmus while the army was marching across Anatlolia.

William III’s death ended the senior de Warenne line, and the earl’s estates were left in the capable hands of his youngest brother, Reginald de Warenne, Baron of Wormegay.

From here we follow this new branch of the Warennes, from the reigns of Henry II, Richard I, John, Henry III, Edward I, and Edward II to its end when John de Warenne, seventh and last Earl of Warenne, Surrey, Sussex and Stathern died at Conisbrough Castle during the reign of Edward III, trapped in a childless marriage that he was never able to get out of. With no direct heirs (but plenty of illegitimate children) his honors, titles, and lands passed, through his sister, to the earls of Arundel and eventually to the Howard dukes of Norfolk, whose arms to this day include the Warenne checks of blue and gold.

This book has the scope and pageantry of a fine historical novel, and is filled with the kind of details that bring these people to life. My only complaint is one I noticed in the first few chapters, and that is a bit of repetition. For example, on page 25, an incident took place during the fighting between William II (Rufus) and Robert, Duke of Normandy, in Rouen in 1090.

“The leader of William II’s supporters in the city, Conan, was captured and fell into Henry’s custody. (Henry = the future Henry II.) The story goes that Conan was hogtied, taken to the highest tour of Rouen’s castle, and thrown from the battlements; the tower was henceforth known as Conan’s Leap.”

In the next chapter, on page 33, the same incident is described.

“Henry, on the other hand, was the hero of the hour and as a reward, claimed the right to deal with the leading insurgent, Conan. The unfortunate burgher had been captured alive and, though he offered all his wealth as a ransom, Henry had other ideas. Conan was taken to the top of the castle’s tower by Henry himself, according to Vitalis, who ‘seizing him with both hands dashed him backwards from the tower window.’ The tower was ever after known as ‘Conan’s Leap’.

Another example is when she mentions William de Warenne, 1st Earl Warenne’s death. On page 26 she writes,

“Unfortunately, William de Warenne, 1st Earl Warenne, was not to enjoy his new status for very long. Now possibly in his sixties, Warenne was actively involved in the siege at Pevensey. And goes on to tell how he was wounded by an arrow from a crossbow bolt and died shortly thereafter.

Then two pages later, on page 28, she says pretty much the same thing.

“William de Warenne did not live long enough to enjoy his new earldom, dying within months, or possibly weeks, of attaining the honour, in June 1088.”

This repetitiveness seems confined to the first few chapters, as I don’t recall encountering it in the latter parts of the book. Thankfully, it wasn’t terribly disruptive when it comes to reading and I suspect that other readers may not even notice it.

As with any history book worth its salt, this one has plentiful end notes and an extensive bibliography of primary and secondary sources.

After purchasing this book, I realized why the name Warenne (or de Warenne) sounded familiar. That’s because various family members are among my Anglo-Norman ancestors, going back to William de Warenne, 1st Earl of Surrey, and his father Rodulf de Warenne. So reading this book gave me a chance to connect with distant ancestors who, until now, had been little more than names on a family tree.

So whether you enjoy reading about Medieval England, are interested in the de Warenne family, or are doing a little genealogical research, I highly recommend Defenders of the Norman Crown for a family saga filled successes and failures; wars and marriages; strong, determined women, and equally determine men. In fact, as I was reading this book I couldn’t help but imagine this being made into one of those multi-episode historical dramas that are so popular. Now my only question is...who should play William I de Warenne?

[Heidi Malagisi · Rating 4 out of 5]

To survive during the reigns of the Norman and Plantagenet Kings of England, one must understand where their loyalty and trust lied. Did they follow the crown or did they take a risk and follow those who opposed the person who wore the crown? For one family, there was no question who they were loyal to, which was the crown. The Warenne Earls of Surrey served the Kings of England from William the Conqueror to Edward III, gaining titles, prestige, and marriages that would cement their names in history books. They survived some of the most turbulent times in English history even if they did have a few scandals in their illustrious history. In Sharon Bennett Connolly’s latest non-fiction adventure, “Defenders of the Norman Crown: The Rise and Fall of the Warenne Earls of Surrey '', she explores this family’s history that spanned over three centuries.

I would like to thank Pen and Sword Books and NetGalley for sending me a copy of this book. I have been a fan of Sharon Bennett Connolly’s books for a while now, so when I heard about this title, I knew I wanted to read it. I was going in a bit blind since I have never heard of the Warenne Earls of Surrey, but that is part of the fun of studying a new aspect of history.

The first Earl of Surrey, William de Warenne began this family’s tradition of royal loyalty as he joined William the Conqueror on his journey to England and fought alongside him to establish Norman rule at the Battle of Hastings. William’s descendants would be involved in some of the most important events of the time, from the crusades to the 1st and 2nd Baron’s Wars and the sealing of the Magna Carta. At some points, the earls would briefly switch sides if they thought the king was not in the best interest of the country, but they remained at the heart of English politics and worked hard to help guide the king and the country to become stronger.

What made the Warennes a tour de force when it came to noble families was their ability to marry well, except for the final earl and his scandalous relationships. The second earl desired to marry into the royal family, which did not happen, but his daughter, Ada de Warenne would marry William the Lion, King of Scotland. One of the daughters of Hamlin and Isabel de Warenne would be the mistress of King John and would give birth to his illegitimate son Richard of Chilham. The only woman of the family who inherited the earldom of Surrey, Isabel de Warenne, was married twice and so both of her husbands, William of Blois and Hamelin of Anjou, are considered the 4th earl of Surrey.

Connolly does a wonderful job explaining each story in de Warenne’s long history, including the minor branches of the family. I was able to understand the difference between family members who shared the same first name, (like William, John, and Isabel) but I know that others might have struggled with this aspect. I think it would have been helpful if Connolly had included either a family tree or a list of family members of the de Warennes at the beginning of this book to help readers who did struggle.

I found this particular title fascinating. The de Warennes were a family that proved loyalty to the crown and good marriages went a long way to cement one’s legacy in medieval England. Connolly proved that she has a passion for bringing obscure noble families to the spotlight through her impeccable research. If you want a nonfiction book of a noble family full of loyalty, love, and action, you should check out “Defenders of the Norman Crown: The Rise and Fall of the Warenne Earls of Surrey” by Sharon Bennett Connolly.

[Amy McElroy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had not previously heard of the Warenne dynasty so was interested in learning about the family.

William de Warenne was created the first Earl of Surrey following the Battle of Hastings in 1066 where he fought alongside William the Conqueror.  The family would go on to hold this title until the reign of Edward III. The Warenne family became one of the richest and most powerful families through the rewards from the crown but also through successful marriages into not only prominent families but also into royalty. They gained much land but also donated much to the church.

The dynasty came to an end under the reign of Edward III. This book is the result of meticulous research and I fully enjoyed the excerpts of material.
Sharon Bennett Connolly brings this family to the forefront and discusses their successes, downfalls and scandals. Through this book I've learnt not just about the family but also the politics of the day and the struggles of remaining loyal to the Crown.

It can get a little confusing with names but so do many historical books and I found the chronology helped with this.

Overall, this is a brilliant overview of such a prominent family who were central to the Crown and politics and I would recommend to anyone with an interest.

[Samantha Hehr · Rating 4 out of 5]

A historical family tree of who is related to whom, and more importantly, who has married into royalty. The Warenne family crossed over with William the Conqueror and helped win and hold lands for his descendants.

While this title reminds me of reading genealogies in the Bible, there are some winning anecdotes spread throughout.

This book would have benefitted with the use of maps and pictures.

[Andrea Waugh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Subject matter-interesting. Research--exhaustive. Organization--confusing.
Obviously the author did a lot of research, but the book was confusing as it hopped around in time and place. There were also many skippable passages that were just lists of charters and gifts. These are best used as evidence for a point or opinion, not just listed. I feel this book is best used as a reference for students of the subject or time period.

[Virginia · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very detailed history of the Warenne families during the time of the Norman kings. The author has certainly done her research!

[Lora]

The Warennes family came across the English Channel with William the Conquerer in 1066 and remained at the heart of English politics until the reign of Edward III. The House of Warennes ended when the earl at that time failed to have an legitimate heirs. The author has done her research. The family's history is interesting, but sometimes the book gets bogged down in the details. That didn't prevent me from enjoying the book. I plan to read some of the other books the author has written.

I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher and/or author via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.