Betram Ashburnham or Betram de Ashburnham (c. 1010 – 1066) was an 11th-century English Nobleman who served as the last English Constable of Dover Castle for about ten months in 1066 following the coronation of Harold Godwinson.
Betram Ashburnham | |
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| Personal details | |
| Born | 1010 Ashburnham, East Sussex, England |
| Died | 1066 Possibly Hastings, Dover, or Canterbury, England |
Biography
editVery little is known about the life of Bertram Ashburnham, but it is believed that he was the son of Anchitel de Ashburnham and his mother being unknown. The name attributed to him directly connects his birthplace to Ashburnham. He is thought to have been married due to the existence of two sons. One named Philip de Ashburnham born around 1040 and another simply known as Michael, born at an unknown date.[1]
It is said that Bertram was in charge of Dover Castle as part of the Cinque Ports prior to Harold Godwinson crowning himself king on January 6, 1066, but this event caused Harold to anoint him with the official title of Constable.[2] It is thought that not long after serving in the Battle of Hastings and Godwinson's death on October 14 that he was executed by William the Conqueror in Canterbury.[3] However, some sources state that Betram was killed during the battle, while others say that he was killed within Dover Castle during the Norman's march to Westminster Abbey following their victory.[4] It is said that both of Bertram's sons were killed alongside him.
Regardless of his exact time of death, his time in said position would have been rather short as Norman Knight William Peverel would also serve for a short period in 1066 following the start of the Norman Conquest of England. Of which he was appointed by William the Conqueror himself.[5] Finally Odo of Bayeux, also of Norman origin, would take charge before the end of the year and serve until 1084 while also taking the title of Keeper of the Coast.
References
edit- ^ O'Donoghue, Freeman. "Catalogue of Engraved British Portraits preserved in the Department of Prints and Drawings in the British Museum O'Donoghue 1908-25". The British Museum. London. Retrieved November 7, 2024.
- ^ "The Constables and Wardens". Dover.UK.com. Dover.UK.com. Retrieved November 6, 2024.
- ^ "[Bertram de Ashburnham]". Grosvenor Prints. Grosvenor Prints. 1679. Retrieved November 6, 2024.
- ^ "[In Memory of Bertram Ashburnham]". Sanders of Oxford. Sanders of Oxford. Retrieved November 6, 2024.
- ^ "List of Lord Wardens". The Cinque Ports. Confederation of the Cinque Ports. Retrieved November 6, 2024.