Roger Bigod, 2nd Earl of Norfolk ★

1140s–1180s

Born around 1144–1150, son of Hugh Bigod, 1st Earl of Norfolk, and Juliana de Vere. Stayed loyal to Henry II in the revolt of 1173–74 and fought at Fornham. His stepmother disputed his inheritance after his father's death in 1176 or 1177. Married Ida de Tosny around Christmas 1181.

1190s–1200s

Confirmed as Earl of Norfolk by Richard I in 1189; served as ambassador to France and helped negotiate Richard's release from captivity.

1210s–1220s

One of the twenty-five barons charged with enforcing Magna Carta in 1215, and excommunicated with his son Hugh that December. King John took his castle of Framlingham in 1216. Made peace with Henry III's government in 1217 and died in 1221.

Family Background and Disputed Inheritance

Roger Bigod, born around 1144–1150, was the son of Hugh Bigod, 1st Earl of Norfolk, and Juliana de Vere. When his father died in 1176 or 1177, Roger's stepmother disputed his claim to the earldom on behalf of her own sons, and the dispute dragged on unresolved for the rest of Henry II's reign. Only when Richard I came to the throne in 1189 did the new king confirm Roger in his earldom and honors, finally settling the matter.

Royal Service and Loyalty

Roger also inherited his father's post as a royal steward. During the Revolt of 1173–74, when his father sided with the king's rebellious sons, Roger himself remained loyal to Henry II and fought at the Battle of Fornham in October 1173. Richard I later sent him as an ambassador to France in 1189, and Roger took part in the negotiations to secure Richard's release from Imperial captivity, subsequently serving as a justiciar.

Role in Magna Carta

Despite decades in royal service, Roger became one of the leaders of the baronial party that forced King John's assent to Magna Carta in 1215, and was named among the twenty-five barons charged with enforcing the king's adherence to its terms. The stand cost him: both Roger and his son Hugh were excommunicated by the pope that December.

War, Siege, and Later Life

In 1216 King John led a mercenary army into East Anglia and besieged Roger's stronghold at Framlingham Castle; though Roger himself was away, his garrison of twenty-six knights held out only two days before surrendering, likely for political expediency rather than want of strength. Roger made peace with the regency government of the young Henry III in 1217 and largely retired from public life afterward, dying in 1221 with his lands intact and his family's power secure.