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Note: A point of interest: IRISH PEDIGREES or The Origin and Stem of The Irish Nation by John O'Hart, 5th edition, two volumes. Volume two, page 83:
Gilbert Becket came from the same township in Normandy, Thierceville, as Archbishop Theobald of Canterbury, a circumstance that was to favor the admission of his son Thomas into the archbishop's household. Thomas's mother Matilda, one source names her Roesa, that is Rose, native of Caen, in Normandy. There is no evidence of Saxony ancestry for Thomas. Gilbert Becket was a man of mark, a merchant. Gilbert held the office of sheriff of London before Thomas was the age of twelve, a royal office in this period of time, rather than municipal. Their children were Thomas, Agnes, Roheise-Rose, Mary and possibly another daughter. Grandchildren of Gilbert and Matilda Becket; Gilbert and Geoffrey, unknown date of birth or from which daughter.
A legend fetched up circa 100 years after the death of Thomas, explaining the charisma of Thomas. "Gilbert Becket is captured on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem by a Saracen emir, made a slave. A daughter of this emir falls in love with him, Gilbert escapes returns home. This Saracen maiden, knows only two words of English, Gilbert and London. She crosses the sea, is baptized a Christian, marries Gilbert, bears a son, Thomas"
1. Thomas a' Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury. b. December 21, 1118, Cheapside, London, England.
d December 29,1170, Canterbury Cathedral, England. 2. Agnes, died, February 10 circa 1191
1. John, vicar of Hal stow, Kent circa 1180 A daughter of Gilbert and Matilda Becket, thought to be Agnes, married Harvey Walter
Butler. (No. 1) In Camden's Britannia, page 462, we find that the family of
"Fitzwalter" alias "Botelere", alias Butler, derive their pedigree from the dukes of Normandy; as follows: 1. Rollo, of Norway, first duke of Normandy. 2. William Longespee: his son. The second duke. 3. Richard (1), the third duke: This Richard left two sons. 1. Richard, d. A. D. 986. 2. Godfrey, the consul, earl of Bryomy. Godfrey, the consul, was the ancestor of De Clare (now Clare)
and of Butler, in England and Ireland. 4. Richard (2), the fourth duke: his son 5. Robert: his son; the fifth duke 6. William, duke of Normandy, or William the Conqueror: his son: the first king of England, of the Norman line. 7. Henry the First: his son; the second king of England, of this line. 8. King Henry the second of England: his son. Gilsebert the Norman, earl of Eu, came into England with William the Conqueror; and had four sons: 1.Gilsebert de Clare, earl of Clare, who was the ancestor of Richard Strongbow, earl of Pembrook, whom. Eva, daughter of Dermod MacMorough, king of Leinster. 2. Roger 3. Walter 4. Robert who was ancestor of Fitzwalter and Butler. 1.Harvey Walter, who was lineally descended from said Robert, here last mentioned, married a daughter of Gilbert Becket (and sister of Thomas a' Becket, the "Martyr," who was lord archbishop of Canterbury), and by her had issue: 1.Theobald Walter, who with all his family was banished
out of England, on account of disfavor in which Thomas
a' Becket, archbishop of Canterbury then stood with
King Henry II. 1. Thomas 2. Robert Agodeshaft 1. Roger But soon after the murder of the said archbishop, Henry the Second recalled from banishment all the archbishop's friends and relatives and promoted them to great offices and employments, particularly Theobald, son of the said Harvey Walter, for a time called Theobald Walter. Henry took him in to favor and sent him to Ireland with the title of "Chief Boteler" of that kingdom. Where by the king's royal bounty, his own prowess and valiant behavior, he became very eminent and attained great and large possessions. Some antiquaries are of the opinion that from his office of "chief botteler" or "chief butler" of Ireland, this Theobold Walter's posterity took the surname of Butler; but others hold that the name is derived from Robert (supposed to be "butler to King William the Conqueror), who in "Dooms day Book" is called Robertus Pincerna.
3. Roheise-Rose d.1185
1.Ralf 2.John, vicar of St. Mary Bothaw, d. circa 1180 4. Mary, abbess of Barking, d. January 21, circa 1173-1175
King Henry II was celebrating Christmas in Bures, Normandy. Four Barons, Reginald FitzUrse, William de Tracy, Hugh de Moreville and Richard le Breton, usually called, Brito, arrived from Bures to Saltwood Castle in England on December 28, 1170. Saltwood Castle is about fifteen miles from the Canterbury Cathedral. On December 29, 291170, Baron William de Tracy struck the first blow. He brought his sword down toward Thomas's head, slicing in to the crown of Thomas's head, Tracy struck again, Tracy struck a third time, Thomas fell to his hands and knees. Baron Richard le Breton gave Thomas the deathblow, with such tremendous force; he cut off the crown of Thomas's head and shattered his blade in two on the floor. Hugh of Horsea, who went by the name of Hugh Mauclerc, Robert de Bloc's-(Baron of Saltwood Castle) chaplain, placed his foot on Thomas's neck, inserted his sword into the wound and scattered brains and blood over the floor.
Where indeed comes, "Becketts' were Butlers to the King", as Beckett family tradition has offered for some years. A bit of Tradition though it is! The list above was compiled a few years ago, time hasn't allowed me to keep up with additions, a full four drawer file cabinet awaits the volunteer.
I would like to ask you to review your personal family history and Please do correct any mistakes that I may have made. Would you also send me your information, concerning your family, I think their stories are important, important for you to tell. Do hope you enjoy what I have offered.
Sincerely yours, Ralph J. Beckett Rjbeckett@@aol.com
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