Roger Mortimer, 1st Baron Mortimer

Roger Mortimer, 1st Baron Mortimer (* 1231, † 1282) was a famous English knight from Wigmore Castle in Herefordshire, and a loyal follower of King Henry III. of England. At various times he was both ally and enemy of his cousin, the Welsh prince Llywelyn ap Gruffydd.

Early years

Roger was the son of Ralph de Mortimer and his Welsh wife Gwladus Ddu, daughter of Llywelyn the Great.

1256 Roger Mortimer fought against Llywelyn ap Gruffydd, after it had invaded his possessions Gwrtheyrnion and Rhayader. This dispute lasted, with interruptions, until the death of both Rogers and Llywelyn in 1282. Llywelyn was like a grandson Roger Llywelyn the Great.

Mortimer supported the King against the rebel Simon de Montfort, which in 1264 at the Battle of Lewes almost cost him his life. 1265 he helped liberate Prince Edwards and participated in the alliance against de Montfort.

Winner of Evesham

In August 1265 Montfort's army was surrounded on three sides by the River Avon, while on the fourth the troops Prince Edward stood. Mortimer was blocking the only escape route with his men across the bridge from Bengeworth. Surrounded by a strong storm now broke the Battle of Evesham going on. The Welsh soldiers from de Montfort's army tried soon break out and escape over the bridge, but were slaughtered by Mortimer's troops. Mortimer himself eventually killed Simon de Montfort, while his army was destroyed. As a reward, he was awarded after the Battle of the severed head and other body parts of his opponent, which he sent as a gift to his wife, Lady Mortimer back Wigmore Castle.

Marriage and children

1247 married Maud de Mortimer Braose, daughter of William de Braose, 7th Baron of Bramber (House Braose ), and Eva Marshall. As well as he himself belonged to one of the powerful families of the Welsh border brands. Their children were:

The eldest son, Ralph, was also a famous knight, but died at a young age. Then was the second eldest, Edmund, recalled from Oxford University and was appointed heir.

Roger Mortimer died in 1282 and was buried in the Abbey of Wigmore.