Richard I of Beaumont


Richard I of Beaumont,, viscount of Beaumont, Fresnay and Sainte-Suzanne. He initially supported Arthur of Brittany against King John of England but by September 1199, he had join John's forces. It was at his castle, Bourg-le-roi, that King John gained the support of William des Roches. Richard died sometime before October 1201.

Biography

Richard was the son of Roscelin de Beaumont and Constance, illegitimate daughter of King Henry I of England. As a show of favor, he exempted the monks of Saint-Etienne of Caen from any tolls. With the coronation of John as King of England in 27 May 1199, Richard, previously a supporter of Arthur I, Duke of Brittany, joined with King John's army against Arthur. At Richard's castle, Bourg-le-Roi, William des Roches parleyed with John, after his falling out with King Philip II of France. On 22 September, Richard's son-in-law, Roger IV de Tosny became a surety for John.
Richard died before October 1201.

Family

Richard married Luce de L'Aigle. Richard and Luce had: