Hugh Bigod

Hugh inherited large estates in East Anglia on the death of his brother William in 1120, and enjoyed the favour of Henry I. At first a supporter of Stephen during this king's struggle with the empress Matilda, Hugh was rewarded with the earldom of Norfolk before 1141. After having fought for the king at the battle of Lincoln[?] the earl deserted him, assumed a position of armed neutrality during the general anarchy, and then assisted Henry II in his efforts to obtain the throne.

This king confirmed him in the possession of his earldom; but becoming restless under the rule of law initiated by Henry, he participated in the revolt of 1173, which so far as England was concerned centred round his possessions. Though defeated and compelled to surrender his castles, Bigod kept his lands and his earldom, and lived at peace with Henry II until his death, which probably took place in Palestine.

His son, Roger[?], succeeded him in the earldom.

Reference

• This entry incorporates public domain text originally from the 1911 Encyclopaedia Britannica.