Robert de Vere, 6th Earl of Oxford, English nobleman (b. 1257)

Robert de Vere, the 6th Earl of Oxford, was a prominent figure in late 13th and early 14th-century England, witnessing and participating in a pivotal era marked by significant political and military upheaval. Born around June 24, 1257, he inherited a distinguished lineage and an ancient earldom from his father, Robert de Vere, the 5th Earl of Oxford, and his mother, Alice de Sanford. The de Vere family, having been granted the Earldom of Oxford in the 12th century, stood as one of England's most esteemed noble houses, holding not only vast lands but also the prestigious hereditary office of Master Chamberlain (later Great Chamberlain) of England, a role that placed them at the heart of royal ceremonial life.

Lord Robert’s life was largely defined by his unwavering service to the Crown across three successive reigns, engaging in the defining conflicts of his time. He was a steadfast participant in the military campaigns of Edward I, known as the "Hammer of the Scots," as well as those of his son, Edward II, and his grandson, Edward III. These campaigns saw him journeying across Wales, where Edward I consolidated English rule; to the battlefields of Scotland, during the tumultuous Wars of Independence; and even to the continent, in early skirmishes with France. A testament to his martial presence, his distinctive coat of arms is notably recorded in the 1298 Falkirk Roll, confirming his participation in the brutal Battle of Falkirk, a significant English victory against William Wallace during the First War of Scottish Independence.

Beyond the battlefield, Robert de Vere played a ceremonial role befitting his noble status and hereditary office. In 1308, he officiated at the grand coronation of Queen Isabella, the formidable wife of Edward II, a duty that underscored the de Vere family's integral position within the English court. His personal life was also marked by a significant alliance through marriage to Margaret Mortimer. Margaret was the daughter of Roger Mortimer, 1st Baron Wigmore, a powerful and ambitious magnate who would later achieve immense, albeit controversial, political influence as the de facto ruler of England alongside Queen Isabella, following the deposition of Edward II. This marital connection undoubtedly placed Robert within a complex web of familial and political relationships at the highest echelons of English society.

Tragically, the direct line of succession for Robert de Vere faced an unfortunate turn. His only known son, Thomas, died before him, a common yet profoundly impactful event in medieval noble families, often leading to shifts in inheritance. Consequently, upon Robert de Vere's death on April 17, 1331, the Earldom of Oxford, along with the hereditary office of Great Chamberlain, did not pass to his own progeny but rather to his nephew, John de Vere, who thus became the 7th Earl of Oxford. This succession highlights the importance of surviving heirs in maintaining the direct lineage of noble titles, and John de Vere would himself go on to have a distinguished career, further cementing the de Vere legacy.

Frequently Asked Questions About Robert de Vere, 6th Earl of Oxford

Who was Robert de Vere, 6th Earl of Oxford?
Robert de Vere was a prominent English nobleman born around 1257, who served as the 6th Earl of Oxford. He inherited his title and the prestigious hereditary office of Great Chamberlain of England from his father and was a significant figure in the military and political landscape of late 13th and early 14th-century England.
What significant military campaigns did he participate in?
He actively served under three kings—Edward I, Edward II, and Edward III—in various military campaigns. His service included expeditions in Wales during Edward I's conquests, numerous campaigns in Scotland during the Wars of Independence (including the Battle of Falkirk in 1298), and early engagements in France.
What was his role at Queen Isabella's coronation?
In 1308, Robert de Vere officiated at the coronation of Queen Isabella, wife of Edward II. This ceremonial duty stemmed from his family's ancient and hereditary right to hold the office of Master Chamberlain (later Great Chamberlain) of England, a key role in royal household and state ceremonies.
Who was his wife?
Robert de Vere was married to Margaret Mortimer, the daughter of Roger Mortimer, 1st Baron Wigmore. This marriage connected him to one of England’s most powerful baronial families, whose patriarch, Roger Mortimer, would later play a critical role in the deposition of Edward II and rule England alongside Queen Isabella.
How did the Earldom of Oxford pass after his death?
Due to the unfortunate circumstance that his only son, Thomas, died before him, the Earldom of Oxford and the hereditary office of Great Chamberlain did not pass directly to his son. Instead, upon Robert’s death in 1331, he was succeeded by his nephew, John de Vere, who became the 7th Earl of Oxford.