| Notes |
- Flaad and his son Alan had come to the favourable notice of King Henry I of England (son of William the Conqueror) who, soon after his accession, brought Flaad and Alan to England. Henry had been besieged in Mont St Michel during his struggle with his brothers, an event which probably occurred in 1091. He is known to have recruited Breton troops at that time and, after his surrender, left the scene via the adjoining regions of Brittany, where Dol is situated. This is a likely explanation for the Bretons in the military retinue he brought to England after the death of William Rufus.
Alan appeared in Henry I's company at least as early as September 1101, probably at a court held in Windsor Castle, when he witnessed important grants to Norwich Cathedral. He is cited in many other charters throughout his life as a member of Henry's court.
The abortive revolt of Robert de Belleme in 1102 had torn apart the Anglo-Norman system of governing the Welsh Marches. With other Breton friends, Alan had been given forfeited lands in Norfolk and Shropshire, including some which had previously belonged to Robert de Belleme himself. Robert had proved a threat to Henry in both the Welsh Marches and in Normandy, so the king was determined to insert reliable supporters to counterbalance or replace his network of supporters. Alan received more land as he proved his worth. A large portfolio of lands in Shropshire and around Peppering, near Arundel in Sussex, was taken from the holdings of Rainald de Bailleul, Sheriff of Shropshire, ancestor of the House of Balliol, latterly of Scotland. He also gained a stake in the very large estates of Ernulf de Hesdin by marriage to his daughter, Avelina.
[Wikipedia]
Alan Fitz-Flaad was Sheriff of Shropshire and founder of Sporle Priory.
The identiry of Alan's wife has been a debated issue. The Stewart Society shows Alan married Aveline, daughter of Ernulf de Hesdin. (Stewart Society Website) Burkes incorrectly says Alan married the daughter of Warine, Sheriff of Shropshire.
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UNKNOWN - 1114
