William de Beauchamp (died 1260)

William de Beauchamp (c.1185–1260) was a British judge and High Sheriff.

Early life

Beauchamp was the son of Simon de Beauchamp (c.1145–1206/7) and his wife Isabella, whose parents are unknown.

Magna Carta baron

de Beauchamp took part in the 1210 expedition to Ireland and the 1214 expedition to Poitiers before joining the rebellious barons in 1215 at the beginning of the First Barons' War, entertaining them at his seat of Bedford Castle; as such Beauchamp was one of the rebels excommunicated by Pope Innocent III.

Involvement in military actions

de Beauchamp was captured at the Battle of Lincoln on 20 May 1217 but made his peace with the government; by this point he had already lost Bedford Castle to Falkes de Breauté in 1215, leading to an odd situation; Breauté was granted the castle, while Beauchamp held the barony. When Breauté fell from power Bedford Castle was besieged and partially destroyed on royal orders, but Beauchamp was granted licence to build a residence within its Bailey. He was part of a royal expedition ambushed by Richard Marshal in 1233, and was appointed a Baron of the Exchequer in 1234 and 1237.

Other offices

He also served as Sheriff of Buckinghamshire and Bedfordshire for 1236 and when Eleanor of Provence was crowned queen that year he served as an Almoner.

Family and death

He died in 1260, leaving a son, also called William as well as five other children. His wife was Ida Longespee, daughter of William Longespée, 3rd Earl of Salisbury and Ela, Countess of Salisbury.