Origin of the Beresford family​
by
Charles Graves
​

The Beresford Family as progeny of William I d’Aincourt / de Boisrohard
After Odard de Hotot (Wadard / Erchenbald II) who held land in Bottesford, Leicestershire in 1086 there was noted in Domesday Book, a William called Boisrohard who held land of Robert de Tosny at Stathern, Leics. a few miles south of Bottesford. In Leicestershire Survey (ca. 1230) was implied that there were several holders at Bottesford, Leics. indicating that William Boisrohard may have been one of them, although not listed there in 1086. But in 1086 both Bottisford and Stathern had been held by Robert de Tosny, so William Boisrohard could have held also at Bottesford in 1086, and he perhaps took his name de Boisrohard from his earlier residence in Bottesford. (bur see another explanation below).
William de Boisrohard was, we believe, the second son of Walter I d’Aincourt who held lands near Bottesford, Leics. but across the border in south Lincolnshire, e.g. at Great Gonerby (Winnibrigg hundred) with his father Lambert and at Houghton in Grantham (Winnibrigg hundrd). Gr. Gonerby is only six miles away from Bottesford across the border in Leicestershire. Walter was a fellow Norman with Robert de Tosny who was holding in 1086 at Allington, Winnibrigg hundred, Lincs. 5 miles east of Bottesford.
Moreover, Walter d’Aincourt held several villages in Threo and Beltisloe hundreds, Lincolnshire in 1086 (Lincs. Domesday Book (version of editors Foster and Longley No. 39).
The word Boisrohard may have come from what the French-speaking Norman families called oak trees – bois rouvral (wood of chêne i.e. oak) Latin: buxus robur. When the d’Aincourt or de Craon family settled in Winnibrigg hundred in Lincolnshire after 1066 they found the oak trees on the border with Leicestershire at Bottesford, Leics. and instead of the English name ‘boltlesford’ in 1131 (cf. A.D. Mills, Oxford Dictionary of British Place-Names p. 68), they called it BoisRouvrard in French (because of the woods (Bois) of oak trees (rouvral) found there (cf. Larousse, Petit dictionnaire français; Hachette: Dictionnaire Usuel du Français)
The name Boisrohard or Beresford and with alternative spellings is rarely listed either in Domesday Book or later surveys of any county in England – it is listed  in Leicestershire, Lincs., Staffs., Derbys., Berks., and Bucks. and specifically in relation to a person whose lord was Robert de Tosny (of Bottesford, Leics. and Allington, Lincs.), or the d’Aincourt family, or the d’Aubigny Earls of Arundel (Sussex). It was also associated with Guy de Craon.
Walter d’Aincourt had sons listed in Charles Graves’ Families of the Domesday Book, Amazon 2014, vol. 2, pp. 507-510 called Ralph and William. In fact, as we shall see, Walter had also sons Roger ‘de Gloucester’ and Durand ‘de Gloucester’. Walter married a Matilda (origin not known but Dormant Baronies says William was perhaps of royal origin (through his mother?) and that he died at the court of king William II ‘Rufus’).
Further research has shown that Walter I Aincourt was from Ancourt near Dieppe in Normandy and that his father Lambert had another son called Goscelin son of Lambert who held many lands in Lincolnshire 1086 (Lincs. DB, No. 28). Goscelin’s son was a Gilbert also holding later in Lincs. (founder of the Gilbert family).
Ralph I d’Aincourt was founder of the Thurgarten abbey, Notts. and was father of a Walter II d’Aincourt who held Morton, Ogston and Wessington, Derbys. in the mid-12th century. Holding these places under the Normans in 1086 was a certain Warner who could have been ‘Warriner’ from Varenne (origin of the Warenne family) which was near Ancourt.
We believe that Walter I d’Aincourt was the same as the well-known Walter of Gloucester or ‘de Pîstres’. Walter of Gloucester was the Walter ‘de Buhr’ listed in the 1086 Worcestershire Domesday Book and was father of Roger ‘de Gloucester’ and Durand ‘de Gloucester’ holding Bredon’s Norton in Worcestershire.
Walter held at Ruddle (Glos.) (where there was a bridge over the Severn into west Gloucestershire) along with William Fitzbaderon from Little Badow in Essex. Little Badow was held by Lambert d’Ancourt in 1086 and his grandson was William I d’Aincourt / William Fitzbaderon assisting Walter ‘of Gloucester’ (who was the Walter ‘of Pistres’ known to scholars). Thus the Pîstres family was the d’Aincourt family, and Walter I d’Aincourt’s sons were Ralph I d’Aincourt William I d’Aincourt (William Fitzbaderon), Roger de Gloucester and Durand de Gloucester. Roger was sheriff of Gloucester town, and Durand held at least 8 villages in Gloucestershire (see below). William Fitzbaderon also held several in Glos.
At Ruddle, Walter d’Aincourt was known as Walter Balistarius (arblaster / crossbowman) apparently his occupation in William ‘Conqueror’s ‘military forces. And in Worcestershire he was known as Walter ‘de Buhr’ (from Badow/Baderon?).
 As for the ‘Pistres’ - supposedly the holding of Walter ‘of Gloucester’ in Normandy - the name probably arose when someone was trying to locate the Normandy origins of William ’Conquerer’s’ colleagues. Walter d’Aincourt held Potter(‘s) Hanworth in Langoe hundred, Lincs.  and this valuable village (12 carucates worth 4£ in 1086) could be the ‘Pîstres’ that provided the answer as to Walter ’de Gloucester’s’ origin’s. Or the confusion may have come from Puys, a village next to Dieppe on the Manche in Normandy only 4 miles from Ancourt.  Or there was some d’Aincourt connection to the d’Ivry family in Normandy descended from Esperine de Pîtres (or de Bayeux) who married Sprota de Senlis (mother of Richard I Duke of Normandy by William I Duke of Normandy)(cf. Internet article by Etienne Pattou 2006 ‘Comtes et Vicomtes de Bayeux, et Seigneurs de Bréval et d’Ivry’ (http:/racineshistoire.free.fr/LGN).

In Lincolnshire
Since Walter I d’Aincourt was holding in villages only a few miles from Allington (Winnibrigg hundred) - which was only 3 miles from Bottesford across the border in Leics. - William I d’Aincourt could very well be the William de Boisrohard who held lands under Robert de Tosny in 1086 at Stathern. Robert de Todeny (Tosny) held widely in Lincolnshire 1086 (Lincs. DB No. 18) as well as in north Leicestershire.
Among Robert de Tosny’s ‘men’ (assistants, usually Normans) besides Berengar de Tosny, were, at Allington (Winnibrigg hundred), Warin (cf. Warner/ Warriner above who held Wessington, Derbys. and was replaced by Walter II d’Aincourt) and at Tallington (Ness hundred, Lincs.) where William and Roger were his ‘men’. These last could very well be William I d’Aincourt and his brother Roger ‘de Gloucester’.
The most important part of this research on the Beresford family is that Robert de Tosny (or a close Tosny relation) became the earl of Staffordshire with seat at Stafford. So, if the d’Aincourts were holding with or under Robert in Lincs. and Leics near Lincs. did they accompany him to Staffordshire, being called ‘Beresfords’ there?
In Domesday Book and Victoria County History for Totmanslow hundred, Staffs. there are listed two ‘Beresford’ manors. ‘Beresford’s’ was shown in DB under Alstonfield on the Dove and its occupants were: John (13thcentury), Hugh (mid- 13th), John 1277, William 1293, and Adam 1308, 1336. These were early Beresfords in Staffs. Also, in the Staffs. V.C.H. at Sheen village 3 miles north of Alstonfield, also west of the Dove river (where Hartington was directly eastwards on the other side in Derbyshire) was the Beresford manor ‘which Prince Sergei Obolensky (of Russia) held after 1917. Also, the Riley family was there much earlier.
Finally, there was a William holding in Totmanslow hundred at Alstonfield and Cheddleton in 1086 under the Earl of Arundel and Shrewsbury and this is probably William I d’Aincourt, ancestor of those holding from 12th century onward at Beresford’s manor in Alstonfield (see above).
In fact, the Arundel Earls took Bottisford, Leicestershire after Robert de Tosny in 1086 (see Leicestershire Survey as mentioned above) and one of their tenants was William Boisrohard (William I d’Aincourt). So, it appears that this same William Boisrohard accompanied Robert de Tosny to Staffordshire where Robert placed him under Earl Roger of Arundel at Alstonfield, Staffs. on the Dove where William had his ‘Beresford’ manor (named after his former Leicestershire residence). His father Walter I d’Aincourt and his brother Ralph I d’Aincourt also held in Totsmanslow hundred and elsewhere in Staffordshire in 1086 as seen above, and although there is no Durand (Durand ‘de Gloucester’), Roger (de Gloucester) held at Blythfield (Pirehill hundred, Staffs.) under Earl Roger of Arundel and also an Azelin held under that Earl in Staffs. i.e. - Geoffrey Alselin.
So, at least three sons of Walter I d’Aincourt held in Staffordshire 1086: Ralph, William and probably Roger ’de Gloucester’. Durand ’de Gloucester’ was probably too occupied with his Gloucestershire lands (see below).  Their father Walter was listed under Robert of Stafford at Dilhorne and Cheadle (Totmanslow hundred, Staffs.) with Robert de Stafford holding under Walter, but the children were shown holding under Earl Roger Montgomery of Arundel (Sussex). It was the same Arundel family which took Bottesford from Robert de Tosny as shown in the Leicestershire Survey (1130).
Concerning Durand ‘of Gloucester’ he could be the Durand Malet shown as landholder in Foster and Longley’s version of the Lincs. Domesday Book in the Lincoln Record Society, vol. 19 (1921) No. 44. No mention of a Durand Malet appears in the usual Malet family research, but there was listed in Essex DB a Durand holding of Hardwin de Scalers - who held of the king in Uttlesford hundred.  And an Adam, son of Durand Mal(souer) or malus operibus was listed in Dunmow hundred, Essex at Willingdale and in Hinckford hundred at Horstedafor. This is equivalent to a DB person called Fulcher mala opera according to Horace Round, editor of the Essex DB. Adam is listed just before Goscelin the lorimer who was ‘maker of horses bits’ (here we may ask if this is Lambert’s son Goscelin with ‘lorimer’ attached - a misreading of Lambert). Fulcher, moreover, refers no doubt to Fulcheris closely related to Henry de Ferriéres in Derbyshire (Turbutt, vol. 2, p. 475) who held also in Lincs. (DB No. 21).
‘Durand Malet’ (Lincs. DB No. 44) held at 19 places in Lincs. 1086 mainly in the Lindsey area, and he took some of ‘Rold’s’ lands – the father of Turold of Bucknall, the sheriff. No connection with D’Aincourt persons, however was mentioned.

In Staffordshire
What are the possible records of d’Aincourts in Staffordshire from 1086? ‘Walter’ is listed under Robert de Tosny / de Stafford at Dilhorne and Cheadle, Totmanslow hundred, Staffs. and Robert there is said to be holding of this Walter. These two places are 6 miles s.w. from Alstonfield (where there was the Beresford’s manor (see above)).  A Warin was holding under Robert de Tosny at Blymhill in Cuttleslow hundred (cf. Warin with Robert at Allington, Lincs. and Warner holding Wessington, Derbys. before Walter II d’Ancourt).  A Walter and a Ralph held 1086 at Wimburn in Seisden hundred, Staffs. under William Fitzansculf and these could be Ralf I d’Aincourt and his father Walter I d’Aincourt. Walter also held under William Fitzansculf at Seisden itself.
An Ulfac held two places in Totmanslow hundred, Staffs. under Robert de Tosny 1086: Gratwich, and Madely Holme in Checkby. The same Ulfac was holding villages near Ruddle in Gloucestershire along with Walter ‘of Gloucester’ and William FitzBaderon (William I d’Aincourt / William Boisrohard). This was no doubt Ulf ‘Fenisc’ of Viking ancestry from Yorks. who held widely in Lincs. before 1086 and whose many lands were taken by Gilbert de Gand (cf. Lincs. DB No. 24). Ruddle (with its bridge over the Severn) was very important for king William I of England, as a place where from the Dene forest nearby, enemy Welsh could invade Gloucestershire. Ulf Fenisc (son of Fornish son of Ligulf) ni doubt of Danish origin, i.e. a Viking, could thus participate in the defense of English lands.
Near Ulfac’s villages in Staffs. was the village of Ellastone in Totmanslow hundred (seven miles south of Alstonfield) where the 1086 residents were Wodeman and Alsi. Robert de Tosny also held a virgate of land in Ellastone. The other residents (Wodeman and Alsi) are Guy de Craon and Geoffrey Alselin, both neighbors of Robert de Tosny at Allington in Winnibrigg hundred, Lincs..
 Guy de Craon of Craon in Anger region, France, was a supporter of William ‘Conquerer’ in 1066 at ‘Hastings’ where William defeated Harold king of England. As reward Guy received wide holdings in the ‘Wash’ area including in Kesteven (south Lincolnshire - see Lincs. DB no.57) and in neighboring Norfolk county. It totaled more than 30 holdings.
In Norfolk, Cornwall and elsewhere in 1086 Guy de Craon was ‘Gudhunman’ (Wido (Guy)+hun (Craon)+man (Angevin), and the Wodeman in Ellastone, Staffs is no doubt Guy de Craon. Alsi, with him, is Geoffrey de Alselin (Lincs. DB no. 64).
Guy de Craon held in Winnibrigg hundred (Lincs.) at Casthorpe in Barrowby and also at Houghton in Grantham, where Walter I d‘Aincourt held (Lincs. DB no. 31/6) and both were considerable landholders in the Kesteven part of Lincolnshire (Winnibrigg, Threo, Beltisloe, Ness hundreds).
Geoffrey Alselin held mainly in Flaxwell hundred, Lincs. (also considered as ‘Kesteven’, north of Threo). But as Geoffrey, ‘man’ of various Norman lords, he was holding of Robert de Stafford (Lincs. DB no. 59 - separate in Lincs. DB from Robert de Tosny (Lincs. DB no. 19 ) but probably the same person). Geoffrey held as ‘man of Robert of Stafford’ at Denton (Winnibrigg hundred) (6 miles south of Allington where Robert de Tosny held and 4 miles south of Gt. Gonerby where Lambert and his son Walter I d’Aincourt held in 1086).
All these parallels indicate that Robert de Tosny/ de Stafford, Walter d’Aincourt, and Geoffrey Alselin – all Normans – and Guy de Craon, an Angevin supporter of William ‘Conqueror’, were on friendly terms and that all could have held lands in Staffs. 1086 together with Robert de Tosny who was presumably the main baron and chief owner of lands in Staffordshire.

In Sussex
Azelin (Geoffrey Alselin) held under Earl Robert of Montgomery (Earl of W. Sussex and also of Shrewsbury) at Coton in St. Mary’s, Stafford (Pirehill hundred) and at Ridware and Loxley in Uttoxeter (Offlow hundred) in 1086.
We shall now look at Sussex to see the d’Aincourt family there - if Domesday Book shows any relations of them with the Earls of Arundel (West Sussex).
Durand ‘of Gloucester’, missing in Staffordshire, was perhaps the Durand listed holding under bishop Osbern in Sussex. A Durand also held under the Count of Mortain (William ‘Conqueror’s’ step-brother Robert) at S. Highton (Flexborough hundred) with a William (Durand’s brother William I d’Aincourt?).
‘Walter son of Lambert’ (Walter I d’Aincourt) held his own land at four places in Sussex and ‘Walter’ is shown otherwise as vassal.  ‘Ralph’, ‘Roger’ and ‘Walter’ held under Count Robert de Mortain as well as Azelin (Geoffrey Alselin?) in Pevensey Borough, Sussex. This appears to be the family of the d’Aincourts of Worcestershire, missing only William.
Ralph of Dene (whose descendant was said to be Isabella de la Haye) was at Totmore hundred and just after him was Durand at Charlton, Sussex both under Count Robert of Mortain. At Willingdon hundred were ‘William’, ‘Gozelin’ (Goscelin), and ‘Gilbert’. This is probably William I d’Aincourt, his first cousin Gilbert, and Gilbert’s father Goscelin son of Lambert (the same family as holding in Lincs. i.e. d’Aincourt). Ralf de Dene came from E. and W. Dean, Sussex, but we might ask if he is Ralf I d’Aincourt, who was with Walter de Gloucester and Roger de Gloucester as well as William Fitzbaderon / William I d’Aincourt at Ruddle (bordering the forest of Dean next to Gloucestershire).  
At land under Earl Roger at Arundel castle, W. Sussex, was Robert son of Tetbold (Earl Roger’s sheriff for West Sussex) as well as ‘Ralph’, ‘William’ (d’Aincourts?) and a ‘Geoffrey’ (Alselin?) – they were also under Earl Roger in Staffs. (above). William held at Littlehangton (Avesford hundred) with Warin and Geoffrey.
Walter, son of Lambert is shown in Sussex DB at Sellescombe under Count William of Eu. He is called there ‘ancestor of the Scotney’s of Crowhurst and Lamberthurst’. Walter, son of Lambert also held Hazelhurst in Ticehurst at Ripe, West Firle, Sherrington, West Dean (Ralph I d’Aincourt’s holding?), Alcester, and Laughton. At Sellescombe, Walter was with ‘Geoffrey the canon’
So, summarizing the above, d’Aincourt had relations with the Arundel Earls in Bottesford, Leics. and many contacts with them also in Sussex. They had close contacts with Robert de Stafford in Winnibrigg hundred, Lincs. as well as with Robert de Tosny / de Stafford in Staffordshire and the Earl of Arundel there as well. These various parallels appear to prove that, since William Boisrohard of Bottisford is probably the same as Willam I d’Aincourt, the Beresfords (shown to be close to D’Aincourts in Staffs.) are d’Aincourt descendants.

In Yorkshire
The d’Aincourt family, in several records, is shown to be family-conscious in Lincs. and Yorks. Domesday Books. This includes their close relations to the family of Guy de Craon, who married the daughter of Hugh Fitzbaldric (holder of lands in Yorkshire as its sheriff as well as in Lincs. (Lincs. DB No. 25)).
In Lincs. Domesday Book a ‘Gilbert’ was Hugh Fitzbaldric’s ‘man’ at Kettleby Thorpe (Yarborough wapentake) and a Ralph was his ‘man’ at Brigg and Worlaby (Yarborough, 5 miles from Kettleby). Guy de Craon held under Hugh Fitzbaldric at Claxby St. Andrew and Sloothby in Calcewath wapentake. ‘Gilbert’ above is probably Gilbert son of Goscelin (son of Lambert), first cousin to Ralph I d’Aincourt - the other ‘man’ of Hugh Fitzbaldric in Yarborough wapentake.
In Yorkshire Domesday Book a ‘Gilbert’, ‘Ralph’ and ‘Walo’ (Walter) are holding lands under Hugh Fitzbaldric, sheriff, at Sand Hutton, Benningborough and Scrayingham respectively. Sand Hutton is only a few miles south of Scrayingham and Benningborough is 8 miles away westwards. These also appear to be Gilbert son of Goscelin and his cousin Ralph I d’Aincourt as well - their uncle and father, respectively. Walter d’Aincourt held, besides, three villages on his own in west Yorks. at Wombwell and W. Melton near Mexborough and at Rawmarsh near Rotherham.
These documents illustrate some close relations between the d’Aincourt and de Craon families which we have already seen in Winnibrigg hundred, Lincs. and in Totmanslow hundred, Staffs. – all linked to Robert de Tosny.

William Boisrohard in Lincolnshire
Aside from Winnibrigg hundred in Lincs. are there other records of William Boisrohard / William I d’Aincourt in Lincolnshire? There are several, as follows:
At Casewick (Ness hundred) Boso held of Alfred of Lincoln in 1086 (Lincs. DB No. 24 / 35). Is this Boisrohard? Apparently it is, since the neighboring village of Tallington (Ness) was held by Robert de Tosny (Lincs. DB No. 18/12) William de Boisrohard’s father’s colleague.  A William de Buss held in Aslacoe wapentake in the (Lincs.) Lindsey Survey 1115-1120, No. 2/14) under Anfrid de Canceio at Willowton next to Blyborough and Harpswell (Aslacoe) where Gilbert son of Goscelin (William de Boisrohard’s first cousin) held more than 10 carucates in his villages (Lindsey Survey No. 2/9). And, at Walter I d’Aincourt’s holding in Langoe hundred, Lincs. Wintrehard was holding as Walter’s ‘man’ (Lincs. DB, No. 31/18). This could very well signify William Boisrohard.
Half of Walter I d’Aincourt’s holdings in Lincolnshire in 1086 were the seven villages in Langoe hundred (north east of Threo hundred). One of them – Potter’s Hanworth mentioned above – was perhaps the so-called ‘Pistris’ the  supposed Norman origin of Walter ‘of Gloucester’ Only three villages in Langoe hundred were owned by others: Washingborough, with a priest and church, was the king’s possession whereas Canwick and Bracebridge were possessed by Roger de Poitou, son of the Earl of w. Sussex Robert de Montgomery of Arundel. We have seen above the close relations of Walter I d’Aincourt with this Earl in Sussex.
Another small landholder in Canwick and Bracebridge was Bishop Geoffrey of Coutances (Lincs. DB, 6/11). He may be the same as the Geoffrey, canon, holding with Walter d’Aincourt in Sussex.
Walter held 83 carucates of land in Langoe hundred which equals an enormous number of acres (10, 375). Wintrehard – Walter’s son William Boisrohard – held Metheringham (8 ½ carucates – 1063 acres). The most valuable of the villages Branston / Bronztune (12 carucates if land) was worth a great amount - 26£ in 1086.
Earlier we noted that some specialists considered Walter d’Aincourt’s wife Matilda as of ducal or royal origin. A lady called Quenrud the nun held ½ carucate at Canwick who may have been a d’Aincourt (Ancourt). She was probably affiliated to Bishop Geoffrey who was also at Canwick. Since Geoffrey was from Coutances (west coast of Cotentin, Normandy) he was probably the famous Geoffrey, bishop of Coutances, holding many villages especially in Northamptonshire, and having William de Beauchamp of Worcestershire as assistant (founder of later Earls of Warwick). Walter d’Aincourt’s many villages in Langoe hundred may have been by arrangement between the king and bishop Geoffrey about one of Geoffrey’s relations (his sister Matilda ?) who may have married Walter d’Aincourt.
Some names perhaps relating to d’Aincourt appear in the Lindsey Survey (1115-1120) of Lincolnshire (does not include Kesteven (southern) part of Lincs.). For example, a William son of Albreda was holding in Louthesk wap. at Saltfleetby and Skidbroke together with Ralf de Craon (son of Guy de Craon who was a friend of Walter d’Aincourt). Moreover, Wigot held at Tathwell in Louthesk wap. he who was son of Mainard, a supposed brother or nephew of Walter I d’Aincourt. Mainard held together with Walter under Swen in Essex, as well as in Lincs.
Albreda was a name of a granddaughter of Raoul I d’Ivry and was the mother of a Roger d’Ivry (who held land together with Durand ‘de Gloucester’ in Gloucestershire 1086 - see below). Raoul I d’Ivry was son of Esperleng de Pîtres (ou de Bayeux) (cf. article in Google - Contes et Vicomtes de Bayeux, et Seigneurs de Bréval et d’Ivry 2006 by Etienne Pattou). If Albreda were the wife of Walter I d’Aincourt (other sources say it was Matilda) there would be a reason for naming Walter I d’Aincourt as Walter de Pîtres / Walter of Gloucester. But in Mr. Pattou’s chart, ‘Alberede’ was shown marrying only (1)Robert de Bréval where there was  a son Roger d’Ivry, and (2) Aubert de Cravant.
Was there a ‘Robert son of William’ in Lincolnshire, the same person as he who held Stanley in Derbyshire 1086? A Robert held under Count Alan at Lea (Corringham wap.) replacing Fulcher (related to Henry de Ferriéres in Derbys.) (Lincs. DB No. 12/4) and a Robert holding under Norman d’Arcy at Walcot (Manley wap.) taking Fulcher’s land (Lincs. DB No. 32 / 15). These may have been Robert son of William in Derbyshire. Erneis de Burun (Lincs. DB 34 / 25) also held in this Walcot (in Alkborough on Humber of Manley wap.) as did Henry de Ferriéres. So, Robert son of William in Derbys. and Lincs. may mean a Robert, son of William I d’Aincourt, at Stanley, Derbys. and a Robert son of William (of Sinfin, Derbys.) at Rolleston south of the Dove in Staffs (Gladwyn Turbutt says these two Robert are the same).
 So, in speculation, William d’Aincourt (William of Sinfin and Rolleston ) had sons Ralph (father of Avis who married Humphrey de Touk), and a Robert ‘son of William’ at Stanley and Rolleston, Staffs. This Robert also held in Lincs. in Corringham and Manley wapentakes. Thus, Robert son of William is probably the ancestor of the Staffs. and Derbys. Beresfords, holding first in Totmanslow hundred, Staffs. - at Alstonfield on the Dove near Ashbourne, Derbyshire in Beresford manor, and also at the Sheen Beresford manor across the Dove from Hartington, Derbys. But because Walter I and II d’Aincourt held, with ‘Warner’, land at Morton, Ogston, Wessington, Brampton (in Chesterfield), Pilsley, Oldcotes etc.  in Scarsdale hundred in n.e. Derbyshire from 1086, Walter I’s son William I d’Aincourt could also have progeny called Beresford in that region, i.e. at and near Chesterfield. Some of these Beresfords are seen in the Derbyshire Feet of Fines (13th-14th centuries) and in lists of Chesterfield All Saints church, as well as at Beresford manor in Sutton in Scarsdale.

Walter d’Aincourt and family in Worcestershire
 In 1086 ‘William’ held Redmarley d’Abitôt (Doddingtree hundred) under Urse d’Abitôt where Ralph de Tosny also held. This appears to be William I d’Aincourt).
Durand held at Bredon’s Norton - Durand ‘of Gloucester’. On the king’s land at Suckley, Urse (d’Abitôt) the sheriff, ’Roger’, ’William’, ‘Walter’ and William Fitzanculf held. (Roger ‘de Gloucester’, William I d’Aincourt’, Walter I d’Aincourt).  VCH (Victoria County History) for Worcestershire notes that Durand de Gloucester held Iccombe and then his nephew Walter held it, whose granddaughter was overlord 1166. This no doubt Walter II d’Aincourt. Ellis Cockerell held Iccombe later of Milo ‘de Gloucester’.
‘William’ held a hide of land at Kidderminster.
Walter ‘de Buhr’ held land at Estbury in Hallow i.e. part of the manor of Hallow in Grimley (Walter I d’Aincourt) (we have discussed several possibilities for lands held in 1086 by Walter d’Aincourt which could provide this ‘Buhr’ by which he was named).
‘Walter’ (Walter I d’Aincourt) held Churchill of William Fitzansculf.
William Fitzbaderon held 2 ½ hides of land at Longdon under St. Peter’s, Westminster (William I d’Aincourt). He also held in Gloucestershire (e.g. at Ruddle – see above).
Under Urs d’Abitôt’s holdings in Worcs, ‘Walter’ held with Turold (sheriff of Lincs. and father of Richard of Cardenham by Queen Maud) at Coston Hackett; ‘William’ held under Urs at Bentley Pauncefoot and Doverdale (these appear to be Walter I d’Aincourt and his son William I d’Aincourt).
There were at least three other William in Worcestershire Domesday Book: William ‘filric’ (son of Richard - son of Turold of Cardenham and Queen Maud) and William de Beauchamp, but ‘William’ without surname could be William d’Aincourt if associated with the de Tosny or William Fitzansculf family, or be named ‘Fitzbaderon’ (see above for William I d’Aincourt’s grandfather Lambert at Little Badow, Essex and William’s father Walter (called ‘Baderon’ also).
William Goizenboded was also in Worcs. holding at Chauson near Salwarpe, and the ‘William’ who holds of him is probably William ‘filric’. William Goizenboded was the (later) bishop of Thetford (Norfolk).
The only lacking member of Walter d’Aincourt’s family above is ‘Ralf’ (Ralph I d’Aincourt). The ‘Ralph’ holding land at Hanbury (near Droitwich in Esch hundred) under Urse d’Abitôt the sheriff, could be Ralph d’Aincourt.
But ‘William the priest’ is also in Worcestershire, at Besford, holding under the abbot and the abbot under St. Peter’s of Westminster. According to A.L. Mills’ Dictionary of British Place-Names, Besford was Bettesford in year 972 (so it was named such 100 years before Domesday Book and could not be named by the Beresford family if such a family began with William Boisrohard after 1086). Also, just after William the priest was named in Worcs. DB William Fitzbaderon at Longdon, Worcs. (also holding under St. Peter’s of Westminster).
Moreover, there was a ‘William the priest’ holding at Minting (Gartree hundred, Lincs. under Countess Judith of Lens, and Gilbert son of Goscelin (William I d’Aincourt’s first cousin) also held in Gartree hundred at Stichwold, 5 miles south of Minting.
Thus, we might agree that if William I d’Aincourt was a priest and thus probably could not have the many progeny such as had the Beresfords, it was only a coincidence that a ‘William the priest’ held at a place called Bettesford / Besford near Pershore in Worcs. whereas William Boisrohard / William I d’Aincourt may have held at Bottesford in Leicestershire. It was William Fitzbaderon in Worcs. and Gloucestershire who was William I d’Ancourt, son of Walter d’Aincourt called Walter ‘de Buhr’ in Worcs. Moreover, there was a ‘William’ shown holding land under Urs d’Abitôt at Bredon, Worcs. whereas Durand ‘de Gloucester’ held at Bredon’s Norton nearby. These were undoubtedly d’Aincourts, and probably William ‘the priest’ should not be considered as a d’Aincourt member until there is further proof.
We hold to our theory that Walter ‘de Pistres’ or Walter ‘de Gloucester’ is in fact Walter I d’Aincourt, and that his four sons – Ralph, William (William Boisrohard / William Fitzbaderon), Roger (‘of Gloucester’) and Durand (‘of Gloucester’) were with him (as Walter ‘de Buhr’) in Worcestershire.

 d’Aincourts in Derbyshire
The d’Aincourt holdings in Derbyshire 1986 were significant. Walter I d’Aincourt held Morton, Ogston and Wessington, Brampton, Wadshelf (where he was given seisin by Henry de Ferrières) as well as Pilsley, Oldcotes, Holmsfield, Elmton, and Stony Houghton.
Wadshelf and Holmsfield are west of Chesterfield, Stoney Houghton is near Sutton Scarsdale s.e. of Chesterfield; Elmton is east of Chesterfield near Clowne, and Oldcotes is in north Notts. near Blyth (Walter held many lands in Notts.)
William (no doubt William Boisrohard / Beresford) held 1086 at Sinfin (near and s. of Derby). Gladwyn Turbutt in A History of Derbyshire (1999) vol. 2, p. 476 has said about William of Sinfin, that his son was Ralph whose daughter Avice married Humphrey de Touk. Later, the Toukes held part of Sinfin as well as holding at Hilton north of Rolleston, Staffs. Moreover, according to Turbutt, William of Sinfin was the same person as William of Rolleston, Staffs. (a few miles west of Sinfin). Thus, the Touk family was also related to the Rolleston family of Staffs. (Rolleston is on the Dove south of Hilton and held by a ‘Robert’ - could be ‘Robert son of William’ (holding Stanley in Derbys. DB). Robert  (speculatively) was possibly another son of William of Sinfin besides the Ralf (above). Stanley is a few miles north of Derby.
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Touk family and William d’Aincourt in Lincs.
Toui was noted as holding Blyborough (Aslacoe wapentake, Lincs.) before Goscelin son of Lambert held it in 1086 (Lincs. DB 28/1). This may be the Touk family ancestor, whose descendant Humphrey Touk married Avice, granddaughter of William (I d’Aincourt) of Sinfin, Derbyshire. In Lindsey Survey (1115-1120 in Lincs.) a Robert son of Humphrey held Bullington (Wraggoe wap., Lincs.) which was located in Wraggoe wap. amidst many properties held by Gilbert, son of Goscelin (son of Lambert), indicating also a d’Aincourt connection. Also holding under Goscelin son of Lambert 1086 in Lincs. were ‘Walo’ (Walter) (Lincs. DB No. 28/ 5, 19; Walter held under him 28/ 35, 42; Lambert held under him 28/38. In this scenario, Lambert, his two sons: (Walter d'Aincourt and Goscelin), Goscelin’s son Gilbert, and Walter’s son William I d’Aincourt - who was ancestor of Humphrey’s wife Avice. Apparently, Humphrey and Avice had as child the Robert Tuke at Bollington, Lincs.
Another interesting connection of Lincs. with Derbyshire was the person Fulcheric, considered by Gladwyn Turbutt to be closely related to ancestors of Henry de Ferriéres holding in Derbyshire. A Fulchered held at Winterton, Manley wap., Lincs. before Norman d’Arcy took it by 1086 (Lincs. DB 32 /13). Henry de Ferriéres also held land in Winterton (Lincs. DB 21/2), (sokeland of W. Hallam, Lincs.).
Winterton, Lincs was 3 miles south of the Humber river and many important persons in Lincs. and Derbyshire held there (Earl Hugh of Chester, Henry de Ferriéres, Norman d’Arcy, Erneis de Burun (possible d’Aincourt relation), and Durand Malet (Durand mala opera of Essex / Durand ‘de Gloucester’ - also probable d’Aincourt relation). Strangely, there was also a Bottesford in Manley wap. (same spelling as Bottesford, Leicestershire (from which William I d’Aincourt probably took his name William Boisrohard) The one in Lincs. was held by Goscelin, son of Lambert. The old spelling of the Lincs. Bottesford was Bulesforde.
However, there is less possibility that William Boisrohard was named from the Manley, Lincs. Bottesford than from the Leicestershire Bottesford because Walter d’Aincourt, vassal of Robert de Tosny at Allington, Winnibrigg hundred, Lincs. was the father of William I d’Aincourt / William Boisrohard whereas Goscelin son of Lambert was only William’s uncle. Moreover, William Boisrohard held in Leicestershire later under the Arundels (who bought Bottesford, Leics. from Robert de Tosny).

More on Derbyshire by Gladwyn Turbutt
As for Barton Blount in Derbys. according to Gladwyn Turbutt, the Ralf there in 1086 was a Bacquepuiz family member, also seen in Berks. DB under Henry de Ferriéres. Ralf at Cubley was from the Montgomery family (this conclusion of Turbutt may be referring to the close relation of d’Aincourts with the Arundel Montgomerys in Sussex (above)).  Turbutt, writing about ‘Robert’ of Breadsall, Derbys. 1086, calls him the family of the ‘Duns’ of Breadsall (of) Bourg-Dun in Normandy. But ‘Dun’ family could very well be d’Aincourt (Dun.court) and Robert could be son of William of Sinfin (d’Aincourt).
The ’Roger’ 1086 at Boylston, Derbys. according to Turbutt, was Roger de Instanval, who was Henry de Ferriéres’ ‘huntsman’. Unstone was a village north of Chesterfield west of Eckington and Staveley, thus this Roger could be Roger ‘de Gloucester’, brother of William of Sinfin. Parts of this family went to the Grendons and the Montgomeries. The Grendons were in the most southerly part of Derbyshire near Measham (see below for ‘Beresford’ manor there).
The ‘Roger’ of Croxhall, Derbys. could be Roger ‘of Gloucester’ the d’Aincourt family member.
Other Derbyshire villages held by Walter I d’Aincourt were southwards near Alfreton: at Morton, Ogston and Wessington on the Amber river flowing south into the Trent and Warner (Walter’s man) held at Shirland (just north of Alfreton), Codnor, Heanor and Langley. Shirland is also next to Morton (held by Walter). Gladwyn Turbutt’s family once owned Morton as well as Ogston (their caput).
Moreover, south of Warner’s holdings are those of Ralf de Burun: Denby, Kirk Hallam, Weston Underwood (where Gilbert held under him), and a Robert son of William held at Stanley, next to Kirk Hallam. Ralf de Burun is no doubt son of Erneis de Burun, an important landholder in Lincolnshire. We shall ask ourselves if this ‘Burun’ is not the same as ‘Baderon’ (cf. William Fitzbaderon / William I d’Aincourt / William Boisrohard) from Little Badow, Essex. It is possible that besides Goscelin son of Lambert and Walter I d’Aincourt there was another brother – all sons of Lambert of Litt. Badow - called Erneis de Burun, who like his brothers held widely in Lincolnshire.
Apparently, the above-mentioned Robert son of William could be a son (or grandson) of William I d’Aincourt since Robert son of William held also in Notts. at Stanford upon Sour and Leake. The Leake family was associated with a later Francis, 1st Lord Deincourt of Scarsdale (Derbyshire east of Chesterfield).
 Goscelin (probably Goscelin son of Lambert and brother of Walter d’Aincourt) held of Earl Hugh of Chester at Markeston, Mackworth and Allestree in Derbys. 1086. And at Riby (Yarborough wapentake) in Lincs. - under this same Earl Hugh - William, Ralph and Azelin (Geoffrey Alselin) held as ‘his men’ i.e. two d’Aincourt children of Walter I d’Aincourt, and Geoffrey - close to d’Aincourt in Kesteven (Lincs.) and in Totmanslow hundred, Staffs. (see above).
Thus, the Goscelin in Derbys. under Earl Hugh of Chester was no doubt Goscelin son of Lambert, brother of Walter I d’Aincourt. He was the father of a Gilbert holding in Derbys. 1086 at Weston Underwood under Ralf de Burun, illustrating once again that Burun may very well be from Little Badow in Essex, held by Lambert and his grandson William Baderon / William I d’Aincourt / William Boisrohard.
So, Ralf and Roger are holding 1086 rather widely in Derbys. 1086 under Henry de Ferriéres and these could be Ralf I d’Aincourt and Roger ’de Gloucester’. ‘Roger’ held under Henry de Ferriéres at Croxall, Edingale and Stretton in the Fields in the far south of Derbys. not far from Measham, Leicestershire (cf.  ‘Beresfords’ manor in Leics. near Measham).
Except for Durand ‘de Gloucester’ all the other d’Aincourts and Goscelin son of Lambert and (his son) Gilbert held in Derbyshire 1086 most of them under Henry de Ferriéres. Ralph de Burun may also in fact be from Little Badow, Essex and be the first cousin of d’Aincourt.  Cf. Burun=Baderon=Buhr (in Worcs.). Ralph’s father would be the Erneis de Burun of Little Badow, Essex and holding many villages in Lincolnshire.
Erneis de Burun (Lincs. DB No.34) held in Wraggoe and Manley wapentake and was the main taker of Fair Eddeva’s (Lady Godiva’s) lands by 1086. She was a Mortemer whose family for a short time was in disgrace with king William I because of the Mortemer’s support for Williams’s son duke Robert of Normandy against his father. But William I d’Aincourt supported William ‘Rufus’ the other of William I ‘Conqueror’s’ sons - who became king after his father.
Under Earl Hugh of Chester in Lincs. at Riby (Yarborough wap.) William, Ralph and Azelin were ‘his men’ in 1086. These are no doubt William I d’Aincourt / William Fitz Baderon / William Boisrohard; Ralph d’Aincourt and Geoffrey Alselin. Or the ‘Ralph’ at Riby might be Ralf de Burun (son of Erneis, who also held in Yarborough wap.)
A Buered held at Coven in Brewood and Coppenhall in Penkridge, Staffs. (Cuttleslow hundred) under Robert de Stafford, and this may be the Ralph de Burun in Derbyshire.
‘Robert’ held in Derbyshire 1086 at S. Wingfield, Hilton, Thurvaston, Breadsall, Dalbury, Barlbarrow, Stretton, Egstom, and Hanley. Robert son of William held at Stanley which is between Breadsall and Kirk Hallam (held by Ralf de Burun) so it is possible Robert son of William means son (grandson) of William I d’Aincourt. A Robert and a Roger held at Mercaston, next to Kedleston where Gilbert held (son of Goscelin). Robert was at Barlbarrow, Stretton and S. Wingfield which are n.e and s.e of Chesterfield and this also could be ‘Robert son of William’. Gladwyn Turbutt does not situate family-wise this Robert son of William.
The Derbyshire Feet of Fines 1323-1546 provides several items on the Beresford family which may help us understand its history.  In 1348 John de Beresford - son of Edmund de Beresford and Eleanor d’Arundel, daughter of Richard, Earl of Arundel - held the manor of Sutton with its three knight’s fees (No. 839).  This is probably Sutton in Scarsdale east of Chesterfield, Derbyshire. The owner of the manor was Edmund de Beresford. John de Beresford paid one rose a year as rent and provisions were made for Baldwin de Beresford, John’s brother. To register this in Westminster, the participants paid 100£.
Comment: Richard Earl of Arundel (1267-1302) descending from the Aubigny family holders of Bottisford, Leics. in the 12th century Leicestershire Survey followed Robert de Tosny / de Staffordshire there. Robert had probably been lord of William Boisrohard / William I d’Aincourt (founder of the Beresford family) in Bottisford in 1086. The Feet of Fines document, by showing the marriage of John Beresford with an Aubigny descendant, 30 or 40 years after William Boisrohard held land at Bottisford, Leics., corresponds with the Boisrohard (d’Aincourt) and Aubignys holding together in Bottisford in 1086 (Domesday Book).
This confirms that Boisrohard in William I d’Aincourt’s name may mean Bottisford, Leics. and that William I d’Aincourt exchanged feudal lords, at least at Bottisford, leaving Robert de Tosny for the Aubignys. (which the Leicestershire Survey confirms).
Another item in the Feet of Fines 1420 (No. 1057) concerns Measham, (listed in Derbyshire Feet of Fines but in Leicestershire).  It concerns ‘Bereford manor’. The buyers are William Babington, Nicholas Wymbyssh, clerk; John Horseploe clerk, Nicholas Conigston, Roger Hosewyf, and Walter Taillard. The tenants are Thomas Loundres and wife Joan. Elizabeth, wife of Baldwin Berford, knight, holding for their lives of the inheritance of Joan, the manor should revert to Thomas and Joan and Joan’s heirs upon the death of Elizabeth, but under the agreement, it should go instead to Walter (Taillard) and his heirs to hold of the chief lord forever. Thomas and Joan agreed themselves and for the heirs of Joan and 100 marks of silver were paid.
This Elizabeth (being Baldwin’s wife) was sister-in-law of the above-mentioned John de Beresford and daughter-in-law of Edmund de Beresford. The de Ferriéres of Derbyshire held the two villages called Seals next to Measham and a Henry of Scegla (Seals) appears to be an Arundel family member holding in Bottisford, Leics. in the time of the Leicestershire Survey (after 1120). So, it appears that the two Seals and Measham were for a time in Derbyshire, but held by the Aubigny / Arundel family of Leicestershire (e.g. at Bottesford and the ‘Bereford’ manor in Measham).
That the Beresfords held the Measham manor means that they are related to the Aubigny / Arundel family which held Bottesford ca. 1130-40 and that ‘Beresford’ comes from the place called Bottesford (Leics.) on the border with Winnibrigg hundred, Lincolnshire. But as we have seen above, ‘Beresford’ is related to Boisrohard (small forest of oak trees) in the French (Norman) vocabulary.
Three other Derbyshire Feet of Fines documents concern James Basford (Beresford?), clerk (cleric) (Nos. 1167 of 1503), Nos. 1201 (1517) and No 1207 (1518). The 1503 one concerns dwellings and lands at Newbold (attached to Chesterfield, Derbys.) Roger Eyre, Philip Eyre and James Bayresford clerk bought it from John Radclyffe, Kt. and Margaret his wife and Elizabeth Sothyll, widow, with the understanding of heirs of Margaret and Roger with payment of 40£.
This is interesting because in the Chesterfield church register for 8.8.1603 an Ann Beresford married a Thomas Heathcote and in 1618 a Richard Berisforde married Ann Waterhouse (28. 1.). These could be descendants of James Beresford, clerk (above).
Another document about Winster, Derbyshire (1517) concerns this James Beresford and his heirs. The owners were Thomas Kyn, wool merchant, and wife Cecily and houses and mines near Winster as well as the office of barmaster of all the mines there. With the agreement of John, abbot of the monastery of St. Peter, Westminster, the deal was done and James Beresford gave 100£.
The 1518 document concerns houses, lands and a 16-shilling rent at Wirksworth, Derbyshire whereby Hugh Orme and Margery his wife as well as Humphrey Herley and Margaret sold to German Pole, esq., James Basford, clerk, John Pennant, James Oxely, and Henry Ainsworth with agreement of the Ormes and Herleys and heirs of Henry (Ainsworth).  40 £ was paid.

D’Aincourt and Beresford in Yorkshire and other counties
The d’Aincourts were vassals of Ilbert de Lacy in Lincs.(DB No. 20) and West Yorks.  Ilbert held Willington by Stow (Well wap.) in Lincs. (DB 20/4) which had been held by Deincora (d’Aincourt) who held 12 bovates of land (125 acres) but was followed in 1086 by ‘a knight’ of Ilbert (perhaps William or Roger d’Aincourt). In the West riding of Yorkshire both a William and a Roger held of Ilbert de Lacy. William held at Ackton a few miles west of Pontefract (caput of Ilbert de Lacy) and Roger held Altoft and its neighbor Whitwood north of Ackton near Castleford. These were without doubt d’Aincourt family members.
In Berkshire a William Briwar (cf. Boisrohard) held under the king at Upper Lambourne. Hascoit Musard was also holding in this Lambourne hundred - he who was holding together with Walter I d’Aincourt 1086 at Brampton (Chesterfield). Henry de Ferriéres also held rather widely in Berkshire under the king. Other Berks. possible members of the ‘Beresford’ family are (VCH) at ‘Uplandbournes’ and East and West Bockhampton (Upper Lambourne, Berks).
These are (at Uplandbournes) Henry, son of Riulf 1167 followed by another Henry 1200 then land went to William Breven the elder followed by William Breven the younger d. 1233. These were followed by Henry le Bathe d. 1233. Henry le Bathe held also at West Hendred, Berks. after the Hendred family of Richard, then William, then Richard. The Breven appears to be the same as the William Briwar (1086).
The other parallel at Upper Lambourne was the Walter de Hairez at East Bockhampton followed by a Humphrey de Bockhampton; then William, then Richard in 1222. Richard’s brother was called Raer (Rohard?) son of William (1248) followed by Ralf (‘Raer’) (died by 1280) and he by a William (1300). We recall Walter I d’Aincourt’s son William of Sinfin (Derbys.) followed by Humphrey de Tuke holding part of Sinfin. Also, that a ‘Robert‘ at S. Wingfield (Derbys.)1086 was presumed by the editor of DB to have been Robert de Heriz. Here is a word very close in pronouncing, to Beresford. But Raer resembles the rohard of Boisrohard too much to be ignored especially when we consider the probable origin of rohard i.e. bois rouvral - the French word for a certain kind of oak tree (Latin: buxus robal). On the other hand, ‘Raer’ could be from Raiulf / Ralph (d’Aincourt) rather than from Bottisford’s oak trees. Ralf was considered the son of William of Sinfin (Gladwin Turbutt) and there was a Riulf son of Henry at ‘Uplambournes’.
The VCH material on Upper Lambourne, Uplandbourne and the two Bockhamptons show names of families (Briwar, Breven, Bathe, Hairez and ‘Raer’) all of which could be taken from BoisRohard, Bottesford, or Beresford). In fact, this material may be showing the great difficulty the d’Aincourt family had in proposing as family name the term BoisRohard, Bottesford or Beresford.
But for us the searchers of the origin in England of the Beresford family, it could be rather good proof (especially the Briwar and Hairez) of an 11th century onwards Beresford family at Upper Lambourne.
At West Bockhampton was also the Barry family: Ralph Barry 1224; another Ralph 1280; John Barry 1284 and Thomas Barry 1314. The possible connection to ‘Beresford’ is obvious.
In Herefordshire William son of Baderon held at Linton under the king, and at Cleeve (in Ross). In all he held 9 manors in the county and Solomon held under him at Hope Mansel, as well as at Ruarden in Glos. (cf. Boisrohard) and Beckerton.
In Hampshire Durand de Gloucester held in Southampton and Baddesley (in the New Forest) and Cheddeston (with Ralph under him) whereas William son of Baderon held at Cleres and at the same Cheddesdon. And a ‘Robert’, ‘Walter’ and ’Durand’ held in Fawley hundred under the bishop of Winchester.
In Somerset, Durand, Warner, Walter arbelestarius (Walter I d’Aincourt), Lambert and ‘Walter’ held lands. And, of course, in many counties there were Walter, William, Roger, Durand without surnames attached.
In Wiltshire Durand de Gloucester was tenant of Nigel the physician at West Chesenbury. At Overton, Durand held of the church of Winchester. And at Chirton, Durand left 1/3 of his land to Lucy (d. 1217) wife of Herbert Fitzherbert (whose children were Peter d. ca. 1235 and Herbert d. 1246). Peter’s children were Renold (d. 1280) whose wife was Joan (d. 1314). Peter Fitzherbert also held at Hanningford, Wilts.

Buckingham and Hertford D’Aincourts and Berefords
In Buckingham there are several references in DB to d’Aincourt and Boisrohard: under land of Robert de Todeny (Tosny) in Stanes hundred a Gilbert held under him and also Gilbert held under Robert at Cheddington (Erlai hundred). These are presumably Gilbert son of Goscelin (who was son of Lambert and brother of Walter d’Aincourt). In Mulsoe hundred at Clifton Reynes William Boscroard and his brother held under Robert. And at the same Clifton Reynes a Roger of Olney held a hide of land under Countess Judith of Lens. Olney is a village situated next to Clifton Reynes. Moreover, at this Olney (with Warrington), Hugh d’Aubigny, Earl Arundel, held with Isabel his wife. So, here we see again two or three d’Aincourt family members with the Arundel (castle) family of Aubigny as in west Sussex. Bosrocard is obviously the Boisrohard of William I d'Aincourt’s other name.
In VCH at the border with Hertfordshire in Buckinghamshire Bishop Remigius (a friend of the d’Aincourts) held at Buckland, and his tenant was ‘Walter’. In the early 12th century a William de Busseys (d. 1185) held. His daughter Matilda married Hugh de Wake and his other daughter Cecelia married John de Bulley. de Busseys could be a Boisrohard, thus a Beresford family.
Bishop Remigius also held at Wooton in Bucks. His vassal was Walter d’Aincourt’s ‘younger son’ Ralph (d’Aincourt) who founded Thurgarten priory in Notts. Ralph’s successor was Walter (II) d’Aincourt who founded Kirkstead priory. He was followed at Wooton, Bucks. by his sons Oliver and John and John by his son another Oliver 1186 (d. 1261). This Oliver had son John who had livery of Wooton 1246. John’s son was Edmund 1277, Lord Deincourt 1299 whose daughter was an Isabel. Edmund settled Wooton manor on William and John Deincourt who were sons of John Deincourt of Park Hall, Derbys. We have learned about Park Hall, Morton, Derbys. from Gladwyn Turbutt’s History of Derbyshire volumes (1999) - whose Turbutt family also held at Morton - that this John Deincourt of Morton was a ‘younger branch’ of the d’Aincourts of ‘Wessington, Ogston and Morton’ held by Walter I d’Aincourt I in 1086 through ‘Warner’.
In Worcs. VCH at Redmarley Oliver, a Ralph the knight held 1086 (under Ralph de Todeny /Tosny) who was possibly the ancestor of a Robert Oliver temps. King Henry II, who had sons Robert (d.s.p.) and Walter (Walter II d’Aincourt?). Walter’s sons were John de Redmarley (who sued John Marshall over a land holding), Hugh, Robert and Walter (these last three died without posterity d.s.p.)
Another Bucks. VCH item concerns the de Bracy family. Robert de Todeny (de Tosny) gave land in Stone hundred to Gilbert (probably Gilbert son of Goscelin) 1086. Temps. king Henry I, William de Bracey held it. Osney priory  (Oxon.) cartulary speaks of a Robert de Bracy. This de Bracy family is also noted in Worcestershire VCH at Madresfield where a William de Bracy held temps. Henry I, followed by a Robert de Bracy. ‘Bracy’ resembles strangely ‘Beresford’. We have shown how William Fitzbaderon, Walter ‘de Gloucester’ and Durand ‘de Gloucester’ held in Worcestershire in 1086. The Bracys may be their progeny.
Other possible d’Aincourt descendant in Bucks. (VCH) may be the William son of Roger, tenant at Eynsfield of bishop Remigius of Lincs. Another possibility would be at Stantonbury, Bucks. (VCH) where ‘Ralf’ held 1086 followed by Ralf de Stanton 1166 with daughter Amice. Then came a Simon de Stanton whom the editor equates with a Simon de Barry 1201, d. 1221 (cf. Barry at Lambourne hundred, Berks.)  This Simon’s sons were a Peter and a Ralf. Peter’s son was Robert, whose son was a Thomas de Barry whereas Ralph had son Hugh.
We have noted at Bockhampton (Lambourne hundred)(VCH) that there was a Barry family without the following genealogy: Ralph 1224, Ralf 1280, John 1284, Thomas 1314, and John. These may very well be the same family which shows a connection between the Upper Lambourne family in Berks. and the Stantonbury family in Bucks.  As well, we have seen a connection between the Oliver d’Aincourt family at Wooton, Bucks. with the Redmarley Oliver family in Worcs. and between the de Bracy families in both Bucks. and Worcs. We have also seen how Bishop Remigius (a known friend of the d’Ainourts in Dieppe, Normandy) was patron of the d’Aincourts in Stoke Mandeville and Wooton, Bucks. and how Robert de Tosny was their patron in Clifton Reynes, Bucks. as well as in Leicestershire and Lincolnshire.
The Clavering family of Essex held at Iver, Buckinghamshire as follows: Robert son of Roger; John; Roger d. 1249; Robert; John (took name Clavering). Clavering, Essex is located next to Stocking Pelham, Herts. (held by a Richard de Bideford (cf. Bottesford) in 1278 whose brother was Henry and whose wife was Agnes, niece of Thomas de Wancey. Stocking Pelham is just north of an Albury in Edwinstow hundred, Herts. where a William Baard (cf. Boisrohard) held 1166, followed by Simon Baard (cf. Simon Barry above) and in 1294 a Robert Baard gave Albury to Geoffrey de la Lee 1319 and his wife Denise.
Also, in Hertfordshire at Haley in Gt. Amwell next to Ware, Ralph the butler succeeded Geoffrey de Beck temps. Henry I where Ralf enfeoffed Alberic de Vere. Later a Roger de Buren and his son Robert de Buren held there (cf. Burun related to d’Aincourt – Walter I d’Aincourt was called Walter ‘de Buhr’ in Worcs.). De Burun also held at ‘Revell’s hall’ in Bengao (a small place n. of Ware) and at Stanstead St. Margarets (s. of Ware) where Ralf ‘pincerna’ (butler) followed Geoffrey de Beck. The Buruns also followed Ralf the butler there at St. Margaret’s. Probably Bengao hamlet was named after Geoffrey de Beck.
At Clavering hundred (½ hundred in Essex on border with Hertfordshire and rather small) DB a Robert held under Robert ‘Gernons’ at Bollington, and at Manudean, Amelfridus held.  Ugley village was held by ‘Ralph’ under Aubrey de Vere. Sasselinus held Bonhunt. At Uttelsford hundred which more or less surrounds Clavering ½ hundred, Ralph held under Aubrey de Vere at Thunderby. Almfridus held 1086 at Wenden Loughts and Henry ‘Loholt’ in 1106 held there under Walter Fitzrobert. Robert de Tosny held Cheswick Hall in Uttlesford 1086 and Durand held in Uttlesford hundred under Hardwin de Salers. And at Little Cheshall, Uttlesford hundred, Guy ‘the Angevin’ (Guy de Craon) was holding 1086 under Count Eustace of Boulogne. At Arkester, Alfric Wants (Amelfridus) held under Eudo the dapifer (de Ryes). All the above italicized persons have d’Aincourt connections.
Moreover, the ‘Loholt’ family was at Pinswell manor in Chadworth, Gloucestershire (VCH) whose first recorded occupant 1066 was Aldred, archbishop of York - as bishop of Worcester Aldred held Bredon (Worcs.). Pinswell was a sheep-walk of 20 cassati later officially located under Colesbourne, Glos. whose tenant was Walter son of Roger (Walter II d’Aincourt / Walter of Gloucester) in 1095 and inherited by Walter’s son Milo ‘de Gloucester’. By 1140 Ellis ‘Loholt’ (cf. Henry ‘Loholt’ above in Essex) was followed by a Walter. Ellis seems to be the ‘Illi de Turre’ who held at Bredon’s Norton, Worcs. after Durand ‘de Gloucester’ held it and had son Hamo de Turre and grandson(?) Walter de Turre (in Worcs.). Ellis Loholt’s successors at Pinswell were: Walter ‘de Turre’; Walter Loholt; Walter Loholt flourished 1260; Ellis Loholt fl. 1283; Walter Loholt lord in 1316; and John Loholt 1340 (who conveyed the manor to John Coggleshall and wife Elizabeth of Essex).
Illi de Turre may be the same person as Ulueue holding under Robert de Stafford in Lincs DB at Skinand (Boby wapentake) (Lincs. DB 59/18). A Torrington was in Wraggoe wap., Lincs. where Alfred of Lincoln held and Goscelin under him -Goscelin son of Lambert (Lincs. DB 27 / 21-2). Also, Erneis de Burun held at Torrington. In the Lindsey Survey (1115-1120) Goscelin is also shown holding at Torrington. An Ulwine and Bacon (Baco)(Burun?) had held at N. Witham (Beltisloe hundred, Lincs.) before the Archbishop of York, Thomas, took it (Lincs. DB 2/ 34). Thomas of Bayeux was the successor of archbishop Aldred at York, he who held at both Bredon (Worcs.) and at Pinswell manor (Glos.) where later Ulli of Bredon’s Norton and the Loholtes held.  Walter I d’Aincourt held at Swayfield, and Burton Coggles (Beltisloe hundred) 3-4 miles from N. Witham (where Ulwine had held) so Walter’s son Durand ‘de Gloucester’ could have taken Ulwine/ Illi de Turre to Bredon’s Norton, Worcs. where Ulwin is shown in Worcs. VCH. Durand is shown at Bredon’s Norton in Domesday Book. Goscelin son of Lambert was Walter I d’Aincourt’s brother, so Ulwin, associated with Walter in Beltisloe hundred, would also be associated with Goscelin at Torrington, hence Ulwin’s name ‘of Turre’. Also, Erneis de Burun held at Torrington, and the Buruns were perhaps cousins of the d’Aincourts at Little Badow, Essex and in Derbys.
Was Ulwin with d’Aincourts in Clavering or Uttelsford hundreds in Essex? Was Sasselinus in Uttelsford hundred the same as Ulwin (Illi de Turre) at Bredon’s Norton and Pinswell (LoHolt family)?   Note above the Henry LoHolt at Wenden Loughts in Uttlesford hundred – and that Sasselinus held at Bonhunt (Uttelsford) only 2 or 3 miles from Wenden Loughts. But Essex DB notes about him that he was a tenant-in-chief in Suffolk holding Winthel and Stantmere. In Suffolk county, Saisselin held Torp Ixworth in Bradmere hundred. ‘Ixworth Thorpe was held by Freemen of Suffolk’ according to the Suffolk DB editor. The overlord of Thorpe Ixworth was Robert Blount, chief admiral of William ‘Conquerer’s fleet sailing to England before the 1066 Hastings battle. Winthel and Stantmere above could be Waltham in the Willows and Stanton near Thorpe Ixworth – meaning that Sasselinus and Ulwin were the same person. Saswalo and Ulwin (Alwi) held at nearby villages 1086 in Derbyshire, brough there by the d’Aincourts.
 So, both in Uttlesford hundred, Essex and in Gloucestershire together with Walter II de Gloucester - tenant at Colesbourne - the Loholt family was holding.
The role of Amelfridus in this is not known except that he was at Wenden Loughts where Henry ‘Loholt’ held and LoHolt as name is probably from Loughts. But Ulwin (Illi de Turre) was the person at Pinswell manor in Glos. where LoHolts held. These were two persons associated with d’Ancourts in Clavering and Uttlesford hundreds, Essex. And we find them together again in Lincolnshire under Ralph son of Hubert (Curzon)(Lincs. DB No. 62/ 1, 2). At Gunby St. Nicholas (Beltisloe hundred) Ulwine had a carucate of land but ‘Anstrid (Ralph’s priest) seized (inuasit) this land, and a certain William leases (locat) it for six shillings.’
And we find much more about these two persons Anfrid /Almaier / Elmer and Alwin / Ulwin / Alwi / Elwi concerning their holdings in Lincolnshire 1086. All these names are closely linked to the d’Aincourt family and the William renting land at Gunby St. Nicholas was thus, no doubt, William I d’Aincourt / William Boisrohard, founder of the Beresfords.
A Bereward held in Lincs. 1086 under Gilbert de Gand (Ghent) at Witham on the Hill, Manthorpe, Toft, and Lund (Beltisloe hundred) – all within a mile of each other – and at Carlby just across the border in Ness hundred to the south. Walter I d’Ancourt held at three places in Beltisloe hundred 10 miles to the north and Elmer (Amelfridus) held under Robert de Stafford at Hitchfield and Westly near Walter’s three villages in Beltisloe hundred. Robert de Todeny (de Tosny) held Tallington (Ness hundred) 5 miles south of Carlby (Ness) where Bereward held under Gilbert de Gand. Under Robert, his ‘men’ William and Roger held (presumably William Boisrohard and Roger de Gloucester). Ralph son of Herbert (Curzon family – see above) held at Gunby (Beltisloe hundred) where Ulwin had held and Ansfrid (Amelfridus) (Ralph’s priest) took it from him -this Gunby belonged to Witham (Beltisloe) which was next to Walter I d’Aincourt’s villages Swayfield and Swinhead (middle of Beltisloe hundred). Walter also held Burton Coggles nearby. Thus, surrounding Bereward to the north in Beltisloe and to the south in Ness hundred were Walter d’Aincourt, his sons William and Roger, Robert de Tosny, the Curzons of Derbyshire, as well as Amelfridus of Wendon Loughts, Essex and Lincolnshire and Ulwin of Lincs., Worcs., and Pinswell manor (Glos.)
It appears then that Bereward was William Boisrohard / William I d’Ancourt. An Englishman pronouncing the French Boisrohard could have easily said Bereward and Bereward is not too different from Beresford. With Bereward in Beltisloe and Ness hundreds, Lincolnshire, we have probably found the first instance of Beresford in Lincs.
Amelfridus / Almaier / Elmer is listed as Elmer in Lincs. at lands taken in 1086 by Thomas, archbishop of York, in Wraggoe and Hill wapentakes. William and Gilbert were the archbishop’s ‘men’ (presumably William Boisrohard and Gilbert son of Goscelin). Elmer had also held Fulstow (Haverstow wap.) where Aldene the priest held under the bishop of Durham in 1086. Moreover, Elmer had held under Alfred of Lincoln at Stewton (Lothesk wap.); Elmer had 2 carucates of land at West Deeping (Ness hundred) under Geoffrey de Cambrai; 8 carucates at Great Ponton (Winnibrigg hundred) before Countess Judith of Lens took it by 1086; Elmer was also at Bitchfield and Westby (Beltisloe hundred) under Robert of Stafford 1086; as Almer, he was predecessor of archbishop Thomas in South Wellington (Wraggoe wap.); at Great and Little Ponton (Winnibrigg hundred) where Robert de Tosny claimed these from Countess Judith of Lens. An Anfrid held at Swinhope (Haverstow wap.) according to Lindsey Survey (1115-1120) under the Count of Brittany and Richmond (L8 /1).
As for Alwin, Ulwin, Alwi, or Elwi (Illi de Turre of Bredon’s Norton (Worcs.) and Pinsfield manor, Glos.), Alwi held at Ingham (Aslacoe wap.) Lincs. where Mainard (brother of Walter I d’Aincourt as seen in Essex 1086) held under Roger de Poitou (Montgomery family lords of Arundel in Sussex). Alwi also held under Walter I d’Aincourt at Great Gonerby (Winnibrigg hundred) (next to Allington held by Robert de Tosny).
Alwin, Ulwin held before the archbishop of York (Thomas) at several places (where ‘William’, the archbishop’s man held in 1086) and also at North Witham (Beltisloe hundred) where Walchelin was the archbishop’s ‘man’. Alwin also held at Middle Rasen (Walschcroft wap.) before the bishop of Bayeux, Odo, took it. Before Ivo Taillebois (of Hertford) took it 1086, Alwin held Cuxhold (Haverstowe wap.) and many other places Ivo took in Lincs. (DB no. 14 / 11, 31-32, 37, 39, 43-5, 63-4). Ulwin held under Robert de Todeny (de Tosny) at Tallington (Ness hundred) where William and Roger (d’Aincourts) also held under Robert as ‘his men’. Alwin held before William de Percy at Thornton le Moor (Walschcroft wap.). And he held at Habrough (Yarborough wap.) with Alfred of Lincoln where ‘Ralph’ was Alfred’s man. He was at N. Ormsby which Drew de Buerere held 1086, and at Crowle (Axholme hundred) in Lincs. under Geoffrey de Wirce. And (we have mentioned above) Alwin held at Gunby St. Nicholas (Beltisloe hundred) under Ralf son of Herbert (Curzon family).
These persons are to be found also 1086 in Derbyshire holding under Henry de Ferriéres. Amalric held at Normanton by Derby and the same person, named as Elric, held at Shirley. Elfin (Ulwin) held at Brailsford, Bapton, Osmaston, and Lower Thurvaston. Saswalo (Sassalinus?) held at Hoon, Hatt, and Etwall. And Ralf son of Herbert (Curzon) held 33 villages, including Radbourne (‘Ralf’ was at Newton, Crich and Ogston (under Crich)). Herbert was at Breaston.
The other resident at Uttlesford hundred, Essex, living close to Amelfridus (Elmer) and the d’Aincourts, was Sasselinus (see above). This may have been  the Saswalo who held several villages under Henry de Ferriéres in Derbyshire, including Shirley, in 1086. Sahuala was recorded at Thorpe Ixworth in Suffolk county, holding there under Robert Blount (who had married Gundreda, sister of Henry de Ferriéres). He may have been the same person as Ulwin (cf. above).
Finally, at Brill (Buckinghamshire VCH) a Walter Bustard (Boisrohard?) held - he who was a servant of king John in the royal household.

From History of Derbyshire (Gladwyn Turbutt).
Turbutt’s material on Beresfords in Derbyshire (down to recently) was rather consequent. Concerning their locations in their later years they were at Fenny Bentley and Ashbourne. This location suggests origins across the Dove river in Staffs. at Alstonfield (see above ‘Beresford manor’ from the 12th century) and north, in Derbyshire at Hartington. But most interesting are items concerning Park Hall in Morton where Turbutt says in History of Derbyshire, vol. 2, p. 629, that ‘a junior branch of Deincourt held’ namely in the person of John Deincourt. He was one of the rebels against King John in 1212. Since the Turbutts themselves later held Morton, he would be well informed about Park Hall there.
This John Deincourt may be the same person as the John at Bereford’s manor in Alstonfield, Staffs. mentioned as holding there in ’the 13th century’ (followed by  Hugh at Bereford’s then another John 1277, a William 1292 and an Adam 1308, 1336 (in VCH, Staffs for Totmanslow hundred).
On p. 584 (History of Derbyshire, vol. 2) Turbutt notes a Roger de Deincourt who was in 1225 one of the royal commissioners for royal forests in East Derbyshire, and the implication was that he was of the Park Hall (Morton) manor (same family as John Deincourt of Morton, Derbys. 1212 above). Moreover, during the wars in France 1340s, a Sir Roger Deincourt of Park Hall manor had an heiress called Alice who married Nicholas de Longford (who inherited from the Deincourts 1/2 of this ‘Domesday Deincourt estate’ at Morton. Nicholas joined the king 15.6.1346 at the wars in France together with Anker de Freschville of Staveley (Derbys.) as well as with one of the Greys of Shirland (next to Morton) as well as a Blount and a Curzon. After the above-mentioned Sir Roger died, the Deinford line (mid-14th century) was taken by the Longfords and eventually by  the Leakes of Sutton Scarsdale who held Park Hall, Morton.  Francis Leake became Lord Deincourt of Sutton 1624 and Earl of Scarsdale in 1645.
All this Gladwyn Turbutt learned from the Park Hall family archives. At one time Gladwyn’s ancestor was vicar at Morton, and he married the Greaves great-great grandparents of the author of this article in 1792 at the Shirland church. In 1980 Gladwyn became a friend of Charles Graves and they met many times at Higham next to Shirland. Some Greaves family members also lived at Morton and Higham.
On p. 629, ibid. Turbutt notes that a William, Lord Deincourt, tenant of several Derbyshire manors, served with the king in France and that another member, Sir John Deincourt was with the king at (the Battle of) Crécy.
On p. 483, ibid. The Deincourts of Blankney, (Langoe hundred, Lincs. next to Metheringham where Wintrehard / William de Boisrohard / William I d’Aincourt had lived 1086) became extinct when William Deincourt of Duston, Northants. died in 1422. Here we see again the descendants of Walter I d’Aincourt’s son William Boisrohard / William Fitzbaderon.
It appears so far that William I d’Aincourt held at Beresford’s manors in Leicestershire (Bottesford, Stathern, Measham); in Staffordshire (Alstonfield Beresford manor; Sheen (Totmanslow hundred), Rolleston; in Derbyshire (Sinfin, Morton’s Park Hall, Sutton Scarsdale); in Lincolnshire (Metheringham and others); Gloucestershire (as William Fitzbaderon); Essex (as Baderon); Worcestershire (as William Fitzbaderon); Sussex (as William); Yorks. (as William). His earliest known descendant appears to be the 13th century John of Beresford (Alstonfield, Staffs. and Park Hall, Morton, Derbys.). Before that he appears to have lived in Stathern, and Measham Leics., under the Lord Arundels of Sussex as well as in Sussex, and at Sinfin, Derbys. and Rolleston, Staffs. After mid-15th century his (mainly) Derbyshire descendants included the Beresfords, Longfords, Leakes etc.

Rolleston family
Turbutt provides the following: Robert of Rolleston was the same 1086 person as Robert presumed son of William of Sinfin living south of Derby, but also in Rolleston, Staffs. across the Dove. William had son Ralph who held ½ fee in Sinfin, taken later by Humphrey de Touke who married Ralph’s daughter Avice (see above). There is no list of the following members of the Rolleston family until mention of them in lead smelting in the 16th century along with details of, as recusants, a plot (1570) to free Queen Mary of Scots from a Chatsworth imprisonment (mentioning Francis Rolleston and his son George Rolleston - where George betrays the plot and is rewarded by Queen Elizabeth). Apparently these Rollestons were at Park Hall, Morton (called Deincourts) until the 1400s. Then, in 1513, Roger and Thomas Rolleston accompanied George, Earl of Shrewsbury to France as officers in the army. Thomas also provided lead for the roof of Cardinal Wolsey’s Cardinal College. Then, if any of these Deincourts were at a Beresford manor in Derbys. or Staffs. they would have  taken the name Beresford.

d’Aincourt family in Gloucestershire
Here there is plenty of information on Durand de Gloucester both in DB and VCH. He held 13 villages in 10 different hundreds. As underlings Ralph held three, Walter two and Roger d’Ivry, Anschitel and Osbinus held one.  Durand also held a village under Count William d’Ou. Durandus d’Epo (malus opera ?) held at Bechbury, and Viscount Durandus held at Surham under the church of Worcester.
William, son of Baderon (William I d’Ancourt) held at 12 villages in Gloucestershire, including Duntesford and Cirencester. He is included in Westbury hundred at Hope, Staure and Newnham (cf. above where he holds at Ruddle - a bridge crosses the Severn there - together with Walter Balestarius (the arblaster /crossbowman who is Walter I d’Ainourt, his father) and with Ralf Blewett. William Fitzbaderon also held under the king in ‘Blitesan’ (Blewett?) hundred, and also under the church of St. Peter’s Westminster.
Walter Balisterius / Walter I d’Aincourt held at Rodele (Ruddle in Westbury hundred cf. above) and at two other places in Gloucestershire.
In VCH there is more complete information on the d’Aincourt Gloucestershire villages. Durand was at Southam (Cleeve hundred) in 1086, holding six hides of land. His elder brother is Roger ‘de Pitres’. The land later went to Miles (of Gloucester), earl of Hereford (d. 1143) son of Walter II de Gloucester / Walter II d’Aincourt.
Durand held at Prestbury, and Seven Lampton 1086 - the latter as gift of Ernald, tenant of the bishop of Hereford. He held at Tirley, Glos. on the west side of the Severn river with William son of Baderon, the land passing to the Monmouth family and to the Earls of Lancaster.
At Gloucester town, Roger of Gloucester / Roger d’Aincourt was its sheriff after the Conquest (1066). Walter de Gloucester, Roger de Pitres, (later) Miles of Gloucester and Walter II de Gloucester held there.
In vol. X of the Glos. VCH is described those of the d’Aincourts at the Ruddle bridge over the Severn, where a contingent of the king defended England from enemies in the Dean forest (probably Welch) i.e. Walter Balestarius, William son of Baderon, and Ralph Blewett. It is noted there that William son of Baderon’s ancestor was Wihanoc. But Wihanoc was Guy de Craon (Wido de Craon) as explained above. Did Walter I d’Aincourt marry Matilda de Craon or did the editor make a mistake? Casthorpe and Houghton (Winnibrigg hundred - held by Guy de Craon) are but 3 miles from Gt. Gonerby (Winnibrigg hundred) where Walter I d’Aincourt and family held 1086. That the couple may have married would explain that both families were together under Robert de Tosny in Staffordshire (Totmanslow hundred at Alstonfield later cf. above).
Continuing with VCH in Whitstone hundred, Gloucestershire, Durand de Gloucester held at Alkerton manor in Eastingtone where Edric’s land had been given over to Walter (I d’Aincourt). Durand also held at Hardwick in Haresfield along with Roger ‘de Pistres’. Later, the Bohuns held. Durand also held the manor in Moreton Valence which descended from Durand to Milo ’de Gloucester’ and later to the Earls of Hereford and of Lancaster.  The ‘Little’ family held under Durand at Moreton Valence - could it be from Little Badow, Essex? Hugh ‘parvus’ held, then Roger (1148-1154); Hugh (1155 – held of Miles ‘de Gloucester’); Ralph Little succeeded 1203. At Quedyeley, Glos. Durand, ‘the sheriff’ held, followed by Walter II de Gloucester and Roger Little (mid 12th century). Later the Pontlarge family held it.
Durand also held at Rodmarton (Culcerton manor) in 1086 with Roger d’Ivry. Later, Miles of Gloucester held. Roger d’Ivry was holding elsewhere in Glos. also. Durand also held in Brightwell hundred at Barnsley 1086 (part of Bibury manor) with his nephew Walter (II d’Aincourt) who was followed there by Milo de Gloucester 1123, and then the Bohun family held it.

Further about d’Aincourt in Essex
We have seen d’Aincourt holdings in Essex Domesday Book above – holdings of Lambert at Little Badow and Little Waltham; Walter and Mainard his brother under Swain of Essex; Adam son of Durand Malsouer). Besides these, VCH tells of Lambert (d’Aincourt) at Shallow Bowells (Dunmow hundred) together with a William (could be William I d’Aincourt or William de Mandeville son of Geoffrey I de Mandeville who was lord of Shallow Bowells). Shallow probably comes from Saswalo, a close relation of Henry de Ferriéres – also holding in Essex 1086 at Woodham Ferrers.
Lambert (d’Aincourt) was also at Boreham (Chelmsford hundred). Goscelin the lorimer (should be Goscelin son of Lambert?) was holding a Little Ilford (Beacontree hundred).
One item in Derbys. DB shows a Toli, a thane, holding DB at Sandiacre, not far from Stanley, Derbys. held by Robert son of William. In Lincs. DB, Toli held before Alfred of Lincoln at Billingborough (Aveland hundred) and was followed by Goscelin (son of Lambert) holding under Alfred. In Derbys. Goscelin son Lambert held a carucate (125 acres) of land at Elnaston on a manor of Henry de Ferriéres under Earl Hugh of Chester. Elnaston is about 7 miles s.w. of Sandiacre.
​
Difficulties about Staffs. and Derbys. Beresford research
In searching for the origin of the Beresford family in England, we noted that it is mainly noted as a Derbyshire family hardly mentioned elsewhere in the Middle Ages. Also, one finds ‘Beresford’ manors early in Staffordshire. So, the name probably originated in one of these places. Unfortunately, there is no such village named Beresford in Derbys. and at Beresford manors in Staffs. (Altonsfield, Sheen) there are no residents listed before the mid-13th century. In the far south of Leicestershire, at Measham (sometimes considered part of Derbyshire), there was also a Beresford manor, but it was held by the family of Montgomery in Arundel, West Sussex.
This manor is the clue needed to propose that the Beresford name comes from another Leicesteshire village in the far north of the county called Bottesford. Who then were in Bottesford? If Beresford manor was in the far south of Leics. what would be its relation to a Bottisford in the far north of Leics.? The answer is simple - the Arundel (d’Aubigny) family held at Measham and at Bottesford. In 1086, however, the Arundels had not yet held Bottesford or Measham. Bottesford, across the border from south Lincolnshire at Winnibrigg hundred, was held by the Norman baron Robert de Tosny. He also held Allington, Lincs. in Winnibrigg hundred, 2-3 miles east of Bottesford. But his possession of Bottesford was terminated when the Arundels had it (from the king or by purchase after 1086).
So, if ‘Beresford’ is from Bottesford, which family was there in 1086 besides Robert de Tosny who could have been called ‘of Bottisford’? The only one listed there, but holding only one carucate, was Odard de Hotot (Wadard, holding widely under bishop Odo of Bayeux, William the Conqueror’s half-brother in Lincolnshire.). In the Leicestershire Survey, however (30-40 years after 1086) the holder of Bottesford, Leics was the Arundel family. The person who was perhaps holding some property at Bottesford along with Odard de Hotot would have been William Boisrohard who held Stathern, Leics. 1086 under Robert de Tosny (who held Bottesford in 1086). Boisrohard (from French into English it would be called Rohard forest / forest of oak trees) is not on any maps of the Bottesford area, but Boisrohard is a word no doubt (in French) meaning Bottesford, Leics. village from when William de Boisrohard lived there in 1086.
Who is William de Boisrohard? His name appears only fully in Leics. documents, under Robert de Tosny (Todeny) at Stathern (Gosecote hundred) along with a Roger. Henry d’Albini of Arundel also held 2 carucates at Seal next Measham in the south of the county (where ‘Bersford’ manor was located). In the Leicestershire Survey (ca. 1140) Robert de Ferriéres held the ‘hundred of Seal’ including Measham’).
Furthermore, in conclusion, there was a son of Walter I d’Aincourt called William I d’Aincourt who served at the court of king William II ‘Rufus., His father Walter d’Ancourt held Gt. Gonerby in Winnebrigge hundred next to Robert de Tosny at Allington. So, is William de Boisrohard this William I d’Aincourt? It is probable because the d’Aincourt family in 1086 held some Derbyshire properties, namely far from Lincolnshire at Morton, Ogston and Wessington, Derbys. later held by Walter II d’Aincourt. And the ‘Deincourts’ provided a title later to Francis de Leek at Sutton in Scarsdale near Chesterfield, Derbyshire.
So, we have concluded that William de Boisrohard is William I d’Aincourt who left his father in Great Gonersby and joined their Allington neighbor Robert de Tosny in his Bottesford, Leics. holding, taking the name William de Boisrohard.
In Staffordshire we found the two ’Beresford’ manors (at Altonsfield and Sheen) but the named residents began only in the 13th century. Then we found William of Sinfin (s. of Derby) whose father was Walter d’Aincourt – the William we believe was called William de Boisrohard of Gt. Gonerby, Lincs.. This showed that Walter I d’Aincourt and his son William (Boisrohard) were active in Derbyshire (where the Beresford family appears to have been numerous according to Gladwyn Tutbutt (A History of Derbyshire 4 vols. 1999). And we followed up on William of Sinfin’s progeny and found that one of them - Humphrey de Touk  - married Avice, daughter of Ralph (de Sinfin) and that this Touk family was from Lincolnshire, original home of William I d’Aincourt.
Moreover, looking for William’s brothers Ralf and Roger in Derbyshire, we found them at various places in the county, as well as Goscelin son of Lambert (Walter d’Aincourt’s brother) and Goscelin’s son Gilbert.
But were there any records showing d’Aincourt and Beresford together in the same village in Derbyshire? At Aldenfield, Staffs. ‘Beresford manor’ a John of Beresford 13th century could be the same person as John d’Aincourt at Park Hall, Morton, Derbyshire also 13th century (Morton was once held by Gladwyn Turbutt’s family and he had available its records in the Derbyshire Record Society - of which he is President). Park Hall descended later to the Leake family which has been shown to have held a Deincourt title (later) as Earl of Scarsdale.  Sutton in Scarsdale is near Chesterfield where some references of Beresford marriages are listed in the Chesterfield church. And other persons called Beresford are shown in Derbyshire Feet of Fines with residences not far from Chesterfield. So, both d’Aincourt and Beresford were to be found in the n.e part of Derbyshire and there is no reason for believing the two families were separate families. In fact, there are considerable indications that William I d’Aincourt, in Staffs. and Derbys. had progeny called Beresford. After all, his other name was William de Boisrohard at Bottesford, Leics.  from which, we believe, came the Beresford family.

Later Beresfords (after 1535)
The location of Beresford families in the period 1535-1620 (taken from Mormon documents copied from Anglican church records) may help prove our theory that the Beresford family origin was William de Boisrohard (William I d’Aincourt) of Great Gonerby, Winnibrigg hundred, Lincolnshire, 5 miles east of Bottesford, Leicestershire. For example, in 1592 (500 years after the Domesday Book lists for Lincolnshire) an Edward Beresford held the manor at Willoughby (Loveden hundred, Lincs.)  5 miles north of Great Gonerby, and in 1618 Peregrine Beresford, son of Christopher Beresford was buried in Leadenham (Loveden hundred) 10 miles north of Great Gonerby. Others in Lincs. but without dates or places, were John (married Elizabeth), James Beresford (a father) and Edward Beresford.
Beresfords, according to the Mormon documents at www.familysearch.com held in the 16th and 17th century in Derbyshire at Wirksworth, Barlow, Bakewell, Ashbourne and Thorpe (next to Fenny Bentley). They were also at Belper, Heanor, and Derby in eastern Derbyshire in the 16th -17th century. They resided near Chesterfield at Brimington, and Old Whittington. Other Beresfords were in the Chesterfield area as seen in the Derbyshire Feet of Fines 13th-15th centuries (cf. above). All of these villages and towns were the same as, or nearby, places held by d’Aincourt family members as shown in Domesday Book (1086).
Although we could not attach d’Aincourt to the two Beresford manors noted above in Staffordshire, by Mormon records we have found several items on Beresfords at Alstonfield and Mayfield (between Ellaston and Blore). George Beresford was christened 22.4.1543 at Alstonfield Beresford manor. His father was Lawrence. Edward Beresford was christened at Mayfield south of Alstonsfield in 1584. His father was Thomas. And a Maude Beresfield was baptized in Mayfield also then. In fact, although the dates and places are not shown in a general list of Staffordshire records of families 1538-1944, Matthew, Richard, Dorothy, Nicholas and James with father Lawrence, and Henry with child Thomas were listed – probably from the16th-17th centuries. An Elizabeth Beresford was born 1602 at Altonsfield, Staffs.
We have noted above the various places in Staffs. where in 1086 Walter and son William were holding lands together at Dilhorne and Cheadle with Robert de Tosny, and a Walter and Ralph were holding together at Wimborne (Seisden hundred). Walter himself held at Seisden town. Moreover, William of Sinfin near Derby was the same person as William of Rolleston in Staffs. 1086. Rolleston is down the Dove river from the Beresfords in Altonsfield and Mayfield noted above.
So, in the three counties of Derbyshire, Staffs. and Lincs., Beresfords held lands close to those held by d’Aincourt family members. If the Beresfords in these counties can be grouped with d’Aincourts, it sustains the argument that they descended from a d’Aincourt and we have proposed William I d’Aincourt (called William de Boisrohard) as that person. Unfortunately, in Derbyshire, if a person were not an owner of a village or land himself, and in the feudal system held the land of the mesne lord, only the lord’s family name would be given. All others would have only their Christian name listed even if some were, in respect to ownership, the lords themselves (where their full name would be listed). In holdings of Henry de Ferriéres in Derbyshire 107 sub-tenants were listed and only three had family names – Geoffrey Alselin twice, Ralf de Busci, and Osmund Benz. For the 104 others only the active researcher might determine their family name. Walter d’Aincourt was listed by family name in 10 places (villages) and Beresfords in none. But because Geoffrey Alselin was owner of nine places, perhaps the DB recorder gave his full name even if he was only under-tenant elsewhere.
But in the whole of Derbyshire DB (which I copied by hand from its English translation) all of those who were not major lords (except the three names mentioned above) were devoid of family names in the DB text.  It meant that, since very few were major lords (only 16 of them were such, plus the thanes), ninety-five villages in Derbyshire had only the owner’s full name and the others in these places were without family names, and among those without family names could have been the d’Aincourts and the Beresfords (Beresford was never mentioned as an owner). Because of this apparently consistent policy, Derbyshire DB is of little help in showing all relevant Beresford and d’Aincourt families in Derbyshire. The same was true, unfortunately, in Staffordshire but not necessarily true in some counties. For example, in Worcestershire the recorder tried to give family names wherever he thought necessary, probably for assuring a complete collecting of the taxes. Therefore, it is not at all surprising that the Beresford Society has had difficulty in finding Beresfords in the 1086 DB or in determining the ‘original Beresford person’ in England.
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Survey of the Ancestry of Beresfords
Here we shall summarize what we have found as recorded in this paper.
William Boisrohard was the son of Walter I d’Aincourt holding land 1086 in Beltisloe hundred (Kesteven area, southern Lincolnshire). As young man he held land in Beltisoe hundred under his lord Gilbert de Ghent. Robert de Tosny also held in Beltisloe hundred at Allington, and a few miles across the border in Leicester county at Bottesford. William Boisrohard also held land under this Robert de Tosny at Stathern, Leics. (a few miles south of Bottesford).
It appears that Walter I d’Aincourt is descended from a family at Pîtres on the Seine river in Normandy - namely from Eperlan de Pîtres who married Sprota de Senlis who was previously the concubine of William I, duke of Normandy and became the mother of duke Richard I of Normandy. Eperlan had many business activities (windmills on the Risle river in Normandy).  He had a son Raoul I d’Ivry whose wife Auberee was from the region of Caux in Normandy around Dieppe on la Manche (English Channel). (cf. Google: Comtes et Vicomtes de Bayeux et Seigneurs de Bréval et d’Ivry by Etienne Pattou 2006).
The d’Aincourt family was from Ancourt, a few miles s.e. of Dieppe and Walter I d’Aincourt was a friend of Bishop Remigius who held land in Lincs. and perhaps it was he who brought the Aincourts to Lincolnshire.
The name William BoisRohard probably came either from Bottisford, Leics. (near which his family lived in neighboring Lincs.) or from oak trees (rouvral) in a woods (bois). It is not a family name in Normandy or Britain. And because William I d’Ancourt was the known son of Walter d’Aincourt, and both were holding lands under Robert de Tosny in and near Beltisloe hundred in 1086, the William Boisrohard holding under Robert de Tosny at Stathern, Leics. nearby (together with a ‘Ralph’ - Ralf I d’Aincourt?) was no doubt William I d’Aincourt.
Following Robert de Tosny as lord of Bottesford, Leics. were the earls of Arundel castle in Sussex, i.e. the d’Aubigny family. They also held land at Meacham, Leics. where there was a Beresford manor. Since it has been shown that Walter I d’Aincourt and family members held several lands under the Earls of Arundel in Sussex in 1086, one of their members, namely William BoisRohard could have been with the Arundels in Meacham, Leics. 20 miles west of Stathern where William had lived. About 10 miles north of Meacham is Rolleston, Staffordshire, on the Dove river separating Derbyshire from Staffs. and a few miles south of Derby town is Sinfin, Derbys. Rolleston and Sinfin were held by William I d’Aincourt son of Walter, in 1086 (Gladwyn Turbutt) and ‘William’ is shown at Sinfin holding it under Henry de Ferriéres in 1086.
Two other Beresford manors have been located up the Dove river about 20-25 miles – at Alstonfield (near Ashbourn, Derbys) and Sheen (near Hartington, Derbys.) These could have been founded by children or progeny of William Boisrohard and called ‘Beresfords’ (changing the original French to English).
Meanwhile, Walter I d’Aincourt had placed his vassal Warner (holding with Guy de Craon in Lincs.) at Morton, Ogston and Wessington in Scarsdale hundred, (n.e. Derbys. near Alfreton), and one of his younger sons (according to Gladwyn Turbutt) held Park Hall, Morton. Gladwyn should very well know this since his family held Morton and Ogston (20th-21st century).
So, between Hartington, Derbyshire across the Dove from Sheen and Alstonfield, Staffs. Beresford manors, the Beresford family could hold lands in  north Derbyshire in later years. Gladwin Turbutt has documented their activities in his monumental A History of Derbyshire, 4 vols 1999 (Merton Priory Press) finding Beresford family members everywhere – many in Ashbourne and Fenny Bentley. Derbyshire Feet of Fines and Chesterfield parish records have also provided Beresford names.
But since Walter I d’Aincourt held in many places in England under king William I, William BoisRohard, his son, apparently accompanied him to Gloucester and Worcester where he was called William Fitzbaderon and his siblings were Ralf d’Aincourt, Roger ‘of Gloucester and Durand ‘of Gloucester’ or of ‘Pîstres’. Walter was also ‘of Gloucester’ or ‘of Pîstres’ or ‘of Buhr’. The name Fitzbaderon came from Little Badow near Chelmsford in Essex which Lambert, the father of Walter held 1086. Lambert’s other sons were Goscelin son of Lambert (holding widely in Lincs., Mainard (holding in Essex) and their cousins in Essex / Derbys. were the de Buron family.
But elsewhere – in Lambourne hundred, Berkshire; central and south Buckingham (e.g. at Iver); at Clavering ½ hundred in west Essex, and in Yorkshire near Pontefract, or in Somerset or Hampshire, the d’Aincourts held property, and in all these places William BoisRohard could have established the Beresford name.
 
Charles Graves, D.Theol., P.O. Box 32, 1246 Corsier /Geneva, Switzerland
[email protected]  www.iverpublications.ch Linked-In – Charles Lee Graves                                           5 October 2025

​Photograph: ‘rock painting’ in Australia photographed by Graeme Churchard, Bristol (UK)