Robert fitz Hugh - Baron of Malpas

     Important Notes: At this point in the history of the Avranches line there is much confusion, controversy, and numerous attempts at putting together the lineage and the succession of titles and property. It is well documented that Robert fitz Hugh, illegitimate son of Hugh Lupus de Avranches, Baron of Malpas, died without a male heir. There are historians who insist that Robert had one and only one daughter, Leticia, who was Robert’s heiress and sole inheritor of the Malpas estate. At least one of these historians seems to be quoting another in making the statement that Leticia was an only daughter, but in the same paragraph states that her heir receives one half of the title of Malpas. There is ample proof that two different family lines show a succession of the Malpas estate. More confusion is then created as different genealogies show Leticia as the mother and heir that passes the two different portions of the Malpas estate on to her descendents. That is, she is shown to be the wife of William de Belward who has a son that inherits Malpas and she is also shown as the wife of Richard fitz Nigel and passing the manor on to his descendents. It seems conclusive that there are two daughers who each receive half of the Manor of Malpas, unless Robert fitz Hugh had two daughters of the name of Leticia, it must be deduced that a distinct second daughter must exist. and has been named by some as Mabillia. From all that has been recorded over the years, it seems debatable as to the given name, but it certainly appears that Robert fitz Hugh, son of Hugh Lupus de Avranches had two daughters who were coheirs of his holdings primary of which was the Manor of Malpas. This lineage reflects that position and has assigned the given name of the second daughter as Mabillia. Robert fitz Hugh - was born circa 1068. He was thought to be illegitimate.² Robert was one of eight barons to sit in the parliament of Earl Hugh Lupus and obtained from him an extensive grant which formed the original barony of Malpas. Robert's holdings were in the Domesday book immediately subsequent to those of the Earl himself; the Domesday book testifies that Robert fitz Hugh, Baron of Malpas, held the manor of Calmundelei & 29 others in Cestershire . He was witness to the foundation charter of the Abbey of Werburgh in 1096, during the reign of William Rufus (William II, King of England). The family resided at Malpas, Chestershire, England. It is highly possible that he was on the Whiteship when it sank in November of 1120, as was his brother Richard and the rest of Prince William's entourage. Robert died without a male heir and the holdings went to his two daughters.