Lettice fitz Hugh de Malpas

     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.

Lettice fitz Hugh de was born in Malpas, Chestershire, England. Lettice & her sister, Mabel, were co-heirs of their father's vast estate. Lettice fitz Hugh de married Richard fitz Nigel. Their son, Robert de Nigel, inherited his mother's property in the barony of Malpas. Between 1150 & 1179, he was a witness to his sister, Agnes' charter granting property to Calk. Between 1150 & 1160, his daughter, Gisla, married William Patric. It was presumed that when Robert died, she inherited her father's property at Malpas. Between 1157 & 1175, St. Werburgh charter's speaks of Robert fitz Nigel as Abbot of Chester. Between 1172 & 1178, there is a charter that is witnessed by "Roberto Abbate Cestre". In 1185, it is apparent that he had died and his property was inherited by his daughter & that money was owned to Ranulphus III de Meschines [1170-1232]. Between 1184 & 1189, Robert Patric gives up his propertyat Malpas to Ranulph III. Between 1192 & 1194,grant to David de Malpas for 100 pounds for land in Chestershire formerly held by Robert fitz Nigel who died & had no heirs, forfeited for default of service, unless heirs of Robert pay one hundred pounds.