Family Tree Welborn » Nâ©el (Niel Nigel) III (IV) ·Äúthe warrior·Äù de Saint-Saveur (de Saint-Sauveur) vicomte de Cotentin (± 968-1074)
Personal data Nâ©el (Niel Nigel) III (IV) ·Äúthe warrior·Äù de Saint-Saveur (de Saint-Sauveur) vicomte de Cotentin
- He was born about 968 in Saint Sauveur, Cotentin Peninsula, Basse-Normandie, France.
- He died in the year 1074 in near Cardiff, Wales (slain in battle).
- A child of Nâ©el (Niel Nigel) II (III) de Saint-Saveur de Saint-Sauveur and Adâ®le FitzGilbert de Brionne d'Eu
- This information was last updated on October 18, 2018.
Household of Nâ©el (Niel Nigel) III (IV) ·Äúthe warrior·Äù de Saint-Saveur (de Saint-Sauveur) vicomte de Cotentin
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Notes about Nâ©el (Niel Nigel) III (IV) ·Äúthe warrior·Äù de Saint-Saveur (de Saint-Sauveur) vicomte de Cotentin
Niel III (IV) de Saint Sauveur, Vicomte of Cotentin is your 28th great grandfather.
You‰
‰ ‰ ᆒ‰ Geneva Allene Welborn‰
your mother‰ ᆒ‰ Alice Elmyra Smith‰
her mother‰ ᆒ‰ Nellie Mary Henley‰
her mother‰ ᆒ‰ John Merrit Wooldridge‰
her father‰ ᆒMerritt Wooldridge‰
his father‰ ᆒ‰ Chesley Wooldridge‰
his father‰ ᆒ‰ Edward Wooldridge, Jr.‰
his father‰ ᆒ‰ Mary Wooldridge‰
his mother‰ ᆒ‰ Mary Martha Flournoy‰
her mother‰ ᆒJane Gower‰
her mother‰ ᆒ‰ Marian Mary Hatcher‰
her mother‰ ᆒ‰ Capt. Christopher Newport, Admiral of Virginia‰
her father‰ ᆒ‰ Dorothy Jane Newport‰
his mother‰ ᆒ‰ Alice Hatton‰
her motherᆒ‰ Alice Saunders‰
her mother‰ ᆒ‰ Alice Brokesby‰
her mother‰ ᆒ‰ Eleanor Shirley‰
her mother‰ ᆒ‰ Hugh Willoughby, Baron of Wollaston‰
her father‰ ᆒEdmund de Willoughby, II‰
his father‰ ᆒ‰ Edmund Willoughby‰
his father‰ ᆒ‰ Richard Willoughby‰
his father‰ ᆒ‰ Sir Richard Willoughby, Kt.‰
his father‰ ᆒSir Richard Willoughby, Kt.‰
his father‰ ᆒ‰ Sir William de Willoughby, Knight‰
his father‰ ᆒ‰ Margaret (or Alice) de Willoughby‰
his mother‰ ᆒ‰ John de Orreby‰
her father‰ ᆒLady Agnes de Kyme‰
his mother‰ ᆒ‰ Agnes de Lindsey‰
her mother‰ ᆒ‰ Billihild (Bilelde) Lindsey‰
her mother‰ ᆒ‰ Niel III (IV) de Saint Sauveur, Vicomte of Cotentin‰
her father
https://www.geni.com/people/Niel-III-IV-de-Saint-Sauveur-Vicomte-of-Cotentin/6000000003210279672
Nâ©el (Niel, Nigel) III (IV) de Saint-Saveur, vicomte de Cotentin, the warrior
Gender:
Male
Birth:
circa 968‰
Saint Sauveur, Cotentin Peninsula, Basse-Normandie, France
Death:
1074‰ (102-110)‰
near Cardiff, Wales (slain in battle)
Immediate Family:
Son of¬â Niel II (III) de Saint-Sauveur, vicomte de Cotentin¬â and¬â Adâ®le de Brionne, comtesse d'Eu¬â
Father of¬â Nâ©el (Neil, Nigel) IV (V) de Saint-Sauveur, vicomte de Cotentin;¬â Billihild (Bilelde) Lindsey;¬â Roger de Saint-Sauveur;¬â Gerard de Cotentin;¬â Emma de Cotentin; and¬â Mahildis de Cotentin¬â
Brother of‰ Billeheude de Saint Sauveur;‰ Guillaume d'Aubigny, seigneur de Saint-Martin-d'Aubigny;‰ Mlle. de St. Sauveur;‰ Emma de Saint Sauveur;‰ Matilda de Saint Sauveur;‰ Gerard de Saint Sauveur‰ and‰ Roger de Saint Sauveur
Nâ©el III de Saint-Sauveur, Vicomte de Cotentin
Fought at Val-es-Dunes and Hastings.
The History of the County Palatine and City of Chester: Volume 1 by George Ormerod, Daniel King, William Smith, William Webb (sheriff.), Sir Peter Leycester. London: George Routledge, 1882. pp. 689-90, footnotes.
...The Viscounts of the Cotentise (their proper designation), were the St. Sauveurs. The Barony of St. Sauveur, the premier Barony, was created by grant, by Rollo in favour of Richard de St. Sauveur, one of his chief commanders. Richard's son was Neel or Nigel, Viscount of Cotentin. Compared with the power of, and no less the ability with which that power was wielded by this long and illustrious race of Viscounts, it is scarcely too much to say that of the line of Avranche (afterwards represented by Hugh Lupus), or that of almost any other house of the Baronage of Normandy, was small. In this respect they stood in much the same position to Normandy as the Earls of Chester long afterwards stood in to England.
Their fief was scarcely less extensive, and their authority scarcely less absolute, though they were not endowed with those Palatinate privileges which added so much to the prominence of the County of Chester in the affairs of this country.
On the demise of Robert of Normandy, William, his son (afterwards the Conqueror), on being declared heir to the Crown, found himself opposed‰ vi et armis.The Duchy became involved in war, the‰ Roman de Rou‰ tells us, and suffered greatly through Neel de Cotentin, otherwise St. Sauveur, and Renoulf de Bessin, two Viscounts of great power. William fled to the King of France, and soon afterwards a French army met the chief Barons of Normandy at Val des Dunes, near Caen, A.D. 1047: and it seems that the Cotentise would have gained the day but for the defection, just before the battle, of Raul Tesson de Cingueleiz (a probable ancestor of the Boydels of Doddleston), and the cowardice of Renoulf de Bricasard, Viscount of the Besin. လ But,ဝ says the chronicle, လNeel de Cotentin fought on gallantly, and if all had been like him, the French King would have come in an evil hour. He was called, on account of his valor and skills, his bravery and noble bearing, "Chef de Faucon"--"Noble Chef de Faucon" was his title. After the battle Neel found refuge in his castle of Brionne sur Risle, and did not humble himself, and William was prudently gracious.
At the Battle of Hastings, we are informed by Master Wace, "Neel de Saint Sauveur exerted himself much to earn the love and goodwill of his lord. He overthrew many with the poitrail of his horse, and came with his sword to the rescue of many a Baron." Finally, M. Odolent Desnos (History d'Alencon, 149) states that Neel was slain in 1074 in a battle near Cardiff, and Neel his son died in 1092, as by the account of his relation, Bishop Jeffrey de Mowbray's desire to attend his funeral (Mem. Ant. Norm I. 286 II 46).
One of the last Neel Cotentin's daughters married Jourdain Tesson, the son of Raol before-mentioned, whose family is said to have held at one time a third of all Normandy. The other daughter and co-heir was mother to Fulk de Pratis--a name to be met with in some of the more ancient Cheshire Charters.
That there were many Nigels or Neels of this house is proved by the fact that one of the name, as mentioned by Leycester, and elsewhere, slew the forces King Ethelred had sent to invade Normandy in 1004. The same, or another of the name, c. 1024, with Auvrai le Gigant his champion, conquered Brittany for Robert le Diable.
from Charles Cawley:
NEEL [III]‰ (-[before 1092]).
William I King of England confirmed the donation by "Nielli filii alterius Nielli", previously made by "suus pater", of six churches on Guernsey to the abbey of Marmoutier by charter dated to [1073][1429].
A charter dated to [1076] records a judgment passed by "Rannulfus vicecomes, Niellus filius Nielli, Rotbertus de Vezpunt", in a court of William I King of England, relating to the monastery of Mont-Saint-Michel[1430].
"ဦNigelli de Constantinoဦ" witnessed a charter dated to [1077] under which William I King of England granted property to the abbey of Saint-Etienne de Caen[1431].
"ဦNigellus de Constantino" witnessed the charter dated 24 Apr 1089 under which Robert III Duke of Normandy donated property to Bayeux cathedral[1432]. A charter dated to [1090] records donations to the abbey of Saint-Sauveur by "Nigellus vicecomes" and others[1433].
A charter dated to [1136] records the foundation of the abbey of Saint-Sauveur, first constructed "tempore vetuli Ricardi comitis" (Richard II Duke of Normandy) "et Rogeri vicecomitis", the placing of monks by "Nigellus vicecomes", and the donations by "nepotes autem eius Nigellusဦet Rogerius"[1434].
The supposed brothers Nâ©el [IV] and Roger [II] were therefore grandsons of Nâ©el [II]. Their father must have been one of the sons of Nâ©el [II]. Although he is not identified, it is reasonable to suppose that he was Nâ©el [III].
m ---. Three children:
a)‰ NEEL [IV]‰ . A charter dated to [1136] records the foundation of the abbey of Saint-Sauveur, first constructed "tempore vetuli Ricardi comitis" (Richard II Duke of Normandy) "et Rogeri vicecomitis", the placing of monks by "Nigellus vicecomes", and the donations by "nepotes autem eius Nigellusဦet Rogerius", a later passage clarifying that they were "Nigellus vicecomesဦfratre suo Rogero"[1435].
b)‰ ROGER [II]‰ (-murdered [1137/38]). A charter dated to [1136] records the foundation of the abbey of Saint-Sauveur, first constructed "tempore vetuli Ricardi comitis" (Richard II Duke of Normandy) "et Rogeri vicecomitis", the placing of monks by "Nigellus vicecomes", and the donations by "nepotes autem eius Nigellusဦet Rogerius", a later passage clarifying that they were "Nigellus vicecomesဦfratre suo Rogero"[1436]. Orderic Vitalis records that Stephen King of England appointed "Guillelmum de Rolmara et Rogerium vicecomitem" in Normandy[1437]. Orderic Vitalis records that "Rogerius vicecomes" was murdered in an ambush, dated to [1137/38][1438]. m CECILE, daughter of [ENGUERRAND de Port & his wife ---]. A charter dated to [1136] records donations to the abbey of Saint-Sauveur, including that of "Rogerus vicecomes, frater Nigelli, et Cecilia uxor eius"[1439]. Delisle suggests her possible parentage based on a charter dated 1202[1440].
c)‰ [Name Unknown]‰ --- . m ---. Two children:
i) LETICIE (-after 1178). Her parentage is confirmed by the charter dated to [1180] which records donations to Saint-Sauveur by "Leticia, neptis Rogerii vicecomitis et uxor Jordani Thessonis, jam defuncti"[1441]. "Jordanus Taison et Leticia sponsa mea" donated property to Saint-Sauveur by charter dated 1145, witnessed by "·Ä¶Roberto de Perceio·Ä¶Roberto de Vuas, Nicholao fratres illius Roberti"[1442]. "Iordanus Taisson et Lâ¶titia uxor mea cum filiis nostris Radulfo, Rogerio et Iordano" donated property to Saint-Sauveur by undated charter[1443]. "Letitia de Sancto Salvatore, qui fui uxor Jordani Tesson" donated property to the abbey of Hambie, witnessed by "Jordano Tesson filio meo, Roberto de Monte acuto milite, Letitia filia mea uxore Fulconis Paganelli"[1444]. m (before 1145) JOURDAIN Taisson, son of RAOUL & his wife Adelise --- (-1178). ii) daughter . m ---. One child:
(a) FOULQUES des Prâ©s .
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http://newsgroups.derkeiler.com/Archive/Soc/soc.genealogy.medieval/2005-08/msg00234.html
During the period 1050 - 1100, Neel IV St Sauveur and
Eudo his son held the honours.
Neel IV St Sauveur Ist lord of Halton, Constable of
Chester married Adela daughter of William de Vernon
and Emma (daughter of William Fitz Osbern Earl of
Hereford and Lord of Isle of Wight) Their ten children
included Neel V, Eudo, two Williams, Girard, Roger,
Richard, Emma, Bilhelda, and Maheldis.
Neel IV held considerable properties no doubt won in
recognition of his services during the 1066 campaign,
and thereafter against the Welsh. What is significant
is the number of Contentin families that participated
in the 1066 invasion. One has the impression that many
families had strong links which continued thereafter
in family relationships. Pegot-Ogier in his "Histoire
des Isles de la Manche" lists the families involved in
William's attack upon England:
The Corps of Nigel (Neel) Viscount of Sanit Sauveur,
Count of the Contentin and the Isles included Mowbray,
fief in Jersey, Sark, and Aldernay, Viscount Nigel,
Lord of half Guernsey, Guy Neehou, Hue Pigot, John
Pirou, Roger le Bigot, Roger Pigot, Du Homet, de la
Haye du Puys (fief in Jersey and Guernsey), Captains
without fiefs in the Isles but holding enobling lands,
de Montfiquet, du Val de Saire or de See, Dorival,
Brehal, de Brix, des Soules, S.Sever, Rosel, and
S.Germain.
The Corps of Robert Bertrand de Briquebec Viscount of
Bayeux included Robert Bertrand de Briquebec, de Bohun
(fief in Guernsey), Hubert Paisoul, Onfroi de
Carteret, Richard d'Averanches, de Reviers, de
Vanville, Mauger de Cartine, de Val du Sairq,
l'Espine, des Moutiers, Sire de Moion, Oglandes,Wace.
Wace in "Roman de Rou" mentions Nigel Saint Sauveur in
the battle of Senlac. And the Monasticon speaks of
Nigel and his five brothers (presumably not
individuals directly related to Nigel), in the train
of Hugh who was subsequently created Earl of Chester.
Neel received the Barony of Halton, and appointed
Marshall to stabilise the Welsh borders.
Domesday provides evidence that Nigel received
considerable rewards for his services; his son William
being recorded holding the barony of Halton and many
manors.
1060: Charter 1166 Neel IV confirms gift of six
churches in Guernsey by Duke William Count of Normans
free of any claim by him to St Martin Marmoutier and
monks. Neel's wife Adela, sons Roger, two Williams,
Gerard, and sisters Emma, Bilhelde, and Mahildis
consenting to the grant. The deed was witnessed by his
wife, Roger (son), William, Ingulf dapifer, Roger Fitz
Turold, Humphrey Fitz Ansquitil, Reginals Foliot,
Richard de Storavilla, Geoffrey Fitz Robert venator,
Nigel de Glanvilla, Rudolf the Chamberlain, Ranulf the
Chaplain, Serid Fitz Alured, and Richard Fitz Briteso.
1067: Roger St Sauveur commenced the foundation of the
transfer of the Collegiate Church within the enceine
of the Castle of St Sauveur.
1067: Charter 82 (CDF Round) Notification William de
Vernon son of Hugh and wife Emma received fellowship
of Abbay Holy Trinity, freedom of toll of property
including Castle of Vernon. Agreement made with Abbot
Rainer. Witness: William and Emma.
1072/73: Neel IV died. Although he was Viscount of the
Contentin, he appears to have been continuously
engaged in military operations against the Welsh. Wace
reported that Neel IV was killed near Cardiff 1074.
1073: Charter 1174 (CDF Round) Notification by King
William and Neel V (Nigel son of Nigel) confirmed his
father's gift to St Martin Marmoutier of six churches
in Guernsey at Prayer of Abbot Bartholomew, and from
the Abbot himself benefits of the house and a goodly
carpet.
1075: Neel V St Sauveur Viscount of the Contentin laid
claim to the Castle of Le Hulme as his hereditary
right. This claim was repudiated by Countess Adelize.
1075: Charter 421 (CDF Round) Countess Adelize
daughter of Count Richard, sister to Count Robert,
bought from Count Robert Castle of Hulme (Contentin),
and gave it to the Abbay Holy Trinity Caen.
1076: Neel V acts as justice in Duchy Court (Delisle)
1077: Neel V Witness to William's grant to St Stephen
Caen (Delisle)
1080: Neel V converts the monastery of St Sauveur the
Viscount into an Abbay, and endows it with tithes of
Salsoif Forest and grants in Henneville; also the
Forest of Columba and the tithe of Columba and Roche
Castle (Delisle).
1080/1104: Eudo St Sauveur succeeded Neel V as Baron
of St Sauveur and Viscount of the Contentin. His name
appears in many charters (Delisle)
1086 Charter 1117 (CDF Round) Monks of Mount St
Michael claim Ceaux as theirs.
1088/99: Charter 429 (CDF Round) Vernon lists
aggressions against Abbey Holy Trinity Rouen by Count
Henry son William son William Ist after William's
death
(took toll of chotel Hulmus and whole of Contentin)
Witness Eudo (vic), Rainult (vic), Nigel de Oillez.
1092 August Neel III died as a monk at Mount
S.Michael. A relative Geoffrey de Moubray Bishop of
Coutances attended the funeral.
During the forthcoming period 1100-1150, Neel V and
Neel VI hold the honours.
Sincerely Yours,
Paul Bulkley
Jim Weber writes: "Paul Reed, citing Rev. Statham's 'The Descent of the family of Statham' (London, 1925), only mentions Adele, daughter of William de Vernon as a wife of Niel. However the charter witnessed by Niel and his wife Adele, along with nearly all of their children, took place after all of the children were born. Thus any prior wife would not be indicated. The dates of Niel's 1st children would indicate an earlier wife. The charter did not mention the son Ivo (only sons Roger, William, another William, and Gerard), but did mention two other daughters besides Bilelde (Emma and Mahildis, either one of which could be the daughter that married Robert Bigod)."
Sources: 1.Type: Web Site Author: Jim Weber Title: The Phillips, Weber, Kirk & Staggs Famlies URL: RootsWeb Family Trees Date: Feb 5, 2006 Detail: Jim Weber cites numerous sources for his data. See his posting for details.
Timeline Nâ©el (Niel Nigel) III (IV) ·Äúthe warrior·Äù de Saint-Saveur (de Saint-Sauveur) vicomte de Cotentin
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The Family Tree Welborn publication was prepared by Marvin Loyd Welborn.
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Marvin Loyd Welborn, "Family Tree Welborn", database, Genealogy Online (https://www.genealogieonline.nl/family-tree-welborn/I32379.php : accessed August 11, 2025), "Nâ©el (Niel Nigel) III (IV) ·Äúthe warrior·Äù de Saint-Saveur (de Saint-Sauveur) vicomte de Cotentin (± 968-1074)".
Marvin Loyd Welborn, "Family Tree Welborn", database, Genealogy Online (https://www.genealogieonline.nl/family-tree-welborn/I32379.php : accessed August 11, 2025), "Nâ©el (Niel Nigel) III (IV) ·Äúthe warrior·Äù de Saint-Saveur (de Saint-Sauveur) vicomte de Cotentin (± 968-1074)".