| Oliver fitz Regis | |
|---|---|
| Born | c. 1199 |
| Died | 1218/1219 |
| House | Plantagenet |
| Father | King John of England |
| Mother | Hawise |
Oliver fitz Regis orOliver Fitzroy (died 1218/1219) was an illegitimate son ofJohn, King of England.[1]
Oliver's mother was Hawise (Hadwisa), a sister ofFulk FitzWarin.[1][2] He was probably born before John became king in 1199.[2]
Oliver fought for his father during theFirst Barons' War. In June 1216, he was in command ofWolvesey Castle when it was besieged by PrinceLouis of France and the rebel barons.[2][3] In April 1217, as Louis approachedDover Castle from the sea, Oliver andWilliam of Cassingham attacked the small force which Louis had left behind after the failedsiege of Dover in 1216. As a result, Louis was forced to land atSandwich.[2][4]
In October 1215, Oliver's father rewarded him with a cask of wine.[5] In November 1215, he was given the castle ofTonge. The regents of his half-brother,Henry III, confirmed this grant in June 1217.[2][5] In July 1216, he was granted the manor ofErdington. In March 1218, he granted control of the estate of Hamedon until Eve de Tracy could reclaim by payment of sixty marks.[5] Eve was probably Oliver's mother's sister.[2]
Oliver joined theFifth Crusade in 1218.[2] In doing so, he may have been discharging his late father's unfulfilled vow.[6] He raised 100 marks for his venture by pawning a royal wardship.[7] With a group of English crusaders, he landed at thesiege of Damietta in September or August. He died at Damietta in late 1218 or early 1219.[2] It is unclear if he died of an illness or in battle.[5] His body was returned to England and buried inWestminster Abbey. There is no record that he married.[2]