Roger de Beaumont-le-Roger, Lord of Beaumont and Pont-Audemer, Viscount of Hiesmes
Roger was the middle child of three and the second son of Humphrey de Vielles and Albreda de la Haye Auberie. Grandson of Thorold de Pont-Audemer and Duvelina, and second cousin to William the Conqueror. Roger was born in Ponteaudemer, Eure, France.
Roger married Adeline of Meulan, the daughter of Waleran III, Count of Meulan and Oda de Conteville circa 1048. The children who survived were:
* Robert de Beaumont, 1st Earl of Leicester
* Henry de Beaumont, 1st Earl of Warwick
* William de Beaumont
* Alberee de Beaumont, Abbeess of Eton
Roger's nickname "Barbatus" or "La Barbe" derives from his moustache and beard, worn during a time when most Normans were clean shaven.
The castle of his territory was at Beaumont-le-Roger, a settlement on the upper areas of the River Risle in Normandy south west of Rouen. He was also feudal lord of Pont-Audemer at the first bridge over the River Risle.
Roger was part of his mother's family whom William relied on for support and for governing Normandy, as well as a family member who never rebelled against the Duke.
Planche described him as, "the noblest, the wealthiest, and the most valiant seigneur of Normandy, and the greatest and most trusted friend of the Danish family." Wace, a 12th century historian, says that, "at the time of the invasion of England, Roger was summoned to the great council at Lillebonne, on account of his wisdom; but that he did not join in the expedition as he was too far advanced in years."
Roger's inability to fight did not stop him from providing sixty vessels to carry troops across the channel. His eldest son, Robert, fought at Hastings, and both his sons were awarded extensive lands in England and created earls by the sons of the Conqueror.
Roger appears in the thirty-second panel of the Bayeux Tapestry, sitting at a feast with Duke William on his left hand, and Odo, brother of William and Bishop of Bayeux, in the center (findagrave.com)