Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900/Ferrers, Robert de
FERRERS, ROBERT de (d. 1139), warrior, was the son and heir of Henry de Ferrers [q. v.], the founder of the family. He succeeded his father under Henry I, and is first mentioned in the record of a suit between the abbot of Burton and himself (Burton Cartulary, pp. 19, 49, &c.). In 1130 he is found leasing the lead mines at Wirksworth (Rot. Pip. 31 Hen. I). He was one of the witnesses to Stephen's charter in 1136 (Select Charters, p. 115), and two years later was a leader of the English at the battle of the Standard (Ric. Hexham, p. 162). In this same year (1138) he was created an earl by Stephen (ib. p. 165; Ord. Vit. xiii. 37), on whose behalf he addressed himself to his son-in-law, Walkelin Maminot, and induced him to return to his allegiance (ib.) The earl died in 1139 (Ric. Hexham, p. 178).
[Pipe Roll 31 Hen. I (Record Commission); Burton Cartulary (Historical Collections, Staffordshire, v. 1); Ordericus Vitalis; Richard of Hexham (Rolls Ser.); Stubbs's Select Charters.]