De Mandeville Family

The de Mandeville family are an Anglo-Norman noble family, currently holding the title of Earl of Essex. Descended from a Norman lord who came to England with William the Conqueror, Geoffrey de Mandeville. After their settling in England, they established the majority of their land in the county of Essex, especially around the town of Walden.

Origins
The first Mandeville to arrive on English shores was Geoffrey de Mandeville, with the invading William of Normandy. His surname developed out of what is assumed to be a moniker: De Magna Villa. From this, it is believed his home could be Manneville-la-Goupil, Mannivillette, or one of the other communes in Normandy associated with the terms "magna villa" or "grande ville". Following the Battle of Hastings, Geoffrey was made Sheriff of London, then Middlesex, and two other cities (one in Essex, one in Hertfordshire). He died at some point before 1100, married twice, and had three children.

Current Family
At present, the head of the Mandeville family is Geoffrey de Mandeville, the Second Earl of Essex (born 1127). His father, Geoffrey (died 1144), briefly led a rebellion against King Stephen. Upon the ascension of King Henry, Geoffrey (2nd Earl) was married to Eustachia de Champagne, a kinswoman of the new king. In less than a year, the marriage was annulled, though the reasoning was kept private between the Earl and former Countess. He is currently childless, and his heir is his younger brother, William (born 1133). There is a third brother, Robert (born 1135), as well.

The First Earl had an illegitimate son, called Arnulf (born 1125), who is known as Arnuld de Mandeville.