Dorchester.
_Wards of the Crown._--I find the origin of this ancient prerogative of
royalty thus quaintly explained at p. 132. of King's _Vale Royall of
England_, 1656. Hugh Lupus, first Norman Earl of Chester, and nephew of the
Conqueror, at his death in 1101, left his son
"Richard, then an infant of seven years of age, entituled then to his
Earldome of Chester, and _married_ to Matilda, daughter to Stephen,
Earl of Blois. And this Matilda was niece to King Henry I., by reason
whereof the said king took into his tuition and custody the said young
earl; from whence, they say, this of a custome grew to be a law, that
young heirs in their nonage became pupils, or _wards_, unto the king. A
very tender care had this king over this princely child, and brought
him up in the company of his own children, with whom he sent him into
Normandy, and with them there provided the most princely and best
education for them."
Their after-history is well known. Having duly arrived at man's estate,
these promising young princes and their companion, Richard, the royal ward,
were sent for from Normandy by the affectionate king, whence, taking ship
at Harfleur, they set sail for England; but, through some mismanagement,
the vessel striking upon a rock, the entire company perished except one
butcher, who, by the help of a mast, swam safe to land. This tragedy
happened about December 7, 1120.
I believe this to be the first instance recorded in English history of a
ward to the king, but shall be happy to receive correction from any
better-informed correspondent of "N. & Q."