Roger Mortimer

Roger Mortimer (or Roger de Mortimer) was the name of several Marcher lords, a powerful Norman family living on the borders of England and Wales in the 13th and 14th centuries. They intermarried with the local Welsh nobility, gradually becoming Welsh by adoption.

Roger Mortimer (1231-1282), 1st Baron Wigmore[?], was the son of Ralph de Mortimer and his wife, Gwladus Ddu - daughter of Llywelyn the Great. He married into another Marcher family, that of de Braose. He was at times an enemy, at times an ally, of Llywelyn the Last, and it was as a result of his double-dealing that Llywelyn was lured into the ambush that killed him.

Roger Mortimer (~1256-1326), son of the above, was Justice of Wales under King Edward II of England. His opposition to Hugh le Despenser led to his capture and imprisonment in the Tower of London, where he died. Roger Mortimer (1287-1330), nephew of the above and grandson of the 1st Baron Wigmore, was the best-known of his name, but not on merit. As a result of his adulterous relationship with Edward II's queen, Isabella of France, he became effective ruler of England after Edward had been disposed of. In 1328, he was created Earl of March. However, the young King Edward III - believed by some to be Mortimer's bastard son - resented his interference and, on attaining his majority, had him tried for treason and executed.

Roger Mortimer (~1327-1360), grandson of the above, recovered his family inheritance, and became 2nd Earl of March, after having loyally served Edward, the Black Prince.

Roger Mortimer (1374-1398), 4th Earl of March, was descended through his mother from King Edward III, and for this reason was named by the childless King Richard II of England as his heir. He held enormous estates in Wales, but was killed at the Battle of Kells[?]. He was the father of Anne Mortimer and Edmund Mortimer, 5th Earl of March[?].