General Notes

Robert deRoos, of Fursan, the Surety Baron of Magna Charta, fourth Baron of Hamlake Manor, born in 1177, when only twenty years of age,
while with the King in Normandy, was arrested for what offence--not known, was allowed to escape by his custodian, who was
hanged by King Richard, who collected a heavy fine from Roos' guardian as the price for his continued freedom.

King John, to conciliate him gave young Roos the whole barony of his great grandmother's father, Walter de'Espec, etc.  At the
beginning of the struggle of the Barons for a constitutional government, he at first sided with King John, and in consequence
obtained valuable grants from the crown, and was made governor of Carlisle, but he was later won over by the Barons.

He erected the Castles of Helmesly, or Hamlake, in Yorkshire and of Werke, in Northumberland, was in favor of King Henry
III, was a member of the Order of the Knights Templer.  He died in 1226--7, and was buried "in his proper habit" in the
Knights' Church, or the New Temple in London, where his tomb may be seen.  His effigy is described by Gough in "Sepulchral
Monuments," as "The most elegant of all the figures in the Temple Church, representing a comely young knight in mail and a
flowing mantle with a kind of cowl, his hair neatly curled at the sides, his crown appears shaved.  His hands are elevated in a
praying posture, and on his left arm is a short pointed shield charged with three water-bougets.  He had on his left side a long
sword, and the armor of his legs, which were crossed, has a ridge, or a seam up the front, continued over the knee.  At his feet is
a lion, and the whole figure measures six feet two inches."

Robert deRoos had issue by his wife Isabel, daughter of William the Lion, King of Scotland and widow of Robert Bruce.