Parentage not known, footnote says he was possibly grandson of William de Meisnilhermer, Lord of Tunstal in the barony of Balam Northumberland in 1212. "Began as Squire of Gilbert de Clare, Earl of Gloucester and Hertford, whose widow Joanna, daughter of Edward I, he married secretly, for which imprisoned by the King, but pardoned and recognized as Earl in right of his wife during her life. Later excommunicated for adultery. After wife`s death created Baron de Monthermer. An able soldier and much employed in the Scottish wars." (Preceeding found printed on a Staffordshire china mug with his likeness on the front.)