Matilda the Fair

Previous page: Origins of the name 'Bayswater'

There is a love story associated with Castle Baynard which tells of the Fitzwalter family in the reign of King John. Robert, baron Fitzwalter, lord of Castle Baynard, had a beautiful daughter, Matilda the Fair. The "Chronicle of Dunmow" states that discord arose between the King and his barons, because of Matilda, with whom the king was in love; but her father would not consent, and consequently war ensued throughout England.

"The King spoiled especially the castle of Baynard, in London, and other holds and houses of the barons. Fitzwalter, Fitzrobert, and Mountfichet passed over into France; some also went into Wales, and some into Scotland, and did great damage to the King. Whilst Maude the Fair remained at Dunmow, there came a messenger unto her from King John, about his suit in love; but because she would not agree, the messenger poisoned a boiled or poached egg, against she was hungrie, whereof she died, and was buried in the choir at Dunmow."

Matthew Paris, the Benedictine monk, English chronicler and illuminated manuscript artist, placed the name of Robert Fitzwalter at the head of the Barons who came armed to King John in the Temple and made those demands which finally resulted in the signing of Magna Carta.

Next page: Fitzwalter and King John

• Baynard's Castle - Introduction
• 1 - What did Castle Baynard look like?
• 2 - Origins of the name 'Bayswater'
• 3 - Matilda the Fair
• 4 - Fitzwalter and King John
• 5 - The Fitzwalter Privileges
• 6 - Destroyed by Fire and Rebuilt
• 7 - Richard III
• 8 - Notable Visitors of Baynard's Castle