William Pantulf

Lord of Wem

A vassal of the Great Earl, William Pantulf fought against the Saxon rebels and won lands in the north-east of the county.

In December 1082 he fell under suspicion in the murder of the Countess Mabel, Earl Roger's wife, who had deprived Pantulf of lands. William took refuge with his family at the monastery of St. Evreux, submitted to the ordeal of hot iron before the king's court at Rouen and so was acquitted. Despite the acquittal, Earl Hugh still views Pantulf with suspicion and this may be the reason William Pantulf prefers to spend much of his time Normandy.

William Pantulf is noted as a pious knight and a strong supporter of the church.