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Aubery de Vere came to England in 1066 with his brother-in-law, William the Conqueror. For his part in the conquest De Vere was given lordship over Lavenham which was the centre for England's wool trade. He was married to Beatrice, the half-sister of King William. His son Aubrey II inherited.
Aubrey de Vere II married Alice FitzRichard of Clare, daughter of the Earl of Hertford. He was created Great Chamberlain of England in 1133 and attended King Stephen at Westminster and Winchester in 1136. Circa 1140 he built a castle at Hedingham. He was killed in a riot in London in 1141. He was succeeded by his son Aubrey III.
Aubrey de Vere III was created 1st Earl of Oxford by Queen Matilda and confirmed in the title by Henry II. The title remained in the de Vere family for twenty generations. King Stephen’s wife Queen Matilda died at Castle Hedingham; Aubrey had been a friend and supporter of her’s. He was succeeded by his son Aubrey IV.
Aubrey de Vere, 2nd Earl of Oxford succeeded in 1194. He fought with Richard I in Normandy and later commanded King John’s forces in Ireland. He died childless and the title passed to his brother Robert.
Robert de Vere, 3rd Earl of Oxford, was a crusader and later took up arms against King John along with 25 other barons forcing him to sign the Magna Carta in 1215. John laid siege to Hedingham, which fell to him in 1216. On the death of King John, Robert was back in favour and Hedingham was restored to him. He was succeeded by his son Hugh.
Hugh de Vere, 4th Earl of Oxford, was with King Edward I at the Siege of Caerlaverock. He also fought in the sixth Crusade from 1248 to 1254. He was succeeded by his son Robert.
Robert de Vere, 5th Earl of Oxford, was Master Chamberlain of England and fought for Edward I against the Welsh. He was succeeded by his son Robert.
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