Re: Gerard de Athee
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In reply to:
Gerard de Athee
8/12/01
Hi Claire,
The information I have is that Gerard de Athee was a captain of a band of mercenaries and was employed by King Richard I (Lion Heart) and King John as a bailiff to collect taxes in Normandy.Later, King John employed Gerard and his mercenaries in his war against King Philip of France.After the loss of Normandy, King John paid the ransom for Gerard and awarded him several sheriffships.As I understand it Gerard was one of a small band of confidantes to King John, so he was detested by the Barons.Article 50 of the Magna Carta was the stipulation by the Baronsthat King John remove the relatives of Gerard de Athee from their bailiwicks.
I have no information that Gerard was ever hated by kings Richard I or John, although he was certainly hated by the opposing barons.
Also, my information says that the Athy/Atheys of Galway were descendants of Gerard from a de Athee(s) that rode with Richard de Burgh when he captured Galway in 1232.Gerard de Athee was closely allied with Richard's uncle Hubert de Burgh (another confidante of King John).
How are the De Ath's connected to Gerard de Athee?
Best regards,
David Athey