Hugh de Mortimer

Hugh de Mortimer (before 1117 – 26 February 1180/81) was a Norman English medieval baron.

The son of Hugh de Mortimer (b ? - d 26 Feb 1148/50) and grandson of Ranulph de Mortimer, he was Lord of Wigmore Castle, Stratfield Mortimer, Cleobury Mortimer and at times, Bridgnorth, Bishop's Castle and Maelienydd.

During the Anarchy of King Stephen's reign, Mortimer was an ardant royalist until at least 1148. This was because Wigmore Castle had been confiscated from his father by King Henry I. He only seems to have returned to England from his Norman estates in 1137.

He did quarrel violently with his neighbouring Lords, most notably with Miles, earl of Hereford, his son Roger and Josce de Dinan, lord of Ludlow. The latter ambushed Mortimer and only released him after the payment of a substantial ransom. During this time Mortimer also took over the Royal castle at Bridgnorth.

Hugh was one of the Barons who objected to Henry II's demand for the return of Royal castles in 1155. Henry II launched a campaign in May 1155 against Hugh, simultaneously besieging his three principal castles of Wigmore, Bridgnorth and Cleobury. On 7 July 1155, Hugh formally submitted to Henry II at the Council at Bridgnorth. He was allowed to keep his own two castles (though Cleobury had been destroyed during the siege) but Bridgnorth returned to the crown.

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