Mennel family

Hugo de Grandmesnil, also known as Hugh de Grentmesnil or Grentemesnil, was a commander at the Battle of Hastings, and became a great landowner in England. Following the conquest William I of England gave Hugh 100 manors for his services, sixty-five of them in Leicestershire. He was appointed sheriff of the county of Leicester and Governor of Hampshire. Hugh's possessions are listed in some detail in the Domesday book.

The story of the Grandmesnils begins in the mid-eleventh century, in central Normandy, where the family were famous for the breeding and training of war horses. The De Grandmesnils had made a fortune from a string of stud farms which they owned on the plains of Ouch, but during the minority of Duke William the stability of Normandy began to break down. Old scores were settled as the barons made a grab for each other’s territories.

In 1041 Robert de Grandmesnil and Roger de Tosny joined forces to defend their lands against Roger de Beaumont, as he tried to grasp control of the Risle valley, but their forces were shattered in a surprise attack by the Beaumont clan. In the savage fight, de Tosny and two of his sons were killed. Robert de Grandmesnil fared little better. He was carried from the field mortally wounded only to die of his wounds three weeks later. ... more


The Grandmesnils were famous for the breeding and training of war horses.

  • A1. Gervasede Grentmesnil;
    • B1. Robert de Grentmesnil, m. Hawise d'Eschauffen;
      • C1. Hugo de Grentmesnil, Sheriff of Leicestershire, lvd:1032/1098, m. Alice de Beaumont;
        • D1. Gilbert de Mesnil;
          • E1. Robert de Meinill of Whorlton, m. Gertrude;
            • F1. Hugh de Mainill, m. Alice de Hilton;
              • G1. Walter de Mainill;
                • H1. Hugh de Mainill of Hilton, lvd:1203/1260, m. Margaret;
                  • I1. John de Menill of Hilton, lvd:1303, m. Sibilla;
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      • J1. Nicholas de Menill, lvd:1350, m. Cecilia de Salcok;
        • K1. Robert Meinell;
          • L1. Thomas Meinell, d:1447, m. Jane Denom;
            • M1. John Meinell of Hilton, lvd:1432/1479, m. Jane Hansard;
              • N1. Robert Menell of Hilton, m. Agnes Lancaster;

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