Walter Beke

Walter I Beke (fl. 12th century) (alias Bech, Bek, Beche, Beke, Beek, Bec, etc. Latinised to de Becco[1]), of Eresby in the parish of Spilsby in Lincolnshire, was a prominent Anglo-Flemish[2] landholder.

He held seven knight's fees from the Bishop of Durham as his feudal overlord.[3] At some time after 1167 he gave the Church of Newton to Alvingham Priory, and after his eldest son Hugh was made a knight, he gave lands to Kirkstead Abbey,[4] the cartulary of which records much information relating to his family.

  1. ^ Beke, T: "Bech, Bek, Beche, Beek, Bec, de Becco, del Bec, Beck, are met with in ancient records and documents ; Beke, Beeke, Beek, Beak, Beake, in later times. Beke seems to be the most correct form, as well on account of the etymology of the name, as from the fact that it is so spelled in the only original document which I have seen ; namely the charter of John Lord Beke of Eresby"
  2. ^ Beke, T., p.338
  3. ^ As recorded in the Liber Niger, per Duchess of Cleveland
  4. ^ Beke, T.