Dreux de Monchy, Chevalier, seigneur de Monchy La Gache et de Berneuil, Somme, FR

J. SEIGNEURS de MONCY
https://fmg.ac/Projects/MedLands/parclerdam.htm#_Toc129363996

According to Eugène Müller (the editor of the cartulary of Saint-Leu d’Esserent), the place referred to in the sources quoted below as "Monceio" (or other variants) was Mouchy le Châtel, canton de Noailles, in the present-day French département of Oise[1323]. Auguste Molinier also identifies it as the same place[1324]. According to Le Prévost,"la terre qui a donné son nom à cette illustre famille est Monchi-Cayeux près Saint-Pol en Artois"[1325]. This appears unlikely to be correct as it some distance from the area in which the family operated. In secondary sources, the name is translated from the Latin either as Moncy or Mouchy. Moncy appears to be a more accurate rendering of the original. Leblond mentions both names in his section on the family in his Nobiliaire du Beauvaisis[1326].

1. DREUX [I] de Moncy . Seigneur de Moncy. Orderic Vitalis names "Drogo de Monceio" among those who joined the First Crusade in 1096[1327]. William of Tyre names "Drogo de Monci" among those who took part in the siege of Antioch in 1098[1328]. He was a knight in the First Crusade[1329]. He was punished for blasphemy by Wulfric of Haselbury[1330]. Suger's Vita Ludovici records a dispute between the abbot of Saint-Denis and "Burchardum...dominum Monmorenciacensem" during the course of which the future Louis VI King of France, together with "Matthæum Bellimontensem comitem et Drogonem Monciacensem", invaded “terram eiusdem Burchardi”, dated to [1101][1331].

m as her second husband, EDIVE [Edith] de Warenne, widow of GERARD de Gournay, daughter of WILLIAM [I] de Warenne Earl of Surrey & his first wife Gundred --- (-after 1155). Guillaume of Jumièges records that ”Giraldus” left for Jerusalem “cum uxore sua Edithua sorore Willelmi comitis de Warenna”, who married secondly “Drogoni de Monceio”, by whom she had “unum filium...Drogonem”[1332]. Her second marriage is confirmed by Orderic Vitalis who names "Hugo filius Girardi de Gornaco" and "Drogo, vitricus eius"[1333].

 Dreux [I] & his wife had one child: 

• a) DREUX [II] de Moncy (-[after 1147]). Guillaume of Jumièges records that ”Giraldus” left for Jerusalem “cum uxore sua Edithua sorore Willelmi comitis de Warenna”, who married secondly “Drogoni de Monceio”, by whom she had “unum filium...Drogonem”[1334]. Seigneur de Moncy. "Drogo Monciacensis castelli dominus" confirmed the donation of property to Saint-Leu d’Esserent by "pater meus", with the consent of "Basilia uxore mea", by charter dated to [1145], subscribed by "Guilduinus vicecomes…"[1335]. The History of Louis VII King of France names "…Drogo de Monceio…" among those who accompanied King Louis VII on crusade in 1147[1336]. It is not known whether this entry refers to Dreux [II] or Dreux [III] de Moncy.
  m BASILIE, daughter of ---. "Drogo Monciacensis castelli dominus" confirmed the donation of property to Saint-Leu d’Esserent by "pater meus", with the consent of "Basilia uxore mea", by charter dated to [1145], subscribed by "Guilduinus vicecomes…"[1337].
  Dreux [II] & his wife had three children:

  ---

from iask.ai

Dreux de Monchy, Chevalier, seigneur de Monchy La Gache et de Berneuil

Introduction to Dreux de Monchy

Dreux de Monchy was a notable figure in French history, recognized primarily for his noble status and the lands he governed. As a “chevalier” (knight), he held a position of honor and responsibility within the feudal system of medieval France. His titles included “seigneur” (lord) of Monchy La Gache and Berneuil, indicating his ownership and control over these territories.

Historical Context

To understand Dreux de Monchy’s significance, it is essential to consider the historical context of his life. The feudal system in France during the Middle Ages was characterized by a hierarchy where lords owned land and vassals served them in exchange for protection and other services. Knights like Dreux were often vassals who pledged loyalty to their lords while also managing their own estates.

The specific time period in which Dreux lived is crucial for understanding his role. While exact dates may vary depending on historical records, figures like him typically emerged during the 12th to 15th centuries when chivalry was prominent in European society.

Titles and Responsibilities

As a chevalier, Dreux would have been expected to uphold the chivalric code, which emphasized virtues such as bravery, honor, and service to others. His title as seigneur indicates that he had both rights and responsibilities regarding the lands he controlled. This included overseeing agricultural production, managing local justice systems, and providing military support when required.

Monchy La Gache and Berneuil were likely small but significant communities under his jurisdiction. The lordship would have involved not just governance but also participation in regional politics and alliances with other nobles.

Legacy

The legacy of figures like Dreux de Monchy can often be traced through genealogical records or historical texts that document noble lineages. Understanding how families like his contributed to local governance or participated in larger national events can provide insight into their importance within French history.

In summary, Dreux de Monchy, as a chevalier and seigneur, played an integral role within the feudal structure of medieval France. His responsibilities encompassed both governance of his lands—Monchy La Gache and Berneuil—and adherence to the ideals of knighthood prevalent during his time.

Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:

Encyclopædia Britannica
French Historical Society Publications
Genealogical Society Archives