Notes:

Our knowledge of the noble Fortescue family comes from several sources, including "A Branch of the Fortescue Family Tree - Richard le Fort to George Fortescue, Father of Joanna and James Fortescue", by G. and E. Tithecott; and also "A History of the Family of Fortescue in all its Branches", by Thomas Fortescue Lord Clermont (1869). The succesion of Fortescues in the latter source, with references, and with some modifications, is found in a Fortescue Internet site: www. fortescue.org. Yet another source for Fortescues in Buckland Filleigh is the book "Buckland Filleigh - A Continuous Thread", by Jane Taylor. Note that a few of the early names, places and dates in these sources do not agree, which is not surprising given the availablity and state of the relevant documents.

Richard le Fort, whose name became Richard Fort Escu (meaning strong shield) was a commander in the army of William the Conqueror, which invaded England in 1066. Richard was said to have saved William's life by shielding him in the thick of the Battle of Hastings. He was also said to be William's cupbearer.

William rewarded Richard and his son Adam, who also fought alongside his father, with lands in Devon. Richard returned to France after the battle to found the French Fortescue line.

The Fortescue family motto is "Forte Scutum Ducum" (A Strong Shield is the Salvation of Leaders).

Family/Spouse: MARE. was born in 1018 in Contenin, France; died in UNKNOWN. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

1. Adam FORTESCUE was born in 1036 in Normandy, France; died in UNKNOWN.
2. William LE FORT was born in 1044 in St. Evremont sur L'Ozanne, France; died in UNKNOWN in St. Evremont sur L'Ozanne, France.
3. Robert LE FORT was born in 1046 in Lozanne, Rhône, Rhône-Alpes, France; died in UNKNOWN in Lozanne, Rhône, Rhône-Alpes, France.