William d'Albini (c1070)

For other men of the feudal period with the same name, see William Albini.

William "the Butler" d'Albiny William Albini was surnamed Pincerna, son of Roger de Albini and elder brother of Nigel de Albini. He accompanied the Conqueror into England and acquired extensive territorial possessions by royal grants in Norfolk and other counties. Of these grants was the lordship of Bokenham, to be holden by the service of being Butler to the Kings of England on the day of their coronation. William had some colorful titles such as "Pincerna Henrici Regis Anglorum".

William de Albini founded the abbey of Wymondham in Norfolk and gave to the monks of Rochester the tithes of the manor of Elham, as also one carucate of landin Achestede, with a wood called Acholte. He likewise bestowed upon the abbey of St. Etienne at Caen, in Normandy, all his lands lying in Stavell, which grant he made in the presence of King Henry and his barons. He m. Maud, dau. of Roger Bigot, with whom he obtained ten knights' fees in Norfolk, and had issue, William, Nigel, Oliver, and Oliva, who m. Ralph de Haye. At the obsequies of Maud, William de Albini gave to the monks of Wymondham the manor of Hapesburg, in pure alms, and made livery thereof to the said monks by a cross of silver, in which (says Dugdale) was placed certain venerable reliques, viz., "part of thewood of the cross whereon our Lord was crucified; part of the mangerwherein he was laid at his birth; and part of the sepulchre of theBlessed Virgin; as also a gold ring, and a silver chalice for retainingthe Holy Eucharist, admirably wrought in form of a sphere; unto whichpious donation his three sons were witnesses, with several otherpersons".

William the Butler was buried before the high altar in the abbey of Wymondham, and monks were in the constant habit of praying for his soul by the name of "William de Albini, the king's butler". He was survived by his eldest son, William de Albini.

Children

 * William Albini (c1140)