William d'Aubigny

William d'Aubigny was the name of a number of English aristocrats, of two different and unrelated families. The surname derives from Aubigny in France.

The two families are distinguished by the appellation of either Pincerna or Brito.

The "Brito" family

This family held the honor of Belvoir.

William d'Aubigny "Brito" (d. 1155/6) was an itinerant justice under Henry I. He fought at the Battle of Tinchebray.

William d'Aubigny "Meschin" (d. 1167/8) (son of the above)

William d'Aubigny (d.1236) (son of the above) was prominent during the baronial rebellions against king John. He stayed neutral at first, only joining the rebels after the early success in taking London in 1215. He was one of the 25 guaranteors of the Magna Carta. In the war that followed the signing of the charter, he held Rochester for the barons, and was imprisoned (and nearly hanged) after John captured the castle. He became a loyalist on the accession of Henry III, and was a commander at the Battle of Lincoln in 1217.

The "Pincerna" family

William d'Aubigny "Pincerna", married Maud, daughter of Roger Bigod, Earl of Norfolk.

William d'Aubigny "Pincerna", 1st Earl of Arundel (d. October 12, 1176) (son of the above) was an important member of Henry I's household. After Henry's death he married the king's widow Adeliza, and became lord of Arundel in her right. He was loyal to Stephen, who made him Earl of Arundel (or more technically, of Sussex). In 1165 he helped arrange the truce between Stephen and Henry Plantagenet. When the latter ascended the throne as Henry II, he confirmed William's earldom and gave him direct possesion of Arundel Castle (instead of the possession in right of his wife he had previously had). He remained loyal to the king during the 1173 revolt of Henry the Young King, and helped defeat the rebellion.

William d'Aubigny, 2nd Earl of Arundel (d. 1196) (son of the above)

William d'Aubigny, 3rd Earl of Arundel (d. 1221) was a favorite of king John. He was one of the 25 guarenteors of the Magna Carta. He took part in the Fifth Crusade, and died in Italy on his journey home.