Warinus de la Strode

Sir Warin de la Strode (also known as Warinus de la Strode, Warin of Brittany, or Guarin du l'Strode) was a knight who accompanied William the Conqueror in 1066 in the conquest of England. Warin was born around 1045 in Bretagne. Warin is said to have been either the son, grandson, or nephew of Geofroi, Duke of Bretagne based on having the same coat of arms, and is also believed to be the nephew or near-kinsman of Brian; Brian was the son of Eudes, the second son of Geofroi. He is often given the name in Latin of "Warinus arbalistarius" for his status as a crossbowman, as such he was a participant in the Battle of Hastings. He was later knighted by King William. After the conquest of England, Warin became Lord of Strode, in Dorsetshire. Warin is mentioned in the 1086 Domesday Book as a "ministri" (servant of the King), and has his estate taxed at "two hides less half virgate" (210 acres). His holdings were at Chelworth, today in the parish of Cricklade, in northern Wiltshire. His land in the Domesday Book is stated as "Celewrde number 566", the number 566 signifying it was an estate though of relatively small size.

Coat of arms

Warinus' coat of arms was that of Bretagne (which was ermine), with the addition of a canton sable (black upper-left quarter) with a crescent argent (silver crescent moon). The crescent is a brisure signifying he was a second son.

Descendents

Warin's wife's name has not survived to present-day, but his heir and eldest son was Sir William de la Strode (born around 1070). He may also have had a second son, also known as Warin, SHERIFF of Wiltshire. Warin is the 29 great-grandfather of US President Richard M. Nixon.  Warin is also the ancestor to John Mildenhall, a British explorer, one of the first to make an overland journey to India; and of Rebecca (Bryan) Boone, wife of Daniel Boone.