Page:English Historical Review Volume 37.djvu/171

1922 fallen to Walter of Gloucester, who was destined to hold it about twenty years longer and to become the king's constable.

Even before 1106 the king had counteracted the influence of baronial officials of doubtful or more than doubtful loyalty by the employment of new men. At least two sheriffs who owed all to the royal favour were a heritage from the reign of William Rufus, and both continued to rise. Osbert, formerly known as the priest, retained the shrievalty of Lincolnshire, and before 1107 was also entrusted with that of Yorkshire. His marked material prosperity and his tenure in both these positions until his death show that he enjoyed the king's especial favour. Hugh of Buckland, an important curial, justice, and sheriff of Berkshire and Bedfordshire before the close of the late reign, was much esteemed by the king, and before Tinchebrai held in addition to these counties at least four others, including the shrievalty of London and Middlesex. It is possible that the remaining two of the eight attributed to him a little later are to be counted also at this time, but there is no certainty as to their identity. Richard de Belmeis, who despite his earlier employment in the service of Robert of Belesme remained loyal to the king in 1102, was made administrator of the Shropshire palatinate after its forfeiture and placed in a position which is described both as that of steward and of sheriff. His elevation in 1108 to the see of London and his appearance among the king's great officials are further proofs of his standing at court.

The period between 1106 and 1110 was marked by the rise of several more sheriffs of the same class and by the displacement