Odo of Bayeux

Odo of Bayeux possessed large estates in Normandy and was the leading landholder in England next to the king. He also wielded tremendous political power and was named the deputy during William’s (r. 1066-1087) frequent absences from the country.

Little is known about Odo's early life, except that he was the half-brother of the famous duke of Normandy, William the Conqueror, the future King of England.

In 1049 William appointed him the bishop of Bayeux, which was the standard practice among the rulers who granted key ecclesiastical offices to their relatives in order to ensure their loyalty and support. By 1066 Odo became one of the major counselors for the duchy of Normandy, and through the incomes of his ecclesiastical and feudal estates one of the wealthiest men. In the famous Battle of Hastings (1066) fought between William and King Harold II, Odo fought side by side with William and provided 100 ships for the invasion fleet.

After William became the King of England, Odo was named the earl of Kent with all the lands and prestige that accompanied that position. He was named the king’s deputy during his absence, and led several campaigns to crush the revolts against the king’s rule in the country.

Although he owned vast lands in England and Normandy which net worth according to some calculations exceeded $9.5 billion (in 2010 dollars), he took every opportunity to additionally augment his fortune, infrequently through plunder and extortion. Eventually, it brought him a very bad reputation. Because of greed and corruption he lost the king’s favor who imprisoned him. Although his earldom was suspended Odo succeeded to keep his estates.

In 1087 William who was on his deathbed decided to release Odo from prison, and his heir, King William II (r. 1087-1100) restored his earldom of Kent. However, after discovering that he participated in a plot against his rule, Odo was finally exiled to Normandy and his earldom and properties were confiscated.