Oliver de Bordeaux

Oliver de Bordeaux was a scion of Gascon noble family whose ancestors having once governed the capital of Aquitaine, retained its name as that of the House. In the 13th century his father's branch of the family apparently settled in Morlas, while Oliver probably first arrived at Court of King Edward I (r. 1272-1307) as a very young man.

By 1310, Oliver had entered the service of King Edward II (r. 1307-1327) as a valet, and was apparently his favorite because the king heaped land and other favors upon young Oliver. His first grant Oliver received in 1308 when Edward gave him lands in Old Windsor, rent free, and many similar grants followed. In 1310 Oliver received the estates in Windsor and Eton, and in 1312, all the Crown lands at Old Windsor, free of any rent. In 1317 he received Foliejon Park and the adjacent Hyremere, both in Winkfield. He was also made Constable of Windsor Castle on 6 October, 1319, and by 1324, he had been appointed Constable of Guildford Castle.

During the troubled times of Edward II’s imprisonment, his assassination and the government of Queen Isabella and her lover, Mortimer, Oliver kept his head down. Soon after Edward III (r. 1327-1377) took personal control of his kingdom in 1330, Oliver returned to favor and was confirmed in his various possessions.