When William the Conqueror undertook his expedition
into this kingdom, Geffrey de Mandeville was one of those
valorous chiefs who attended him, and so distinguished himself
in his service that he rewarded him with no Jess than a
hundred and eighteen lordships, amopg which was the
parish we are now-treating of. Walden, in Essex, afterwards
became the head of the barony, and of the honor
of Mandeville. This Geffrey was succeeded by his son
William de Mandeville, who married Margaret, sole daughter
of Eudo Dapifer, and left for successor Geffrey, whom
king Stephen, and also the empress Maud, honored with
the title of earl of Essex.