The title Baron FitzWalter is an ancient one in the Peerage of England. It was created in 1295 by writ. The ninth Baron was attained for treason, but the title was eventually restored to Robert Radcliffe, who was later created Earl of Sussex. The barony and earldom remained united until the death of the fifth Earl, when the titles were inherited by different heirs. Thereafter, the nineteenth Baron, who served as President of the Board of Trade, was created Earl FitzWalter, but the earldom became extinct at his death; the barony, meanwhile, fell into abeyance. After over 168 years, the barony was called out of abeyance in favour of Henry Plumptre, but at his death it again became abeyant. The abeyance was terminated once again in 1953, in favour of Fitzwalter Plumptre.
Swearing vengeance on John, Guy, and their ally the sheriff of Nottingham, Earl Robert Fitzwalter becomes Robin Hood and his followers are the merry men who summon to the forest all those loyal to Lionheart and liberty.
The grave of the Countess of Huntingdon, Matilda the Fair, is in Dunmow Church (See picture) and according to Dugdale, in the Monasticon, she was buried across two columns; although her marble effigy, with its slab, are now placed upon a grey altar tomb decorated with shields with quatrefoils.
King John destroyed every castle possessed by the Fitzwalters in his revengeful malice but it is some consolation to know that the name that headed the barons demands on John (culminating at Runnimede) was that of Robert Fitzwalter who was probably Marian's brother.
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