Walter Giffard, Lord of Longueville

Walter Gautier Giffard, Lord of Longueville, Normandy (also known as 'Giffard of Barbastre'), was a Norman baron, a Tenant-in-chief in England, a Christian knight who fought against the Saracens in Spain during the Reconquista and was one of the 15 or so known companions of William the Conqueror at the Battle of Hastings in 1066.

Life Walter was the son of Osbern de Bolbec, Lord of Longueville by a sister of Gunnor, Duchess of Normandy. As such he was first cousin twice removed of William the Conqueror. From the mid 1040s Walter's name appears among the loyal supporters of William the Conqueror. Walter was at the Battle of Mortemer and was among the Norman barons who surprised and defeated Counts Odo and Renaud leading the French contingent attacking Normandy from the east. In particular, he and another great vassal Robert of Eu encountered Odo's army encamped in the village of Mortemer with no sentries and the soldiers were drunk. The Normans attacked the French while they slept, most being either killed or taken prisoner,

Like many other Norman and French knights during the eleventh and early twelfth centuries, Walter served as a Christian knight in Spain against the Saracens. His epithet de Barbastre was earned when he took part in the Siege of Barbastro, an undertaking sanctioned by Pope Alexander II against the Moors in 1064, one of the more famous exploits of that time. Walter went on pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela, after the siege of Barbastro and before returning to Normandy. After telling them of his plan to invade England and take the crown for himself they supported him fully but suggested he should call a meeting of all his vassals, which William did. Walter was one of two who, having been offered the privilege of carrying William's standard in the battle, respectfully refused. Although by this time an older warrior with white hair, he wanted both hands free to fight. As a reward for his participation, Walter was granted the feudal barony of Long Crendon, comprising 107 manors, 48 of which were in Buckinghamshire, of which the caput was at Long Crendon, Buckinghamshire. The date of his death is not recorded, but his son Walter succeeded him before 1085.

Family Walter was married to Ermengarde, daughter of Gerard Flaitel. Rohese Giffard (d. aft. 1113), married Richard fitz Gilbert, Lord of Clare.