Orderic Vitalis, the renowned 12th century Anglo-Norman chronicler, describes Geoffrey de Clinton as one of the 'New Men' of King Henry I. Orderic describes these New Men, which not only mentions Geoffrey de Clinton but also includes other notables, including Ralph Basset, Hugh of Buckland, Guillegrip, Rainier of Bath, William Trussebut, Haimo of Falaise and others, as being "of low origin, whom for their obsequious services," Henry I "raised to the rank of nobles, taking them so to speak, from the dust, and exalting them above earls, and distinguished lords of castles."
Precisely what Orderic meant by the term 'of low origin' is open to question for Geoffrey de Clinton not only appears to have inherited the manor of 'Clintona', Oxfordshire, from his father William de Simillie but also took the surname of Clinton from this self-same English manor. The records also reveal that at some stage Geoffrey de Clinton had also gained control over the castle of 'Simily' in Normandy.
Geoffrey de Clinton first appears on record as a signatory to a document in 1108 and is present at court on a regular basis from 1110 onwards as is evident from the royal charters. In 1118 Geoffrey de Clinton was appointed a chamberlain to the Treasury at Woodstock, Oxfordshire, after the fall of Herbert the chamberlain. By 1120 Geoffrey de Clinton's attestations greatly increase, and once again, it is evident from the royal charters that he is now a royal official of some importance.
However, the period from 1119 to 1133 is without doubt the most fascinating phase of Geoffrey's career, for this is when Geoffrey founded both his Augustinian Priory dedicated to St Mary the Virgin and Kenilworth Castle.
ILLUSTRATION
The 14th Century Gatehouse at Kenilworth Abbey
Two separate entrances can be seen, one for pedestrians, the other for wagons, horses and other livestock.