Symonds / Fitz-Simon Dukes & Counts of Avranches, Normandy, France

This family descends from the Dukes and Counts of Avranches, Normandy France. A descendant of this noble family, Baron, Lord Knight, Sir Pon II Ponce, Pontius Simon Fitz-Simon Lord of Seint Sever, Normandy, France, (who is also the founder of all the Fitz-Simon and Symonds families of England) Fitz-Simon with is son Adam Fitz-Simon, came to England with Duke William the Conqueror. They fought, supported and served Duke William at the Battle of Hastings. It is noted in the Great Survey of 1068, that they were given many Lordships, Lands, Manors, and Castles in Threkestone County, Norfolk, Almeshoe County, Crowan, Wendron, Botus-Fleming, St Minver, Tintagel, Stoke-Climsland, Dalwood, Yarnscombe, St Giles in the Wood, Torrington, and Barnstaple Devonshire which the greater amount was conferred at the Conquest of Hastings. A descendant of his "Baron, Lord Knight" Sir Richard de Coy Fitz-Simon in year 1214 concluded that peace with King John (now of England) was impossible and he took arms and developed a large Military Force, and eventually led this large Military Force against King John in year 1215, for not living up to the "Magna Carter". This was known as the Barons War, which ended in a stalemate. Sir Richard de Coy Fitz-Simon was the 15th signer of the Magna Carter in year 1212. Then on Oct. 18, 1216 King John died leaving his 9 year old son as his Heir to the Throne and Kingdom of England.