Made 1st Earl of Hereford by charter of King John 28 April 1199. Inherited the constableship of England from his father. Was one of the lords who enforced the signing of the Magna Carta by King John. Excommunicated by the Pope, he was held prisoner at the Battle of Lincoln during the reign of Henry III. Became Lord of Essex upon marriage to Maud, daughter of Geoffrey Fitzpiers, Earl of Essex.