Bigod, Hugh, 1st earl of Norfolk definition of Bigod, Hugh, 1st earl of Norfolk in the Free Online Encyclopedia.

Bigod, Hugh, 1st earl of Norfolk (bī`gŏd, nôr`fək), d. 1177, English nobleman. He was instrumental in securing the throne for Stephen Stephen, 1097?–1154, king of England (1135–54). The son of Stephen, count of Blois and Chartres, and Adela, daughter of William I of England, he was brought up by his uncle, Henry I of England, who presented him with estates in England and France and
..... Click the link for more information. in 1135, but he subsequently switched his allegiance back and forth between Stephen and Matilda Matilda or Maud, 1102–67, queen of England, daughter of Henry I of England. Henry arranged a marriage for her with Holy Roman Emperor Henry V, and she was sent to Germany, betrothed, and five years later (1114) married to him.
..... Click the link for more information. , and it is not known for sure which one of them created him earl of Norfolk. He finally cast his lot with the future Henry II in 1153. In 1173 he joined the revolt of Henry's sons against their father. His lands were seized, his castle was burned, and a heavy fine was exacted.