The Legend of Ranulph de Kingsley

This account is written in Dr. Leroy Brown's book Kingsley Geneology.  The Coat of Arms is an illustration in the book.  I am posting this account in an effort to disseminate what we know and what has been written about how Ranulph de Kingsley obtained his lands in Kingsley and his role as Master Forester of Delamere forest, or the old forests of Mara and Modrem.  After the account, please read the inconsistencies with the account and historical records.

"ORIGIN OF THE FAMILY AND NAME OF KINGSLEY 

"Tradition says that "as William II of England or William 
Rufus (the Red King) was one day hunting in the New Forest,

he became separated from his companions and attendants, 
and wandering aimlessly about through forest and glade, be- 
came hopelessly lost. But just as night was closing in with its 
darkness and gloom, he espied a friendly light gleaming from 
the cabin of one of the yeomen who lived on the confines 
of the forest. Hastening thither, he begged shelter for the 
night, without making his identity known. He was kindly 
received and hospitably entertained so far as the means at 
hand in the humble abode would allow. The man of the 
house at once slaughtered a young goat from which, with 
other means at hand, his good wife prepared a savory re- 
past, whose delightful odors reached the nostrils of the 
hungry King and whose delectable flavors greatly pleased 
his palate. 

"The King of course being weary from the arduous sports 
of the day, the humble couch provided him brought most 
refreshing slumbers, from which he awoke to partake of 
another bounteous repast, which the wife had prepared 
such as her female descendants have ever since been noted 
for preparing). 

"In going abroad by the light of day he discovered that he 
was in his own meadow or 'Lea' as it was anciently called in 
England. 

"He was so delighted with the hospitality he had received 
that he bestowed the whole of that portion of his domain 
known as the King's Lea upon his host and made him a
Baron. The recipient took the name of the land bestowed 
upon him, Kyngesleigh (or Kingsley), and the family crest or 
coat of arms contains the King's crown surmounted by a 
goat's head."

Source:  Brown, Leroy.  Kingsley Geneology  1907:  title page and pg. 5.


I have found several problems with the information in this account.
1.  King William II of England died in 1100.  The land and title was granted to Ranulph in 1123.  (Ormerod p. 43)
2.  Randle, Third Earl of Chester is the one who owned the land.  He bestowed it and the title of Master Forester on Ranulph.  It was not bestowed by a king.  (Ormerod p. 43; Harrison p. 6)
3.  It is suggested in the poem that Ranulph is an English peasant.  The name 'Ranulph' appears to be Norman.  (Ormerod p. 43)
4.  It's inconceivable that a king or a noble would be able to hide his identity, as his garments, no matter how dirty they become would be markedly different than those of peasants.
5.  No mention in historical records shows that Ranulph was made a Baron. 
6.  Ranulph is named as 'Ranulph de Kingsley' in this account and the historical documents.  Most likely, Ranulph was called such because he was Norman and he was 'of the town of Kingsley.  The French phrase use 'de' as we use 'of.'  So it is more likely that his name shows his home rather than that he took the name because of the event of being given the land of Kingsley.  In fact, documents describing the event call him 'de Kingsley' before he is given the land.   (Ormerod, p. 55)
7.  Several other accounts show a different coat of arms, with the main symbol being a black horn.  This horn was passed down several generations and 'carried the family through troubles to this day.'  (Kingsley p. 241.)

Somehow Ranulph gained the favor of Randle to the tune of a respectable title and land.  Was Ranulph a peasant?  Did he find Randle or King Henry 1st wandering lost in the forest of Mara or Mordrem, feed him, rest him and lead him to safety?  As much as I'd like to believe it as written, the flaws are pretty hard to ignore.

Sources:

Domesday Book  1086:n. pag. web.  Entries under 'Kingsley' and 'Chester.'
Harrison, William.  "Ancient Forests, Chases and Deer Parks in Cheshire."  Historic Society of Lancashire and Cheshire, Liverpool.  Proceedings and Papers.  20:1-28. Print.
Kingsley, Charles.  Charles Kingsley:  His letters and memories of his life Vol. II.  1894: New York.  Web. p. 241. 


Ormerod, George.  The History of the County Palatine and City of Chester.  London.  1819: 3, 43, 50, 55. print.