Odo of Bayeux

Odo of Bayeux (1036?-1097), Anglo-Norman bishop and earl of Kent. He was the half-brother of the first Norman king of England, William I (called the Conqueror). Odo became bishop of Bayeux in 1049 and accompanied William’s invasion of England in 1066, taking part in the Battle of Hastings. As a reward for his service, Odo was presented with Dover Castle and the earldom of Kent. During a number of William's later expeditions, Odo acted as regent, and he was noted for the harshness of his rule. In 1088 Odo led a rebellion of Norman barons against William II; he fled England the same year. He died while on his way to join the First Crusade (see Crusades).