Peter de Rivaux

Who was Peter de Rivaux?

Peter de Rivaux or Peter de Rivalis was an influential Poitevin courtier at the court of Henry III of England. He was related to Peter des Roches, being a nephew.

He was in effect Henry's chief minister, from 1232 onwards for a short period, holding positions in the king's household and being installed as sheriff for some 21 shires. His administration included Stephen Segrave, Henry of Bath, Robert Papelew and Brian de Lisle, and achieved a centralisation under his hand of much royal revenue. He also held the office of Lord High Treasurer from 14 Jan 1233 to 1234.

He fell dramatically from power in 1234, consequent on the death of Richard Marshal, 3rd Earl of Pembroke, which was attributed to machinations of Peter des Roches. For a time Peter de Rivaux and associates were proclaimed traitors. Some partial rehabilitation followed.

He held the offices of Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports and Constable of Dover Castle from the year 1236, and intermittently up until the outbreak of the Second Barons' War. At this time the two offices were held separately and the title Lord Warden had not become established, so that de Rivaux was referred to as the Kings Keeper of the Coast.