The family moved in the highest circles, married into royalty and were not immune to scandal. For three centuries, the Warennes were at the heart of English politics at the highest level, until one unhappy marriage brought an end to the dynasty. The 3rd earl died on crusade, fighting for his royal cousin, Louis VII of France. In his search for a royal bride, the 2nd earl kidnapped the wife of a fellow baron. He was rewarded with enough land to make him one of the richest men of all time.
In the reign of Edward I, when asked Quo Warranto - by what warrant he held his lands - John de Warenne, the 6th earl of Surrey, is said to have drawn a rusty sword, claiming "My ancestors came with William the Bastard, and conquered their lands with the sword, and I will defend them with the sword against anyone wishing to seize them" John's ancestor, William de Warenne, 1st Earl of Surrey, fought for William the Conqueror at the Battle of Hastings in 1066\.
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