After the Norman conquest of England and the subsequent subjection of the North (the Harrying of the North), Ranulph le Meschin received large grants, including the honour of Appleby and the city of Carlisle. Some have maintained that he was earl of Carlisle or of Cumberland, but this is probably an error. He succeeded his first cousin, Richard d'Avranches, in the earldom of Chester in 1121.

Ranulph also became the largest landholder in Lindsey through his marriage (c.1093) to a woman referred to as "Countess Lucy", (c.1079-1138), possibly the daughter of Turold, Sheriff of Lincoln, but more probably the daughter of William Malet, lord of Graville. Her parentage, and marriages, have been much disputed.