Aubrey de Vere, first Earl of Oxford, was born circa 1130. He was, by tenure, the third Baron of Kensington, and Count of Ghisnes through his marriage, was confirmed also in the office of Great Lord Chamberlain, and all his father's territorial possessions.

The new earl was an ardent supporter of the Empress Matilda, who frequently came to Hedingham Castle as a guest of de Vere. Confusing things a bit is the fact that there were simultaneously two famous Matildas, one the Empress and wife of Henry II, the other, the former Queen and widow to King Stephen. The widow Matilda also was a visitor to Hedingham, and she died there on the May 3, 1152.