My first known Fleming was William le Bec, who was a Benedictine Monk who originated in Flanders. During times of war, he was a military leader. In the year, 1066, Duke Willian of Normandy, recruited a army to gain the crown of England from the Anglo-Saxon rulers. William le Bec accompaied Duke William to England. William of Normandy was crowned King of England on Christmas day, 1066. William le Bec was given a barony and a large area of land to govern. William le Bec was soon known as william le flandenis, this was again changed to the Anglican " le Flemyng", again to " le Fleming", and finally just plain " fleming". All of course, meaning " william, the man from Flanders". Baron william le Bec ( Fleming), former monk and soldier, married a woman of Normandy and had several children. One son, Richard le Fleming, was granted the barony of Slane and other estates in County Meath, Ireland.