King Henry II dispossessed William of the Honour in 1153, for conspiring to poison Ranulf de Gernon, although historians speculate that the King wished to punish him for his "wickedness and treason" in supporting King Stephen. The Earl died before he took possession of the Honour, and it stayed in the Crown for about a half century.[2][3]
Jones, Michael (1980). "The Charters Of Robert II De Ferrers, Earl Of Nottingham, Derby And Ferrers". Nottingham Medieval Studies. 24(Jan). Brepols: 7–26.9