Robert de Meinill, the first member of this family in England of whom there is record, held property in Yorkshire much of which formed part of the Mortain fee at the time of Domesday. He was probably founder of the original castle at Whorlton in that county. He granted the vill of Myton-on-Swale to St. Mary's Abbey, York, circa 1100-1106. With his wife Gertrude he granted the church of Great Ayton to Whitby Abbey in the time of Abbot William, circa 1109; this was confirmed by their son Stephen de Meinill circa 1130-50. Robert m. Gertrude, probably da. of Nele Fossard and sister of Robert Fossard. He d. before 1135. His widow m. Jordan Paynel.
