The Tancarville family figure amongst the grander lords of Normandy and have held the office of Grand Chamberlain of Normandy since the reign of William the Conqueror. Close to power, it only has lands however in England. One of its members, Guillaume Fils-Raoul, seneschal of Normandy, appears to have close links with Caen. Having land near the town, he sits at the head of the Assizes and the Exchequer in the absence of the sovereign, where he officiates as Chief of Justice and the general administration of the Crown assets. He is also has custody of the Château de Caen and benefits for this charge from the revenues of the royal pastures in Caen. In 1190, he embarks alongside Richard The Lion Heart on crusade, from which he does not return.