Richard Le Fort was at the Battle of Hastings in 1066. The legend is that he saved William, the Duke of Normandy, by use of his shield. He then adopted the name Fort Escu ( Strong shield ) and returned to France to found the French Fortescu Branch. His son Adam, who also fought at the Battle of Hastings, settled in South Devon near Modbury. All English Fortescues are descended from him. 
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