This paper, which arises from a study of the experiences of fourteen alien curial families in the thirteenth and early fourteenth centuries, compares the careers and impact of three aliens who came to England in the thirteenth century and served as royal stewards. Mathias Bezill (d. 1268) was steward of Queen Eleanor's household from 1254 until at least 1261. Imbert Pugeys (d. 1263) acted as steward of the royal household from 1257 until his death. Peter de Champvent (d. 1303) not only served Edward I as steward from 1290 to 1292 but also was later promoted to the office of chamberlain; he continued to be close to the court until the final years of his life.

The thirteenth century is often seen as a period that saw an increase in hostility to aliens. Principal landmarks in this rise of xenophobia were the exclusion clauses in Magna Carta, the opposition to Peter des Roches in 1232, the action taken against the Poitevins in 1258, and the Statute against the Aliens of 1263. The careers of these men will be assessed to see whether they overcame this animosity and assimilated. Successful assimilation would result in the newcomers being regarded as members of the host community both in practical ways and psychologically.

The three stewards all came from French-speaking areas. However, only with Champvent can we be certain of his exact origins. His grandfather, Ebal de Grandson, who held a large block of lands in the foothills of the Jura at the southern end of Lake Neuchâtel in the Pays de Vaud (which is now in Switzerland), divided his patrimony amongst three of his sons.