The following compilation occupied much time, in as much as to make the pedigrees reliable and complete; I was necessitated to read works by many historians
genealogists and antiquaries. Their relations did not always harmonise; and
occasionally, I had difficulty in reconciling apparent discrepancies. Sir Bernard Burke in his “Landed Gentry”; tracing the descent of LeStrange of Hunstanton has written
“Roland LeStrange was the patriac of this illustrious House; but in a footnote, he informs us that “the first mention of the family is by Sir William Dugdale, who, referring to the famous jousts held at Castle Peveril in the Peak of Derbyshire, has written, “Amongst the persons of note present were Owen Prince of Wales; a son of the King of Scots; and two sons of the Duke de Bretagne; the one youngest of whom who was named Guido, greatly distinguished himself as a tilter one being a foreigner he was designated “Le-stranger”. He was the originator of the several families LeStrange. That footnote influenced me to seek further information. Mr O Hert a genealogist, who flourished many years before Sir Bernard Burke has traced the descent of the family from Alain or Alan, who in the year 682 was King of Brittany. I learned also, that a descendant of that King, had been created Baron de Knotyn. Not finding that Baronage mentioned in any of the works on existing persons; I referred to work on extinct peerages and baronages and I discovered not only the baronage de Knotyn (Knowlton?); but also other baronages, to which branches of the Knotyn family had been created. Those discoveries induced me to compile the pedigrees.
Pedigrees are interesting reading, except to those concerned in them; and even to such;
they are monotonous reading. To make the compilation somewhat ???? interesting, I have inserted descriptions of the places of residence of, the originators of the family, and of the branches of it. (the descriptions are copied from “Beauties of England and Wales”; a work written by eminent antiquaries and historians.)
The descriptions are in themselves interesting also, I have added a list of many of the families with whom by marriage LeStranges became either closely or distantly connected; and condensed pedigrees of some of the titles families.
Families to the titles of which LeStranges succeeded; Also in as much as but for the conquest of England by the Normans, the name LeStrange would not even have existed. I considered it would not be misplaced to biographies shortly. William the Norman conqueror; and, to relate firstly an account of that conquest. To do so, I selected as my text book “History of the conquest of England by the Normans”;
Its causes and consequences; written by Augustin Thierry, member of the Institute. I selected that in preference to others on the same subject; as although a Frenchman, Thierry did not favour the invasion; or attempt to palliate the atrocities committed by the conqueror during the conquest. Besides the copious marginal and footnotes referring to other historians, satisfied me that Thierry had thoroughly studied the subject, before writing the history.
As before stated I devoted much time in endeavouring to make the narration plausible;
and now that it is completed I believe I have laboured to little on the purpose. As for my children, three of them at all events (I allude to the oldest) have been for many years, associated with and have acquired the habits and ideas of descendants of criminals of the worst type. Criminals who for the betterment of their native land, were forcibly escorted from it; and transplanted into the colony of Australia; A country fitting only to its barbarian aboriginals; but also, well suited as a place of punishment for those atrocious persons such as were transplanted into it. Of all the Australian states, Queensland is the vilest; But, not withstanding three of my sons selected it as the place in which to pitch their tents; They probably will not appreciate my trouble; They will rather say of my manuscript as the mother of Claude Melnott (the hero in Lord Lytton’s Drama. “The lady of Lyons”. Said to him when he had shown to her the handsome gun he had won as a prize in a shooting match and had asked her if it were not handsome. Her reply was “ Very handsome Claude; what is it worth?. He replied “worth Mother, what is a riband worth to a soldier ;
Worth? Why everything yes and glory is precious; She rejoined leave glory to great folks Claude. What does it bring in? Claude replied wealth my Mother, wealth to the mind, wealth to the heart; high thoughts; bright dreams; and hope of fame. Some what similar could be my replies to my children were they to put to me such like questions.
Mutatis mutanda’s, concerning the eccentricity and dignity of our family.
Had it not been for my pride of birth; I would often have been impelled to lower my flag to the sneers of vulgar plebeians; but that pride sustained me; and enabled me to scorn their sneers with ineffable contempt; and as unworthy of notice. It cannot be expected that plebeians will speak approvingly of gentle folk; to do so, would be so to speak, suicidal. They rather will apparently boast that they are of a higher order than the wellborn. Especially if they possess (as many of the Australian Colonists do) well filled purses. And have on that account being pitch forked into good positions; and have joined the so called aristocracy of talent! Let it not be supposed that I consider the class of persons I have referred to; are unworthy of praise for having raised themselves above the level of their British forefathers. The offse? mind of creation contrary wise I applaud, them for having done so; but I fail to see that by reason of their having done so they are to be regarded by gentlefolk as compeers or that
gentlefolk should become intimate with them. They appear to be unaware of the fact that a sow’s ear cannot be metamorphised into a silk purse. There is ample room for both classes; each to keep and be kept aloof from the other; and neither of them to coalesce or collide with the other. What is chiefly to be faulted in them, is, their arrogance in assuming themselves to be, what they are not; and being foreign to their nature, what they never can be. That is, persons of good breeding. Many of them are living illustrations of the adage “put a beggar on horse back and he’ll ride to the devil”.
INTRODUCTION
(Written in the margin : ?? my description of Hunstanton Hall was )
William Camden an antiquarian born 1557 has written of Hunstanton and LeStrange family as follows :
“It is the place where Edward the Confessor King of England resided nearly a whole year endeavouring to get by heart David’s psalm in the Saxon language. The very book was religiously preserved by the monks of St Edmundsbury till the dissolution of monasteries. But neither is the place itself to be omitted; on this account, but it hath been to the present time the seat of the Illustrious family Le Strange; Knights 6th Baron Strange de Knotyn bestowed it on the younger brother Raymond Edward the 2nd. They were possessed also of divers large estates in Shropshire, Staffordshire and Yorkshire. (Whited out).
Of this branch of the family have been likewise many persons of note and eminence;
to wit John LeStrange, who in the 33rd of Edward the First was made a Knight of Bathing, and other ceremonies; at which time he had allowance of Robes as a Knight Banneret. Sir Henry Spelman an eminent historian and biographer, who was born at Castle Rising in Norfolkshire Ad 1562 and died in 1641 eulogising LeStrange Family has written of it. This family do descend from Dukes de Bretagne independent
sovereigns. Ad 1566 two sons of Duke
Hoel?? Gidos accompanied their Cousin (in the female line) William Duke of
Normandie when the later invaded Brittain. Three several Baronages of that name and Divers other considerable Baronages: The Baronages referred to by Sir Henry are Knotyn, Ellesmere and Blackmere. Referring to the Hunstanton Branch of the family Sir Henry has written, Sir Hamon LeStrange Knight Bannerette, the ancestor of this branch of the family and from his Brother Johanne LeStrange 6th Baron De Knotyn com?? Palo?? A grant temp?? Edward 2nd, now remaining among the archives of the family of the branch of Hunstanton;
And it hath remained in the family ever since.
Sir William Dugdale an antiquarian and genealogist of note born 1605 died 1686 in his book entitled “The Baronages of England” has related as follows of same family.
At the famous jousts, held at the peake or spike in Derbyshire, amongst the persons on note present were Owen Prince of Wales; a son of the Kings of Scots; and two sons of the Duke De Bretagne; the youngest of whom named Gyuido, greatly distinguished himself as a jouster. He tilted with many of the best tilters; he unhorsed two of them;
one of the unhorsed was Prince Owen, who until then was considered unconquerable.
Being a foreigner, Gyuido was designated “Estranger”. He was ancestor of the several branches of LeStrange family!
Mt Nicolas in his book “Pedigrees of English Peoples” has written of the Hunstanton Branch of LeStrange family. There does not exist a more ancient, more exalted, more illustrious, or more highly connected family than LeStrange of Hunstanton, a branch of the family LeStrange Baron Lestrange, de Knotyn, the head of the family; of which head, LeStrange Lord of Ellesmere, LeStrange Baron de Blackmere; another
LeStrange Earl of Lincoln; LeStrange Baron Hastings and LeStrange in Ireland are branches. Descended from Dukes de Bretagne independent Monarchs; and connected by marriage with Crowned heads of England, Scotland, France, Spain, and Portugal;
and in the most of the highest nobility and gentry in the Kingdom.
In the volume ‘Beauties of England and Wales’, John Britton and the Reverand J Evans describing places of interest in Norfolkshire, concludes the description of Hunstanton Hall thus; ‘Hunstanton Hall an ancient family Mansion erected temp Henry the 7th, now in a ruinous condition is deserving of special notice from its magnificent entrance gate and from its having been the seat of distinguished family LeStrange , Knights Baronet. Of this family was the celebrated political writer Sir Roger LeStrange, who was born here Dec 17th AD 1616. He is on record that in the reign of Henry 2nd there were three brothers who held lands in Shropshire, who were named John, Hamond and Guy. All of them were dignified by King Henry who was a kinsman.
I deem it well to mention that William Camden, Sir Henry Spelman, Sir William Dugdale, Mr Nicolas and Mr O Sturt?? all died centuries before. Augeigne ??
LeStrange the eldest daughter of Nicholas LeStrange the 4th baron of Hunstanton
Lineage Left hand side:
Kings and Dukes DeBretagne AD682
Alain King Conan / Hoel or Guidos /
AD811 / Alain AD907 /
Alain de Vannes; his daughter married Mathredoi?? Count of Ponthieu Alain /
/ Conan AD1066 /
/
Hoel or Guidos /
Alain Fangeunt Brian / /
Conan LeGrose ______
Hoel Le Petit died issueless. Bertha who married Alan Niger Count of ?? (4th Earl of Richmond)??
______
Conan Le Petit Brian Father of Alain Guido Ancestor Reginald Marrie Duke Bretagne Lord of Bedale of LeStrange Baron a Sister of
De Knolton William King of Scotland
Alain, who also was so named, was designated of Vannes having got rid of his rival Judischael of Rennes, became sole king of Bretagne, and completely overpowered the Normans”. Alain de Vannes died in the year 907 leaving surviving an only child a daughter who married Mathuidor the Count of Poher (Havoise Daughter married 916 ) On the death of Alain de Vannes Mathuidor jure lexeois succeeded to the dukedom.
It is related of him that becoming unable to cope with the Normans, he fled to England; and placed himself and his family under the protection of Athelstan
PAGE 7
The then King of that Country. It is not related of him, whether or not he returned to Bretagne; but, it is on record, that his son who also was named Alain, when he had grown to manhood, landed on the coast of Brittany. Surprised Lord St Brieux and regained the thrown of his ancestor. (in the female line Mathuidor was cousin of Robert le Diable Duke of Normanby, father of William the Conqueror.) The eldest son of Alain last referred to was named Conan; he was poisoned by the contrivance and connivance of William, because he not only refused to aid William in the invasion of England; but also threatened towage war to dispossess him from the province of Normandy which he alleged William had usurped. On the death of Conan he was succeeded by his eldest Son Hoel Eudos?? Who became Duke of Brittany. William applied to him as he had done to Duke Conan for such aid; and Hoel, apprehensive of a violent death such as Conan his father had met with, sent two of his sons namely Alain surnamed Rufus or Fargeant, because of the red colour of his hair; and Bryan, with their followers to William’s camp. By their Knightly followers, Alain and Bryan were called Mac Texerus; that is sons of the ruler or great king. It is recorded, that amongst their followers were Lords of many castles and important fiefs. Alain alone was followed by more that 5,000 men, all warriors; he commanded the rear of
William’s army at the Battle of Hastings; and, for his services on that occasion, William gifted to him all manors townships and land that had belonged to Harold the Saxon King; and subsequently after the siege of York. William created him Earl of Richmond; and the vast region of country north of that city, that had belonged to Earl Edwin fell to his share of confiscated land in that county. For his defence against the disinherited and outlawed Englishman Alain Fargeant he erected the castle of Riche Monde now known as Richmond, in Yorkshire. The descriptions of Richmond post page, William also gave to him in marriage his daughter Louisa??. By her Alain did not have any children, he married secondly Erimengarde, the divorced wife of William Duke of Acqitaine. By her he had several children; The eldest son was named Conan known as Conan Le Gros.
Alain Fargeant died in 1191; and he was succeeded in the Dukedom of Brittany by his Son.
PAGE 8
Conan Le Gros who married Matilda daughter of Henry the 1st King of England; and by her he had 2 children A son who was named Hoel known as Hoel le Petite and a daughter named Bertha. Hoel le Petite died issueless leaving Bertha his Sister surviving. Bertha married Alain Niger son of Stephen Count of Ponthieu. On the death of Conan le Gros, Alain Niger jure Lexoris became Duke of Brittany. By him Bertha had 4 sons and 2 daughters, the sons were named Conan known as Conan le Petite; Brian, Guido, and Reginald. Conan le Petite succeeded his father as Duke de Bretagne. Bryan married; his eldest son was named Alain; he was Lord of Bedale.
Guido the 3rd son was father of Roland, Baron et trange de Knowlton. Reginald the youngest son married a Sister of William King of Scotland, and became a person of great eminence in that kingdom; He was the progenitor of the Beaufort family., Lords of Beaufort in Scotland. On the death of Alain Niger he was succeeded by his eldest son Conan le Petite, who married Margaret Daughter of Henry Earl of Huntington and Sister of the aforesaid William King of Scotland. By now he had one child only, a daughter named Constance who married thrice.
Firstly Geoffrey Plantagenet Third son of Henry the second King of England
By him she had a son named Arthur who was murdered by his Uncle John, his father’s youngest brother who had usurped the sovereignty of England. Arthur being only 12 years old when his uncle Richard the 2nd King of England surnamed Coeur de
Lionheart.
Secondly : Ralph, Earl of Chester, and during his lifetime (he had divorced her) she married.
Thirdly : Guy Viscount de Thereau by whom she had an only child, a daughter who was named Alice. Note: Mr O’Hart from whose genealogical work the foregoing information has been derived has not related how it was that Guido the 3rd son of Bertha assumed the name Le Strange not the family into which he married. It is
probable that having been designated “etranger” at the Castle Peveril joist, he was ever after known by that appellation, anglicised to Le Strange. It is however on record that his eldest son was
PAGE 9
Sir Bernard Burke in his genealogical work “Extinct Peri gages and Baronages” has recorded of Le Strange Baron Strange de Knoltyn as follows; Roland Le Strange who was the patriarch of this illustrious house. He was witness to a deed of grant of Castle Acre to the Priory of Norfolk which is dated AD 1112. He married Matilda Le Brun only child and heir of Ralph Fitzherlewin who held lands in Hunstanton Lynn Regis in Norfolk shire. By Matilda he had several children, of whom the eldest son was named John, the second son was named Hamon. (He was Lord of Wrockwardine) and of him nothing can be related more than that he gave to the Cannons of that house the entire of his common woods of Wambrugge Salop; and that he died childless. His third son was named Guy. who on the death of Roland was succeeded by his eldest son which is named John.
John L’Estrange second Baron Strange de Knoltyn who in the reign of Henry the second was granted the Lordships of Nesse and Cheswardine County Salop.
In the 18th year of the reign of King John he was High Sherriff of the Counties Salop and Stafford. In the 3rd year of the reign of Henry the 5th he obtained that King’s precept to the Sherriff of Shropshire for aid to rebuild part of his Castle at Knoltyn and to repair the rest of it. (Knoltyn Castle was greatly exposed to the incursions of the Welsh, and it had been on many occasions much injured by them). Like his younger brother Hamon he also was a liberal benefactor to the Canons of Nambridgge, on his death he was succeeded by his Eldest Son who was also named John.
John L’Estrange 3rd Baron Strange de Knoltyn who was a person of great note in his time. In the 16th year of King John’s reign (his father was then living) he was at the wars of . In the 15th year of the reign of King Henry the 3rd he obtained grant of inheritance of the before mentioned manor of C
Wrockwardine, at the yearly rent of £8 to be paid to the King, and to his successor for ever. In the 21st year of the same reign he was appointed Sherriff of the Counties Salop and Stafford (as above stated his father had filled the same Offices). He was constituted Governor of the Castles of Salop and Bruges. He was afterwards one of the Barons of Marches, and as such he had to reside at the Marches to resist the incursions of the Welsh. In the contest between the King and the Barons he adhered with great fidelity to the King, and for his loyalty, the King the King granted unto him the lands of Walter de Muscegros, that had become forfeited
PAGE 10
(Added in smaller writing at top of page)
{He was successfully appointed by his Cousin and Patron Henry the 3rd, Constable of the Castle of Montgomery Shrewsbury Bridgnorth, Shropshire and Chester. He spent a long life in defending the Welsh Border and was a Lord Marcher and during the rebellion of Simon De Montford, he stood fast to the Crown. }
In the rebellion. By Amicea his wife, he had with other children three sons namely, John, Hamon and Rodger. (concerning Hamon the 2nd son see post page ) He died in 1269, and he was succeeded by his eldest son.
John L’Estrange 4th Baron Strange de Knoltyn. In the lifetime of his father, this feudal Baron was deputy governor of Winchester Castle, and in the 48th year of King Henry 3rd, he was constituted Governor of Montgomery Castle. He subsequently espoused the Baronial Cause, and he retired from that Governorship, but after the triumph of the Baron’s at Lewes, he was reinstated in the Governorship. In the 3rd year of the reign of Edward the 1st he surrendered to his younger brother Roger his entire right in the Manor of Wrockwardine that had been granted to his Father by Henry the 3rd. His Lordship married Joane one of the Daughters and co-heirs of Roger de Someri Earl of Dudley, by that Earl’s 1st Wife the Lady Nicola de Albini Sister and co-heir of Hugh 4th Earl of Arundel. By Joane, he had several children of whom the eldest Son was named John. He died in 1276. At the time of his death, his Son John was engaged in the Wars of Gascony and Scotland, and all his lands were taken possession of by the Crown for safe keeping, but in 2 years after that war restored to John, who upon paying for his relief had livery thereof. On his death in 1276, he was succeed by his said son.
John 5th Baron Strange de Knoltyn. In the 14th year of the reign of Edward the 1st, this Baron answered to the King for 300 marks, which sum John his Grandfather had borrowed from the Cheshire Men to maintain the Wars of Wales. Both previous two, and after the death of his father, he was as before mentioned in the Wars of Gascony and Scotland, and for his good services he was summoned to Parliament; in his Father’s lifetime as “Johanni Estraneo”, and after as Johanni Baron Strange de
Knoltyn; he was also made a Knight of Bathing (KB). He married Maud daughter and sole heir of Eubolo de Montibus Lord of Stratton; and by her (who married secondly Thomas de Hastang) he had interalia 3 sons namely John and Hamon. Eubolo the 2nd
John LeStrange 6th Baron deKnoltyn who was summoned to Parliament 13th June 1311. This nobleman both before and after his accession to the Title was in the
Scottish Wars. He married Isolda daughter and heir of John de Walton of Walton den villa in Warwickshire. And by her he had with other children 3 sons namely John, Robert, the third son was Ancestor of the Lord Strange de Blackmere. In 1270 he went on the crusades, and in 1272 he married at Cypress Isabella Roger de Ibelen widow of Hugh King of Cypress.
PAGE 11
In the reign of Edward 2nd he gifted to Hamon his youngest Brother the Manor of Hunstanton, that had descended to him from his ancestress Matilda Le Brun, the wife of Roland the Patriarch (further concerning of Hamon of Hunstanton see post page ). He died in 1311 just 1 year after the death of his father and he was succeeded by his eldest son John LeStrange.
John LeStrange 7th Baron Knokyn. In the 20th year of the reign of Edward 2nd he was made KB (during the reign of Edward 3rd he was constantly engaged in the wars of Scotland and France. In the same reign he was twice (1329 and 1342) summoned to Parliament. He married twice, firstly Joan daughter of Oliver Lord Ingham, and secondly a Lady named Maud, in whose right he became possessed of the Manor of Middleton in Cambridgeshire. He died in 1349 leaving surviving a son named Roger, and a daughter named Lucy (Lucy married William Lord Willoughby, who in the reign of Richard 2nd was created a Knight of Gartering KG ). On his death he was succeeded by his son.
Roger LeStrange 9th Baron de Knokyn (who was born in 1327?) he was summoned to Parliament from the 20th September 1355 to the 9th August 1382. In the Reign of Edward 3rd and Richard 2nd, he was engaged in Wars of Gascony and Brittany. He married the Lady Aliva Fitz Alan daughter of Edward Earl of Arundel, and by her he had children of whom the eldest Son was named John. He died in 1382 and he was succeeded by his eldest Son.
John LeStrange 10th Baron Strange Knokyn. In the reign of Richard the 2nd he was summoned to Parliament from 13th August 1383 to 18th July 1397. In the 10th year of that reign this Nobleman was in the garrison of Burwick on Tweed, and in the
following year he was in the Scottish War. He married Maud the youngest of the three daughters of Sir John Mohun, Lord of Dunster eventually Maud became sole heir to her father, her two older Sisters Phillippa who had married the Duke of York and Elizabeth who had married the Earl of Salisbury having died issueless in the life time of their father. By Maud he had but one child, a son who was named as Richard.
He died about the year , and he was succeeded by his only Son.
Richard LeStrange 11th Baron Strange de Knokyn. In the reigns of Henry 4th (1404) PAGE 12
Elizabeth. By her he had one child only a son who was named John. He died in 1456? And he was succeeded by his only son.
John LeStrange 12th Baron Strange de Knokyn. In the Reign of Edward 4th that is from 1466 – 19th August 1472 he was summoned to Parliament. On the death of his Maternal Grand Father, the aforesaid Sir John De Mohun Lord of Dunster, the Baronage of Mohun vested in him, and thence forward that Baronage followed the more ancient one Knokyn; and upon the decease of the Lady Maud his mother, which occurred in the 5th year of the reign of Henry 4th, he as an only issue, and as the sole surviving heir of Sir John Mohun, his maternal grandfather, made proof of age and had livery of all the Mohun Estates. He married Jacquetta daughter of Richard Wydvil or Woodville Earl Rivers, by Jaqueline that Earl’s Wife (Jacqueline was the widow of John Plantagenet, Duke of Bedford, brother of King Edward 4th, and Sister of Elizabeth Wydville, the Queen of that King) By Jacquetta, he had one child only a Daughter named Johanna-Joan. He died 15th October 1477 leaving Johanna his daughter surviving. On his decease the Baronage of Knokyn and Mohun fell into abeyance. Johanna married Sir George Viscount Stanley, the eldest son of Thomas first Earl of Derby; and she conveyed all her estates and property including the sovereignty of the Isle of Man and the lands pertaining thereto. (see post page ).
To him and his heirs. Viscount Stanley was summoned to Parliament from the 20th November 1482 to the 16th Jan 1497, as Georgio de LeStrange de Knokyn; His father being then living. On the accession of Henry 7th, Sir George was sworn of the Privy Council. In the following year he was one of the principal commandments who defeated the Earl of Lincoln at Stoke; and he was created a KG. By him Johanna LeStrange had two sons
The eldest of whom was named Thomas, after his paternal grandfather; and two daughters, named respectively Jane and Elizabeth. George Viscount Stanley predeceased his father, the Earl of Derby leaving surviving his son Thomas. On his decease his son Thomas as the heir of his maternal grandfather John LeStrange 12th Baron De Knokyn succeeded to that Baronage.
Thomas Stanley De Lestrange 14th Baron de Knokyn, his father, Viscount Stanley having been by virtue of the summons to Parliament as before mentioned the 13th Baron. During the life of his Paternal Grandfather the Earl of Derby he was summoned to Parliament as Thomas de Lestrange de Knokyn, he married Eleanor daughter of Richard Neville Earl of Salisbury, and Sister of Richard Neville, Earl of Warwick the King Maker. On the death of his paternal Grandfather, Thomas 1st Earl of Derby he succeeded to that Earldom, and thence forth the Barronage of Knokyn and Mohan merged in the Earldom, it being the superior title and they continued so merged until the decease of Ferdinando Stanley the 5th Earl of Derby, Baron de Knokyn, Baron de Mohan. On the death of Ferdinand both Baronages fell into obeyance between the descendants of his three daughters namely, Ann, Frances and Elizabeth.
Ann the eldest Daughter was married twice firstly Guy Bruges 5th Earl of Chandos, and secondly Mervyn Earl of Castlehaven.
Frances the second daughter married Sir Thomas Edgerton; afterwards Earl of Bridgewater. Her son John 2nd earl of Bridgewater married Elizabeth a daughter of William Cavendish Duke of Newcastle.
Elizabeth the youngest daughter married Sir Henry Viscount Hastings afterwards Earl of Huntingdon.
Arms of de Knockyn Baronages Gules 2 lionesses pasant guardant, argent, anciently over all, bend azure for difference. Supporters, two stags with Lions paws. Crest on a wreath, a lion as in armour., Motto nihi partatueri. In French Arms, rouge, deux, blanc lyons passant. Gules deux lionsuise passant de argent.
Roll temp Edward 3rd
Supplementary :
As before stated, the Baronages of Knockyn and Mohun fell in obeyance between the descendants of Ann, Frances, and Elizabeth Stanley, the three daughters of Ferdinando 5th Earl of Derby. Both baronages afterwards vested in William Stanley 7th Earl of Derby. On his decease, his eldest son James succeeded to the Earldom as the 8th Earl.
During the life of Earl William, his eldest son James was summoned to Parliament as Jacobi Stanley de L’Estrange de Knockyn. He was beheaded in 1654. He left
surviving, a son who was named Charles and a daughter named Amelia. On the decease of James he was succeeded by his son Charles as the 9th Earl of Derby Baron de Knockyn, Baron Dunder. Charles died unmarried, leaving his Sister Amelia surviving. Amelia John Murray, first Marquis of Athol; and by him she had, inter alia, 2 sons the eldest of whom was named James. On the death of John the first Marquis he was succeeded by his eldest son James, as the 2nd Marquis. James was created Duke of Athol. On the decease of James he was succeeded by his eldest son who also was named James as the 2nd Duke. James the 2nd Duke died without issue male leaving surviving 2 daughters. Jean the eldest daughter married John Earl of Crawford. Charlotte, the youngest daughter, married her first cousin John Murray who on the death of his Uncle James Murray he 2nd Duke, succeeded to the Dukedom as the 3rd Duke. Charlotte and her husband John Murray the 3rd Duke of Athol
disposed of the sovereignty of the Isle of Man to the British Government for
£170.000. 00 retaining the landed interest. They afterwards disposed of the landed interest to the same Government for £400,000.00. On the death of John the 3rd Duke he was succeeded by his eldest Son John as the 4th Duke, in whom on the decease of Charlotte his Mother the two Baronages of Knockyn and Mohun vested ex parle maternal. John Murray the 4th Duke died without issue male, and he was succeeded by his younger brother George Augustus Frederick Murray, as the 5th Duke of Athol, Baron de Knockyn Baron Mohun.
Description of Knokyn
In the 13th Volume of “Beauties of England and Wales” referred to in introduction, the Reverend James Nightingale by whom and by John Button the beauties of
Shropshire have been described Oswestry and Knokyn as follows. “Oswestry called by the Welsh Croes Oswald (Oswalds Cross) on account of Oswald King of
Northumberland having been slain there by Penda of Mercia, Anno Christi 642; and, his body in derision nailed to a cross. The town was walled around, and had 4 gates, built by one of the Fitz Alans though it hath been said by some, that it was walled around in the time of Edward 1st; and that the gate called (the new gate) was built temp Edward 2nd AD970. (This date is not correct, as Edward 2nd designated the
“Martyr” did not commence to reign until 975) This gate was erected by the Saxons;
for, on the front of the gate on the archway is carved in stone a horse, which was the arms or ensign of the Saxons. The new gate and Beatrice Gate, were more modern and handsome that either the Willow Gate, or the Black Gate. The later of which was so low in the Arch, that loads could scarce pass under it; Having been rendered so, by several pavements being placed one over the other, to repair the streets, and make a vent for the water, which made the passage through it bad. Beatrice Gate was built by one , who was the daughter of Simon Lord Montfort (King Henry 2nd) and wife of Hugh the 5th Earl of Chester. That lady travelling that way in labour was delivered of a son Randolph Earl of Chester and Lincoln, who was surnamed
Blandeville, because he was born in Powys called Albuin Monastereum. Others have said that it was built by Beatrice, daughter of John King of Portugal, who in the year 1405 was married to Thomas Earl of Arundel and Surrey, in the presence of Henry 4th King of England. The Beatrice last referred to was divorced from her husband and she married secondly Gilbert Talbot son of Ankeset L’Estrange the heiress of Blackmere by her husband Richard Lord Talbot (see post page ). All those gates were taken down about the year 1769. Knockyn Castle in the 100 of Oswestry was built by Lord L’Estrange
By Lord L’Estrange of whose family was Guy L’Estrange, Guido Etranger the
younger son of Duke de Bretagne. Lord L’Estrange had three sons, John, Harmon and Guy, all of whom held large tracts of land in Shropshire by gift from King Henry with whom they were connected by marriage. Harmon the 2nd son was Lord of
Wrockwardine. Guy the youngest son was Lord of the Manors of Weston and
Alveley County Shropshire. John the eldest son succeeded his father in the Baronage and Baronee of Knokyn. He procured market for the town of Knokyn on Tuesdays and a fair on the eveday, and the day following the decollation of John The Baptist.
Madoc who was at the head of an insurrection against the King, Kings Officers in North Wales, marched against the Lord L’Estrange and defeated him at Knokyn. The male line of the family failed in John L’Estrange, who died in the 17th year of the reign of Edward the 4th leaving surviving an only daughter who was named Joan;
and who married George Viscount Stanley the eldest son of Thomas Lord Stanley who shortly after the battle of Bosworth was created Earl of Derby. The castle of Knokyn was first demolished in the Civil Wars in the reign of King John. It was repaired by John Lord L’Estrange de Knokyn in the 3rd year of the reign of Henry 3rd. (see ante page 9)
At present there is scarcely a vestige of the castle remaining. The property having been entrusted to improper hands. The stones of it have been worked up to build the Church yard wall; and the bridge over the brook. A few years ago a quantity of them was carried away and broken up to repair the road. The Keep may still be traced; it has a few straggling fir trees upon it. The town has not now either market or fair.
There is a singular story relating to Knokyn Castle related by one Phillipps a poet who was born in 1671; and died in 1749. The story is without date; and is as follows. One Thomas Elkes being guardian to his brother’s child, who was young, and stood in his way to a considerable estate. To remove the child, Elkes hired a poor boy to entice the child into a field, to gather flowers. Elkes met the two children in the field; he sent the poor boy home, he carried his nephew in his arms to the further end of the field where he had placed a tub, filled with water into which he put the childs head, and he left it there. The child being missed enquiry was made after it. The poor boy told how he had been hired
And where he had left the child, whereupon search it was discovered. Elkes fled, and took the road to London. The neighbours sent two horsemen in pursuit; and riding along the road near Southmines in Heritfordshire; they observed two ravens sitting on a cock of hay; and Elkes asleep at the bottom of it. Elkes confessed that the ravens had followed him from the time he did the act. He was brought to Shrewsbury; was tried, was condemned, and was hung in chains on Knokyn Heath.
“Castle and Manor of Middle”
The Lords L’Estrange de Knokyn held the Manor of Middle by the service of one Knights’ fee under the Fitz Alans, Earls and Lords of Blun?. In the 20th year of the reign of king Edward the 1st, a writ of quo warranto was raised against John
L’Estrange Lord Strange de knokyn de Infang thef free Warren and Waif in the manors of Nesse, Kingston and Middle. Lord Strange pleaded by presumption. The jurors allowed that plea and a fine was then levied, and a recovery was suffered. The Lord L’Estrange his son obtained license to make a castle of his house at Middle as it lay less exposed to the incursions of the Welsh, than either of his castles at Knokyn or Kingston; which often felt the fury of that people. In the 3rd year of the reign of Edward the 3rd the Lord L’Estrange last referred had a grant of free warren; The new of frankpledge and waif in the Manor of Middle. A settlement made by Richard Lord L’Estrange can be found in the Chancery Rolls of the 18th Year of the reign of Henry the 6th. In the 16th year of this same reign, John Lord L’Estrange and in the 48th year of same reign. Roger Lord L’Estrange de Knokyn levied fines and suffered recoveries of the Manor of Middle. As to the present state of that Manor it is merely a straddling village pleasantly situated on a hill, with a few ruins; and one prominent tower of the castle.
The title de Knokyn is still kept up though the Baronage is extinct. The eldest son of the Derby Family is allowed to style himself Viscount Stanley Lord Strange de Knokyn. The name Knokyn was originally written Lunkyn; but no probable conjecture respecting its derivation can be found.
Guy L’Estrange
He was the youngest son of Roland, the first Baron Strange de Knokyn the patriac (see ante page 9) In the lifetime of his father, King Henry 2nd granted unto him the manors of Weston and Alvithele County Salop to be held by the service of one knights fee.
He was Sherriff of that county from the 6th to the 7th, to the 11th; and again from the 17th to the 25th years of the reign of that King. He died before the accession of King John having surviving a son and heir named Raulfe and three daughters named respectively Margaret, Joane and Matilda. On his decease he was succeeded by his son Raulfe who died childless leaving surviving his three sisters coheirs.
Margaret the eldest sister married Thomas the eldest son of Baron Noel.
Joane the second sister married Robert de Wapenburi.
Matilda the youngest sister married about 1196 Griffin ap Jorwerth Lord of Sutton from which marriage the distinguished family Kynaston descends—
Baronage of Ellesmere created AD1295
Harmon L’Estrange The second son of John L’Estrange, third Baron Strange de Knokyn (see ante page 10) having stood firmly by the King. John in his contest with Montford Earl of Leicester was rewarded with a grant from the Crown of the Lordship of Ellesmere and Manors of Stretton. He went to the Holy Land where he died,
without issue having previously gifted the Lordship of Ellesmere and Manors of Stretton to his younger brother.
Sir Roger L’Estrange who on the death of Harmon became Lord of Ellesmere. In the 55th and again in the 56th years of the reign of Henry 3rd, he filled the office of Sherriff of County York. IN the 4th year of the reign of Edward 1st, he obtained confirmation of the grant that had been made to him by his elder brother Harmon of the Castle Hundred of Ellesmere and of the Manor of Stretton; and some years later he was constituted “Justice of all the forests south of Trent”. In the 23rd year of the same reign, he had a military summons to march against the French.
He married Maud one of the daughters of William Beauchamp Earl of Bedford, and widow of Roger Baron de Mowbray. By her he had 2 sons, the eldest of whom was named Harmon. In 1295 he was summoned to Parliament and by virtue of that summons he was created Baron of Ellesmere. On his decease he was succeeded by his Eldest son Harmon L’Estrange second Baron of Ellesmere who had three sons namely Harmon, Roger, and Robert. (Robert was granted the Manor of Chariton and he was created Baron de Blackmere; further concerning him, see post page ). He (Harmon ) died in the reign of Edward 1st and he was succeeded by his eldest son Harmon 3rd Baron of Ellesmere who died without issue and was succeeded by his younger brother. Roger L’Estrange 4th Baron of Ellesmere. In the reign of Edward 1st he was summoned to parliament as “Regero Estraneo de Ellesmere” . He had one son only, who was named John and a daughter who was named Lucy. On his decease he was succeeded by that only son John L’Estrange 5th Baron Ellesmere who died unmarried leaving surviving his Sister Lucy. On his decease the baronage fell into abeyance. Lucy married twice. Firstly Guy de St. Amand. By him she had not any children. She married secondly her maternal cousin Simon de Leyburn by whom she had a son who was named John, and a daughter named Katherine. John Leyburn as the heir male of his maternal grandfather the aforesaid Roger L’Estrange 5th (?) 4th Baron Ellesmere
John de Leyburn 7th Baron Ellesmere; He died without issue leaving surviving his Sister Katherine. On his decease, the Baronage again fell into abeyance. Katherine married Geoffrey de Lusi, by whom she had children; her eldest son was named Reginald, who as the heir of his maternal uncle, the aforesaid John de Leyburn 7th Baron Ellesmere succeeded to the Baronage as Reginald de Lusi 8th Baron of
Ellesmere he died leaving surviving an only son who was named Walter; who on his death succeeded to the Baronage as
Walter de Lusi 9th Baron de Ellesmere. Walter died without issue male leaving surviving 2 daughters co-heirs namely Eleanor and Matilda. On his decease, the Baronage again fell into abeyance between the descendants of his Sisters. Eleanor the eldest Sister married Sir Thomas Stopton Knight Banneret. Matilda the youngest Sister married Sir William Vaux Grand father of Nicholas Lord Vaux of Harrowden whose daughter Ann married Sir Thomas L’Estrange of Hunstanton Knight Banorette.
(See post page ). The Baronage of Ellesmere continued in abeyance until the year 1603 when Sir Thomas Egerton; who married Frances the 2nd daughter of the before mentioned Ferdinand 5th Earl of Derby (see ante page ). Was raised to the Peerage as
Sir Thomas Egerton 10th Baron of Ellesmere. In November 1606 Sir Thomas was further advanced to the dignity of Viscount Brackley and thereupon the baronage of Ellesmere became merged in that superior title. In May 1616 Viscount Brackley was created Earl of Bridgewater, and he bore also the titles Viscount Brackley, and Baron of Ellesmere. He was subsequently appointed Lord President of Wales to which appointment the world is indebted, for Milton’s immortal (Mask of Comus). He died in 1649 and he was succeeded in all his titles by his eldest son John Egerton 2nd Earl of Bridgewater, Baron of Ellesmere. John Egerton married Elizabeth daughter of William Cavendish Duke Newcastle. Sir William Dugdale writing of L’Estrange Baron of Ellesmere has stated that “Roger L’Estrange who was summoned to
Parliament in 1295 (see last page) was alive in 1303 but that further could not be said of him. It is presumable that he died without issue when the Baronage became
extinct.”
According to Sir William’s own shewing, such presumption is erroneous; tracing the pedigree of L’Estrange Baron de Blackmere he has written in “this branch of the family sprang from Robert L’Estrange of Chariton who was the younger son of Harmon L’Estrange 2nd Lord of Ellesmere”. see baronage to Blackmere post page . That being so there must have been a Roger of Ellesmere other than the Roger who died issueless in the Holy Land; and there could not have been another; if, as alleged by Sir William, the Sir Roger who was
Who was summoned to Parliament in 1295, died in or after 1303 without issue. Mr Nicolas was unequally eminent genealogist, writing of the Ellesmere branch of the family has written that “Harmon Le’Estrange of Ellesmere father of Robert
Le’Estrange Lord of Chariton (see ante page 17) was the 2nd son of John 3rd Baron Strange de Knokyn demonstrating the fact that there was a Harmon of Ellesmere other than the Harmon who had gone to the Holy Land; and died there without having previously by his will, gifted Ellesmere to his younger Brother Roger. On another point, but not a material one Mr Nicolas also was in error as Harmon Le’Estrange the 2nd son of John Le’Estrange 3rd Baron de Knokyn was the Harmon of Ellesmere who went to the Holy Land, and died there without issue.
The description of Ellesmere
Of Ellesmere itself, Sir William Dugdale has written as follows : “Ellesmere has its name from the great lake or Mere that washes it. Having the Kings of England for its immediate Lords it was often given by them as a marriage portion with their Sisters or Daughters to a Prince of Wales; though they always reserved the right of resuming possession; because of its importance as a Frontier Town. This frequently happened till the reign of Henry 3rd after which period, we hear no more of its being in the hands of the Welsh. The castle was a fortress of great strength; and the history of Ellesmere at the periods when civil war raged in the nation, is most interesting. Governors were appointed by the Crown from the time when the Welsh Princes were dispossessed of it till the reign of Edward 3nd when it was given to Eubolo Le’Estrange Lord of Ellesmere in fee; from whom it descended by heirship or marriage to the Earls of Derby. (This is explained post page .)
At the time referred to by Sir William Dugdale, Princes of Wales were Independent sovereigns; not in any way under the control or
dominance of the English. Contrary wise, they were often hostile to the English, and constantly made raids on English Barons, and Lords of Manors.
.
John Le’Estrange Baron de Knokyn was one of those Barons whom they raided. He was constrained to make a Castle of his House at Middle which lay less exposed to the fury of the Welsh people than his Castles at Knokyn and ??
In the 13th volume of (Beauties of England and Wales) before referred to. The Reverend J Nightingale has described Ellesmere as follows.
“Ellesmere in Shropshire has its name from the Mere or Great Lake that washes it.
There are several such in the neighbourhood; but this being the largest is called Achmere; Or the principal Mere. All in compositione forestantiam vel plenetudinum denotest mere stagnum quod inter maris exequi so precibit; Thou some will have it derived from the abundance of eels in that water. In the Confessors time Edmund comes tenuit Ellesmere which in doomsday, Earl Roger LeStrange held” in fee. (See ante page ) ad1177; The King Henry 3rd went to Oxford; and amongst other grants recorded there he found one to
David the son of Owen de North Wales Turam de Ellesmere, Owen having married the King’s Sister. “It was that Owen that Guido Etanger unhorsed at the joust at Castle Peverel in the Peke in Derbershire. (See ante page 5) Robert Lupus held Manorium de Ellesmere for Johannis Regis. In the 6th year of King John’s reign, he gave the castle and manor of Ellesmere with his Daughter Joan to Llewellen Prince of Wales; but, in the 10th year of his reign, just 4 years after Burth Turve, who was then the Governor of the Castle was commanded on his allegiance to put the place into the possession of William Earl of Salisbury, the King’s brother and Thomas de Erdyngton quid volumis quod illud constidiant teste neeps apud Warwick 18die Decembri; so that the King the disposal of the castle, this being a frontier town, and of some importance to the maches, and consequently not to be disposed of to or left entirely in the power of the Prince of Wales; who we may suppose had only the rents and profits arising from the tenants. In the 4th year of the Reign of Henry 3rd; Sir Roger L’Estrange yielded up to the King, the inheritance of the Manors of Colmed and Hampton; and in consideration of the same he received the same Manors again cum castro et hundreds de Ellesmere ad Valem tantum.
In the 21st year of Henry 3rd John L’Estrange was governor of the Castle. In 51st year of the same reign the Manor Castle and Hundred Ellesmere was granted to Hamon L’Estrange and his heirs dome sibi et hereditas provisione erat de escheatis ad C lebraum per annum. This Harmon was a youngest son of Lord John L’Estrange de Knokyn. See ante page 10. In the 14th year of Edward 2nd Oliver des Ingleburn who adhered so firmly to the King upon the insurrection of the Earl of Lancaster and other Lords was appointed Governor of this Castle. In the 3rd of Edward 3rd a Writ was issued to see after the encroachment of this, and to settle the boundaries, which being done, the King gave the government of the Castle of Ellesmere with the Hamlets of Colmed and Hampton to the Lord Eubale L’Estrange in fee; who dying without issue left the same to Roger L’Estrange de Knokyn snr, his cousin and next heir. Richard the second son and heir of Roger was found to be nephew and heir to Phillippa
Duchess of York. He died in the 27th year of the reign of Henry 6th; leaving surviving a son named John. Elizabeth his widow married Roger Kynaston esq. her dower being the Manors of Ness Strange Kenton and Colmed, the Hamlets of Hampton and Colmore; Castel et Dominium of Ellesmere. John L’Estrange the son of Richard died in the 17th year of the reign of Edward 4th; leaving issue surviving Joan, his only child and heir married to Sir George Viscount Stanley, eldest son and heir apparent of Thomas the 1st Earl of Derby, in whose family the Baronage of Ellesmere vested for 4 descents when William the Earl had license. – 42 of Elizabeth to make an
allientation of it to Richard Spencer and Edward Sewage. In the subsequent year he obtained the Queen’s pardon for the allientation quam fecire thom Egerton militia custo de Mageri sigilli afterwards Lord Chancellor, and created Baron de Ellesmere.
(See Eldom of Derby post page ).
(NOTE : This is crossed out. Richard L’Estrange was not the son of Roger Baron de Knokyn. He was his Grandson. His father’s name was John who was the 10th Baron Strange de Knokyn. Neither was he Cousin of Phillippa Duchess of York; he was her nephew she being a Sister of his Mother.)
Leland the antiquarian born 1506 died 1552 gives the following description of
Ellesmere. In as much Ellesmere is a spacious but irregular conforming building. In the centre is a handsome neat clean town; and rendered exceedingly beautiful by the fine wood-fringed lake that comes close to its walls. It has 4 streets and 3 fairs but not a market. None of the ruins of the castle are left, but the eminence on which the keep stood discovers that it hath been an ancient fort. Square further advanced with pinnicles. The tracing of the eastern is highly beautiful., In the Chancel of the chapel is an ancient tombe of the Kynastons of Hordley. The ceiling of this part is
Baronage de blackmere created 13th January 1308.
Robert Le’Strange Lord of Chariton Hants was the second son of Hamon Le’Strange 2nd Baron Strange Elsmere. (See ante page 7.) Robert married Aleanore Sister and Co-heir of William de Bluchmeister, Lord of Whitchurch in Shropshire. He died in 1296 leaving surviving 2 sons John and Fulk-Fulcy and 1 daughter who was named Aleanore after her mother. He was succeeded by his oldest son.
John Le’Strange designated of Blackmere by reason that his Manor of Whitchurch was situate close to the Mere, the water of which was of a very dark colour. On his death he was succeeded by his Brother.
Fulcy Le’Strange , who having been engaged in the Wars of Scotland and France was summoned to Parliament in the reigns of Edward 1st and Edward 2nd (1308-1324) during the life of his eldest Brother John as Fulcy Le’Strange Baron Strange and after John’s death as Fulcy Le’Strange Baron de Blackmere. In the 12th year of Edward 2nd ad 1319 he obtained pardon for having adhered to Thomas Earl of Lancaster; and in 1323 he was constituted seneschal of the Dutchy of Aquitaine in France. He married Eleanor daughter and co-heir of John Gifford of Brinesfield; and in her right he acquired 1/3 part of the manor of Thornleigh in Nottinghamshire. By her he had 2 sons John and Fulk. His Lordship died in 1324; and he was succeeded by his Eldest son.
John Le’Strange 2nd Baron de Blackmere. In the reign of Edward 3rd he was twice (1330 and 1349) summoned to Parliament as Johannes Le’Strange de Blackmere. In the 4th year of the same reign 1331 he was made Governor of Conway Castle. He was afterwards in the wars of Scotland and France; and he attained the High military rank of Knight Bannerette. He married Ankeret daughter of William Le Botilier; and co- heir of the famous Edmund Le Botilier Clerk. By her he had 2 sons Fulk and John and a daughter who was named Aleanore. Aleanore married Reginald Earl Grey de Ruthven. John the 2nd Baron died in 1349 and he was succeeded by his eldest Son.
Fulk Le’Strange 3rd Baron de Blackmere who survived his father only a few months.
He died issueless and was succeeded by his Brother.
John Le’Strange 4th Baron de Blackmere. In the reign of Edward 3rd April 1360 he was summoned to Parliament. He married the Lady Mary Fitzalan sister of Richard Earl of Arundel; and by her he had 2 children. A son who was named John; and a daughter who was named Ankeret. He died in 1361 and he was succeeded by his Son.
John Le’Strange 5th Baron de Blackmere. In 1361 he was found heir to his Mother;
and in the same year, to his Father also. He married the Lady Isabel Beauchamp daughter of Thomas Earl of Warwick, and widow of William de la Pole Earl of Suffolk (Isabel married 3rdly Robert de Gifford.) He left at his decease infra cetatino 3rd August 1375 an only child who was named Elizabeth; and also, his sister, the abovenamed Ankeret. On his decease the Baronage fell into obeyance. Elizabeth married Thomas Mowbray Earl of Nottingham. She died without issue; and, on her decease, her estates and the obeyance of the Baronage devolved upon the said Lady Ankeret Le’Strange, who thence forward was styled “The Heiress of Blackmere”.
She married Richard Talbot Knight Banorette, son and heir apparent of Gilbert Baron Talbot by Petrorielle his wife daughter of James Earl of Ormonde (during of his father Baron Talbot Richard jure texoris was summonded to the Parliament from 3rd March 1384 to the 7th December 1387 by writ directed to Ricardo Talbot de Blackmere. By Richard, Ankeret had a son who was named Gilbert.
Gilbert Talbot. Who, as the heir of his maternal grandfather the aforesaid John Le’Strange, the 4th Baron succeeded to the Baronage as the 6th Baron; And, on the death of his father the aforesaid Sir Richard Talbot, who had succeeded to the Talbot Baronage; that Baronage and the Estates appertaining thereto rested in him. He married Beatrice daughter of John the 1st King of Portugal by Phillippa his wife who was daughter of John of Gaunt (the 3rd son of Edward the 3rd) by his first wife Blanche of Lancaster and Sister of King Henry the 4th. (Beatrice was the divorced wife of Thomas Earl of Arundel. Gilbert Talbot died in 1419 without issue male, leaving surviving a daughter who was named Ankeret. So named after her paternal grandmother.
On his decease, the Baronage again fell into obeyance. Ankeret died in minority unmarried ano 1421; and on her decease the Baronage of Blackmere and also the Baronage of Talbot vested in her paternal uncle and heir, John Talbot Earl of Salop, in which Superin litte both said Baronages merged; and so continued until the death in 1616 of Gilbert Talbot the 1st Earl of Shrewsbury without issue male when again they fell into obeyance between the 3 daughters of that Earl namely, Margaret, Elizabeth and Alithea.
Margaret the Eldest Daughter married Wiulliam 3rd Earl of Pembroke.
Elizabeth the 2nd Daughter married Henry 8th Earl of Kent.
Alithea the youngest daughter married Thomas Howard 14th Earl of Arundel.
Margaret Countess of Pembroke and Elizabeth of Kent died without issue male leaving their youngest Sister Alithea Countess of Arundel surviving. Alithea had an only son who was named Henry Frederick Howard. He was the 15th Earl of Arundel, Baron de Blackmere, Baron Talbot. He subsequently became Earl of Norfolk. He died in the lifetime of his Mother leaving surviving 2 sons namely Thomas and Henry.
On his decease, he was succeeded in all his titles by his eldest son Thomas Howard Earl of Norfolk. Thomas was advanced to the dignity of Duke of Norfolk. He died without issue and he was succeeded by his younger brother Henry Howard 2nd Duke of Norfolk, who died without issue male leaving surviving 2 daughters, namely Winifred and Ann. On his decease the Baronage of Blackmere again fell into obeyance.
Winifred the eldest daughter married William Lord Staughton.
Ann, the youngest daughter married Robert Edward Lord Petre and between the descendants of those two ladies, the Baronage of Blackmere continues in obeyance.
Description of Whitchurch
In the Volume “Beauties of England and Wales” Whitchurch is described as a handsome town on the Chester Road from Shrewsbury.
Sealed on a declivite of a hill, at the top of which stands the Church commanding an extensive view of the environs; and of the distant country. The Church is very
handsome modern structure having been erected in ano 1722. Two recumbent stone figures have been preserved from the ruins of the old church. One of these figures represents the redoubtable John Talbot Earl of Shrewsbury and Marshall of the Realm of France, in the reign of Henry the 6th
[He was the younger brother of Gilbert Talbot the son of Ankeret Le’Strange who married Richard Talbot, son of Gilbert Baron Talbot by his Petronella Daughter of James Duke of Arundel see ante p ]
The other stone figure is the Tombe of Christopher Talbot 4th son of John Talbot the 2nd Earl of Shrewsbury. Christopher Talbot was Rector of Whitchurch and
Archdeacon of Chester. The Rectory is one of the richest in the country. Part of the old wall of the Castle of Whitchurch was standing in 1760 on the Castle Hill on the side next to the wall just above the bank the ruins under what is called “The Lockup House”. This house is remarkable as having been the birth place and residence of several eminent men amongst whom was , Barnard Chaplain to Archbishop Ussher. He was afterwards Dean of Ardagh. He was the author of several books and pamphlets. He suffered much in Ireland for his steady attachment to his religious principles. He died in 1661 and he was buried in this place. Another eminent person who was buried in this house was Abraham Mulock a person of great learning and noted as a linguist of transcendant abilities. He was the author of a Persian translation of the New Testament which great task he undertook under the Pious hope that in time it might open the way for the conversion of the natives of Persia. He was one of Doctor Brian Waltoris assistance in the compilation of that prelate’s Polyglot Bible. He also published a decent edition of the works of the
Venerable Bede. He died ano 1654. Whitchurch has an excellent free school at which many persons of eminence had their grammer learning. There are also meeting houses for protestant dissenters. A clean School for children of both sexes, and 6 Alms
houses for women; each of whom is allowed 4 guineas per annum. These houses were endowed by Samuel Higginson. This town is much resorted to during the horse races which are frequently held there.
Le’Strange Earl of Lincoln Earldom: created ad 1141
In the year 1141, William of Romania was created Earl of Lincoln by King Stephen.
William Collins who was designated a poet, was born 1721 and died in 1759. Writing of Eubolo Le’Strange Earl of Lincoln has related as follows.
Sir Eubolo Le’Strange Knight Banneret was the 2nd son of John Le’Strange 5th Lord Strange de Knockyn see ante p10. He was born in 1306. He bore the Titles Earl of Lincoln, Baron Le’Estrange of Buelt, Lord of Halton Bolingbroke, Lord of Ellesmere, and Lord of Grandchester. On the 19th August 1326, he gained the high military rank of Knight Banneret. In the same year and again in April 1335 he was summoned to Parliament as Baron Le Strange. In 1327 he was Captain in the Kings Army against Scotland. In the same year, King Edward 3rd constituted him Governor of the Castle of Ellesmere. On the 7th March 1330 he was made Lord of Buelt. Previous to October 1328 he married Alice de Laci, the only child and heir of Henri de Laci Earl of Lincoln; and widow of Thomas Plantagenet Earl of Lancaster. On the decease of Henri de Laci which occurred in March 1335, Eubolo Le’Strange was allowed by his patron King Henry 3rd to succeed to the Earldom; and ever after he bore the title of Earl of Lincoln. He died about September 1335, leaving Alice his Countess surviving.
On his decease without issue the Earldom fell into obeyance. By directions of Alice his remains were intered in Berkeley Abbey, the place of interment of the Lincoln family. Alice his widow married 3rdly High Lord de Freyre, whom also she survived.
She died childless; and, on her decease the Earldom became extinct. In obedience to directions contained in her will, her remains were interred in Berkeley Abbey
alongside those of her second husband Eubolo Le’Strange Earl of Lincoln. She was styled “The Heiress of Lincoln”; her father, and all her husbands had large
possessions. Shortly after her decease, John of Gaunt, the third son of King Edward 3rd was created Earl of Lincoln; and on his decease his son Henry succeeded him in all his titles viz Earl of Lincoln, Earl of Leicester, Earl of Derby, and Duke of Lancaster.
Subsequently, Henry succeeded to the throne of England as King Henry 4th.
Le’Strange of Hunstanton
Sir Hamon Le’Strange Knight Banneret of Hunstanton Hall, in Lynn Regis in the county of Norfolk, was the youngest son of John Le’Strange 5th Baron Strange de Knokyn see ante p10. In the reign of Edward 2nd anno 1307 his oldest brother John Le’Strange 6th Baron Strange de Knokyn gifted and enfeoffed to him and his heirs of the Manor of Hunstanton that had descended to John from his Ancestress Matilda le Brun the wife of Roland, the patriarch of the family. Sir Hamon married Margaret daughter of Ralph Vernon and Heiress of Richard Vernon of Shipbrook County Chester. By Margaret he had many children his eldest Son was named Hamon. On his decease he was succeeded by his eldest son,
Sir Hamon Le’Strange Knight Banneret who married Eleanor daughter of Heiress of Baron Camois or Camoys; and by her he had with other children a son who was named John. He died temp Richard 2nd anno 1390 and he was succeeded by his said son.
Sir John Le’Strange Knight Banneret. In the lifetime of his father he married another Eleanor daughter and sole heir of Sir Richard Waltzure?? Baronet MP for
Norfolkshire; and by her he had an only son, who alsowas named John. He died in the reign of Edward 5th anno 1481 and he was succeeded by his son.
Sir John Le’Strange Knight Banneret.
He married Alice daughter of John Beaumont and by her he had issue 2 sons John and Henry. John the eldest son died without issue in the lifetime of his father, and on the death of Sir john, he was succeeded by his second son.
Sir Henry Le’Strange Knight Banneret who married Katherine daughter of Roger Daury of Halstead in Suffolk. By her he had issue; the eldest son was named ??
. Of Sir Henry Mr Collins before referred to has written in “Sir Henry Le’Strange Knight Banneret lies buried with his ancestors at Hunstanton under fayre monument with this inscription, “Orate pro anima Henrico Le’Strange armigori and Katherine uxoris pro benefactoribuz et pro fidelibus defunctis. Qui quidem Henricus obit
vicessimo quinto die Novembris An Dom MCCCCLXXV quirum aminabus
propritietur deus” on the death of Sir Henry he was succeeded by his Son the aforesaid Sir Rodger Le’Strange Knight Banneret.
He was Esquire of the body of King Henry 7th. On the marriage of Prince Arthur anno 1507 he was made a Knight of Bathing KB. He married Ann daughter of Sir Christian Heyden KB and by her he had a son who was named John. Of Sir Rodger Mr Collins has related, “Sir Rodger Le’Strange Night Banneret lies buried at Hunstanton. When upon the side of the tombe is inscribed the names of Sir Rodger, and others of the name. Upon the verge of the said tombe being inlaid with brasse is this genealogical inscription to be read. “Orata pro anima prenominati Rogeri lStrange militis pro corpore illustrissimi nuper regis Anglia Henreci Septimi ac fil et hered prefati Henreci lStrange armigeri patris et heredis Johanni lStrange filii & heredistam Johanni
lStrange quam Alicia Beaumont Comsanguinie et heredis Johannis Pike et Johannis Rushbrooke et dictis Johanni lStrange fuit fillius et herestam Johanni LStrange militis quam Eleanore fil et Hered tam Ricardo Walkfare militis quam comsanguinie et hered Thom ?? militis et dictus Johanni lStrange nules fuit fil et Hered Hamonis lStrange armegeri et Kathe fil domini Johanni de Camois; et dictus Hamonis lStrange fuit fil et Heres Hamoni lStrange militis et Margerarite Vernon de Moltero Consanguinee et Hered magistri Ricardo Veron et dictus Hamoni lStrange fuit pater domini Johanni lStrange de Knokyn et Maud de Nohun qui quidem Rogeri lStrange miles obiit XXVII die Octobris anno domini MCCCCCVI et nuper regis dicti vicessimus primo cujus anime as animbus ante assorum benefactorium sucrem nee non anima Johanni lStrange de Massingham parma Armigeri Patris et executoris presesit ati Rogeri lStrange militis Deus propitratur Amen”. On the death of Sir Roger he was succeeded by his son John lStrange,
John lStrange
Who died at the age of 12 years on the 25th March 1514 and he was succeeded by his younger brother
Sir Thomas lStrange Knight Baronet who was born in 1494. He was esquire to the body of King Henry 8th (Thom 1599 he was Knighted) he accompanied that king in 1520 to the field of the Cloth of Gold. He was High Sherriff of Norfolkshire anno 1532. He married Ann daughter of Lord Vaux of Harrowden, (Ann was 5th in descent
