The Hissem-Montague Family

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I want to thank Andrew Lancaster for providing much of the information that follows. See also Some Remarks Upon The Surnames Lancaster, Lancashire, Lanchester.

1st Baron Kendal and dapifer, or steward, to William Rufus, son of the Conqueror. Also as Yvo, Ives, and as de Talboys, Tallebois, Tailebois or Tailbois, which appatently meant "woodcutter." Anglicized, the name is John Talbot. Also referred to as Guillaume Ive Raoul de Taillebois. He was born in 1022 or 1036 in Anjou, France. He may have been the "left-hand", that is illegitimate, brother of Fulk, who was Earl of Anjou. Some sources make him out to be the son of Fulk, but Fulke III (970-1040), the 5th Count of Anjou, lived too early to be Ivo's father, and Fulke IV (1043-1109), the 7th Count, lived too late, The 6th Count was not named Fulk; he was Geoffrey II Martel (1006-1061). Some sources also claim that Ivo's brother was at one time King of Jerusalem, but that was Count Fulke V (1092-1143), who came much later.

Note that calling Ivo the 1st Baron Kendal is an anachronsim; the barony as such was not established until later. I use the title to indicate succession to a set of lands in the Westmorland region.

"After a careful review of the evidence which has been sketched above, the author is of opinion that no barony or reputed barony of Kentdale existed prior to the grants of 1189-90; and that neither William de Lancaster, son of Gilbert, nor William de Lancaster II, his son and successor, can be rightly described as "baron" of Kentdale. It is certain that whilst Westmarieland was in the hands of Hugh de Morevill by grant of Henry II down to Michaelmas, 1176, when it was taken into the king's hands, the Noutgeld of £14 6s. 3d. due yearly by William de Lancaster I and afterwards by his son, William de Lancaster II, was paid to Hugh de Morevill and received by him as part of the issues of Westmarieland. In 1178 and 1179 the entire Noutgeld of Westmarieland and Kentdale was £55 19s. 3d., in which sum was undoubtedly included £14 6s. 3d. due from the lands of William de Lancaster II in Kentdale and Westmarieland. In addition to Noutgeld a farm of £8 18s. 2d. for the 16 carucates in Kentdale, and £5 for the fishery of Kentdale, were similarly paid until Michaelmas, 1176, by the lord of Kentdale to Hugh de Morevill. It appears therefore improbable, if not impossible, that Kentdale was held by barony prior to 1190. That it was a barony after that date is proved by the following entry on the Pipe Roll for "Lancastre" of 5 Henry III (1221): Nova oblata. Willelmus de Lancastre debet 100., li., pro relevio suo per plegios annotatos in [rotulo] originalium anni quarti Regis [1220]." - from Intro.

Ivo came to England with the Conqueror. The Dives Roll includes the name of Ivo Taillebois, and also that of Guillaume and Raoul Taillebois, presumably his kin. The Domesday Book records,

"Tallboys, Ivo Also called 'cut-bush'. Married Lucy. In charge of siege of Hereward the Wake at Ely, 1069. Steward to William II. Holdings in Lincs. and Norfolk."

The story of Hereward the Wake, well known to antiquaries, is the battle between Hereward, "last of the English," against the usurping lord, Ivo de Tallebois. A 12th century work, the Geste Herewarde, says of Ivo,

"A proud man was Ivo Taillebois, as he rode next morning out of Spalding town, with hawk on fist, and hound at heel, and a dozen men-at-arms at his back, who would, on due or undue cause shown, hunt men while he hunted game. An adventurer from Anjou, brutal, ignorant, and profligate,--low-born, too (for his own men whispered, behind his back, that he was no more than his name hinted, a wood-cutter's son), he still had his deserts. Valiant he was, cunning, and skilled in war. He and his troop of Angevine ruttiers had fought like tigers by William's side, at Hastings; and he had been rewarded with many a manor, which had been Earl Algar's, and should now have been Earl Edwin's, or Morcar's, or, it may be, Hereward's own. "

Burke claimed that Ivo married Elgiva [Gondreda?], the daughter of the old Saxon King Ethelred. Since Ivo's Cumberland and Westmorland estates descended to Eldred, it has been assumed that he was the son of Ivo and Elgiva. However, there are difficulties in dating in which the supposed heirs of Ivo are contemporaneous with both Ivo and Roger de Poitou.

Another story is that William the Conqueror gave his niece, Judith, as wife to Waltheof, the old Saxon Earl and a favorite of William's. Read Walteof's story on the Anglo-Saxon origins page. Waltheof, however, conspired to rebel in 1075 and Judith, finding out, told Ivo Tailbois, the Baron of Kendal, whom she loved. The plot was foiled, Walteof was executed, and Judith married Ivo, bringing him into the royal family. The first part of this story is historical fact, the second half is unsubstantiated.

These two stories get further confused as Surtees weaves them together, leaving out Ivo, and claiming that Uchtred, the son of Waltheof, married Elgiva, the daughter of Ethelred.

Stow says Ivo married, perhaps forcibly, Lucia [Lucy], a Saxon heiress, in 1076. She was the daughter of Godiva and Algar [Aelfgar], son of Leofric, and Earl of Mercia [though I show that Godiva was the mother of Aelfgar, not his wife]. Her brothers were the Earls Edwin, of Mercia, and Morcar, of Northumbria. Ivo did, apparently, gain Morcar's lands in Norfolk and Lincoln after marrying Lucy. Note also that Morcar and Edwin had rebelled against King William's rule in 1069 and been stripped of their titles at that time. Ivo may have profited from their treachery.

To keep things interesting, some sources claim that Lucy was the daughter of Turold [Thorold of Angiers], the sheriff of Lincoln. Another says she was the daughter of either Gilbert or Robert de Malet. Ivo did gain lands that might imply he had married one or more of all of these ladies. Clearly no one has a clue.

The Countess Lucy kept her Courts at Spalding, an inheritance from her father, during the banishment of her first husband, Yvo de Taillebois - from "British Freewomen: Their Historical Privilege." Ivo apparently joined in a conspiracy against William II Rufus in 1087 headed by William the Conqueror's half-brothers, Odo, the Bishop of Bayeux, and Robert of Mortain. When this rebellion failed Ivo was banished [for how long?]. This aligns poorly with the fact that Ivo was awarded lands by William Rufus in this same year. .

Lucy had three Norman husbands, Ivo de Talleboys, Roger Fitzgerald de Romara [Roumares, Rumily], and Ranulph de Meschines, the Earl of Chester. She must have been very young when she married Ivo for she survived her third husband, living on until 1131. It has been suggested that there were really two Lucy's, mother and daughter, with the Earl of Chester marrying the latter. "British History Online" reports that, "The ancestry and personality of Countess Lucy, and her various marriages, present some interesting problems." Note that the Countess Lucy, the widow or heiress of Ivo, was a patron of the priory of Spalding

Ivo died in about 1094 [or as late as 1098] in Kendal, Westmorland.

Who were his children? The Register of Cockersand Abbey distinctly states that Eldred, ancestor of the Baron's of Kendal, was the son of Ivo Tail-Bois. It has been argued, however, that Ivo could not have been the father of Eldred. While I don't know all the arguments, I assume the issue is based on an early death for Ivo, hence Lucy's subsequent marriages and the early, even contemporaneous, birth of Eldred. Another source claims that Ivo's only child was Lucy, who, as speculated above, married Roger de Romara, having an only son, William, and then the Earl of Chester, having a son Ranulph II.

One alternative history is that after Ivo's death in 1094/7, lacking heirs, the barony reverted to the crown and was then granted to the Mowbray's who then enfeoffed Eldred.

1107-1115. "Henry I gave the greater part of the parishes of Kirkby in Kendale, Heversham and Burton to Nigel de Aubeigny." - from "British History Online."

"The Lancaster family derived their title to the barony of Kendal from Roger de Mowbray, in the reign of King Stephen, and he from his father, Nigel de Albini [de Aubeigny]. They are both mentioned in a charter of Richard I to Gilbert FitzReinfrid as former possessers of the barony." - from "A History of Westmorland" by Richard Saul Ferguson.

Note that at about this same time, 1114, Henry I gave the Honor of Lancashire, which had belonged to Roger de Poitou, to Stephen of Blois, his cousin and future King [the usurper].

It continues to be hard to make the dates below work, even assuming that Eldred and Ivo were contempories. It may be the Ketel was also a contemporary, vice son, of Eldred and Ivo.

2nd Baron Kendal. Also as Aldred, Ealdred, Eltred, Elred, and Ethelred. Note that this is a Saxon name, not Norman. He may also be known as Aelfred de Tailbois. Was he a Saxon or Danish thane who submitted to the Conqueror? He is the first member of the family for which there is any certainty. If he was the son of Ivo [which is difficult to maintain] his mother would have been Elgiva, the daughter of Ethelred, who spent much time at the Norman court during King Canute's rule. It is more likely that he was, as shown here, a contemporary of Ivo.

After the death of the Conqueror there had been many rebellions against William Rufus and Henry I, mostly in favor of Duke Robert of Normandy. By 1102 the last of these had been crushed. In the aftermath Eldred was created Baron of Kendal. I assume he must have been a very old man at this point.

"In 1106 Eltred de Tail-Bois was created Baron Kendal . . ." - from"Antiquary: A Magazine Devoted to the Study of the Past"

Eldred married Adgitha [Aldgytha]. Alternately he married Beatrice [Beatrix], the daughter and heir of Ivo de Taillebois. This was her second marriage. She had earlier been married to Ribald. Eldred had a son,
(2) Ketel FitzEldred (c1050)

filius Eldred. Also as Ketal, Kitel, Chetil, Chetell, Chellet or Kellet. Third Baron Kendal. He was born in about ____ in Kendal, Cumbria. He married Christiana, who may have been a daughter of Ivo de Tallebois [another one!?]. He owned several manors in Lancashire and Yorkshire soon after the Conquest.

Ketel, son of Eldred, held Workington, Kelton . . . of Ranulf of Meschines, Earl of Chester; Mirland, Preston, Patrick, and lands in Newby, Kirkley, Kendal and elsewhere in Westmorland, of the fief of Ivo de Taillebois. He granted the Church of Morland to the Abbey of St. Mary's in York. He held Copeland [Coupland] and Westmorland of Ivo, which descended to his grandson, Gospatric, the son of Orme. In grants he made to St. Bees Priory, his wife, Christiana, and a son, William, give their assent.

The later de Lancaster family clearly saw Ketel, and his father, as direct antecedents.

1212 "Gilbert Fitz-Renfrey and Helewise his wife demand against Thomas de Brumfeld 4 carucates of land in Brumfel and Rohetun, as the right of the said Helewise and as those whereof Ketel son of Eutret, ancestor of the said Helewise, was seised, as of fee and right, in the time of king Henry, grandfather of king Henry, father of the king, and from him the right of the said Helewise descended from step to step." - from "British History Online"

Ketel died after 1120 - from "Register of St. Bees" by Canon James Wilson. Ketel had, perhaps, three sons,
(3) William fitz Ketel (c1085)
(3) Gilbert de Lancaster (c1080)
(3) Orme fitz Ketel (c1080), of Workington

In 1125 a grant was made by Ketel of the churches of Morlund, Brounfeld and Workington to the priory of St. Mary's, York. In this he had the consent of his wife, Christine, and son, William. The Earl of Chester confirmed the grant. William did a trade of titles with his nephew, Gospatric fitz Orme. "William was Ketel's eldest son and heir who died before he inherited." - from "The Register of the Priory of St Bees" edited by J. Wilson, 1915. He d.s.p.

Fourth Baron Kendal. He was born in about 1080. The Governor of Lancaster Castle. He was also known as "de Frunesco [Furnesio?] de Tailbois."

There is much confusion with Gilbert and his place in the de Lancaster descent. Most online accounts treat him as the son of Ketel, as shown here. However, a history of the barony of Kendal and Stirnet, a usually reliable source, both claim him as a son of Eldred, vice of Ketel. The following reference says not only that Gilbert and Ketel were brothers, but that William I, below, was Gilbert's grandson, vice son.

"William de Lancaster 1, the grandson of Ketel's brother Gilbert . . . " - from "British History Online"

Brother could, of course, also mean brother-in-law. Gilbert married Goditha, who may have been the daughter of Fulk FitzReinfride. Or she was the sister of Ketel and Gilbert merely married into the family. This interpretation is based on a charter in which Gilbert's son, William, confirmed to the brethren of St. Peter (afterwards called St. Leonard) of York land in Newby, Westmorland, which they held "by the gift of Ketel my uncle [avunculus meus]." - from "Charters of St. Peter's Hospital, York" by the Reverend F.W. Ragg. Avunculus] is more precisely, a maternal uncle. If the descent as currently shown were correct Ketel would have been referred to as William's avus, or grandfather. The scenario would be something like this: Ketel's heir, (3) William, d.s.p., and Ketel's sister, Goditha, became heir. We would have to invent some reason here why Orme would not inherit, illegitimacy being, of course, the favorite. It should be noted however that the rules of primogeniture where not yet fixed in law or practice.

Upon Ketel's death some great lord, or the King himself, Henry I, would have made Goditha his ward and married her off to a Norman favorite. This explanation also helps explain the dichotomy between the Saxon names, Eldred, Ketel, Orme and Goditha, given to the early members of the family, and the Norman names of Gilbert and William. Who then was Gilbert and where did he come from?

Gilbert was possibly the father of Nicholas Fitz Gilbert "de Radcliffe." "He [Nicholas] held the manor of Oldham of his nephew, William de Lancaster II."

The text below has a lot of information and, unfortunately, its not always clear who is being referred to.

Circa 1154. "K. Hen. II. coming to the Crown peacabley, had the Laws put in better execution; & ordered that Justices Itinerant should see the same performed in each County: which before were to be had onely at the King's Court. And whereas Gilbert the Baron of Kendal in Westmoreland, being his Receiver for the County of Lancaster, was called Gilbert de Furnesio; William the son of the said Gilbert was consituted Seneschallus Hospitii Regis, & a Baron in Lancashire, & thereupon by consent of Parliament called himself Gilbert de Lancaster; and Warin his younger Brother--Lancaster being a Prison for malefactors--was made Keeper of the Castle and Prison, & as a Magister Serviens had his Corrodium therein; And for the reward of his Service had given him by the King the Towns of Aynoldsdale, Ravenmoles (now totally destroyed by the Sea) Leverpool, Lytherland, & French-Lea, from whence his son Henry was cal'd Henricus de Lea; to whom K. John afterwards in lieu of his Surrender of Liverpool (which he forthwith made a Burrough) confirm'd the rest of the aforesaid Towns, & also annexed English-Lea to the same." - from "Lancashire and Cheshire Records Preserved in the Public Record Office, London: In Two Parts ..." by Walford Dakin Selby

Gilbert's son, William, is called Seneschallus Hospitii Regis, that is steward of the king's household. He was also termed a Baron in Lancashire. That could mean that while his father still lived William had lands of his own, direct of the King, or that the writer is now discussing a later period.

Warin is shown as a younger brother, but of whom, Gilbert or William? I suppose the author meant William, but currently I show him as a son of William since that makes the timeline work better. Henry de Lea was his son. Warin was Keeper of the Castle and Prison, & as a Magister Serviens, or sergeant of the peace, had his Corrodium therein. Oddly corrodium refers to an allowance for services of some kind. Perhaps here this means Warin's treasury.

Gilbert's children were,
(4) William de Lancaster I (c1110)
(4) Gilbert de Lancaster II (c1110)
(4) Roger de Lancaster (c1110)
(4) Robert de Lancaster (c1110)
(4) Nicholas de Lancaster (c1110)

"Willelmus filius Gilberti primus." Fifth Baron Kendal and Governor of Lancaster castle. ". . . William obtained the King's licence to be called William de Lancaster, and to be summoned before the King in Parliament as William de Lancaster, Baron of Kendal." - from "The Chartulary of Cockersand Abbey of the Premonstratensian Order" by William Farrer.

In 1139 Castellan of Wiliam Fitz Duncan's castle of Egremont.

" . . . before 1139 William, son of Gilbert de Lancaster, gave land in a place called Suarlheued, in Hensingham or Preston, near Whitehaven, to St Mary and St Beda and the monks of York." - from "The Lancashire Pipe Rolls of 31 Henry I., A.D. 1130, and of the Reigns of Henry II., A.D...." by W. Farrer.

In the 8th year of Stephen's reign [1143] William married Gundreda, the daughter of William de Warrenne, the second Earl of Warren and 2nd Earl of Surrey. She was the widow of Roger, the Earl of Warwick. Note that Stephen's son, William, married Gundred's niece, Isabel de Warrene. This implies a very close relationship with the King's party.

William initially held the barony under Roger de Mowbray by knight's service.

1150-1155. "Roger de Mowbray gave to William son of Gilbert de Lancastre in fee and inheritance all his land of Lonsdale, Kendale and Horton in Ribblesdale, to hold by the service of 4 knights' fees." - from "British History Online."

He was Seneschallus Hospitii Regis, or steward of the king's household.

After the chaos of King Stephen's reign "we find William son of Gilbert de Lancaster fully established as baron of Kendal and Lord of Warton, Garstan[g]," - from "The Yorkshire Archaelogical Journal."

In 1166 William was again shown as holding the baronial fee under Roger de Mowbray, though de Morevill still held the barony of Westmorland under which Kendal is normally placed. Morevill forfeited his estates in 1171. Kendal was not separated from Westmorland until Gilbert Fitz Reinfrid gained it, holding it directly of Richard I.

"William, son of Gilbert de Lancaster, held the following estates in Copeland: Mulecaser (now Muncaster), Lamplugh and Hensingham or Preston." - from "The Lancashire Pipe Rolls of 31 Henry I., A.D. 1130, and of the Reigns of Henry II., A.D...." by W. Farrer.

Before 1170 William gave the vill of Lamplugh to his cousin, Gospatrick, the son of Orme, in exchange for Middleton in Lonsdale. - from "The Lancashire Pipe Rolls of 31 Henry I., A.D. 1130, and of the Reigns of Henry II., A.D...." by W. Farrer.

William de Lancaster I died before Michaelmas, 1170. His children were,
(5) William de Lancaster II (c1140)
(5) Warin de Lancaster (c1140), Guarninus
(5) Avicia de Lancaster (c1140-1192), who, in 1170, married Richard de Morville, the Constable of Scotland and William's liege lord.

The son of William. He was, like his father, summoned to Parliament as William de Lancaster, holding the barony from 1170 to 1184. He married Hawise [Helewise], the only daughter of Robert de Stutevill of Lazenby, [Knaresboro'] and Kirkoswald in Cumberland. Helewise may have been his second wife. Steward to Henry II and Sheriff of Yorkshire.

Some texts assume a familial relationship between William and Norman de Redman, his steward, but I don't know of any proof of this conjecture.

William de Lancaster II was still living at the beginning of 1184.

1184. "The men of William de Lancastre of Kendale render 10 m. for some plea by the hands of Ranulf de Glanvill." - from "British History Online"

"William de Lancaster II. died before the 1 Richard I [1184], leaving by his wife, Hawise de Stutevill and only daughter, Hawise, . . .

[Hawise] ". . . was married by King Richard to Gilbert, son of Roger fitz Reinfrid. Hawise de Stutevill, the widow, married secondly Hugh de Morvill, a brother of Richard de Morvill . . . The fee held by the family of de Lancaster, within the county of Lancaster, was of abnormal size, consisting of twenty-four carucates, in addition to 12 1/2 carucates held in demesne, or granted in frankalmoign." - from "The Chartulary of Cockersand Abbey."

"she paid a fine to the King for licence to marry whom she would, and soon after took to her second husband Hugh de Morvill, lord of Ishall and Burgh-on-Sands, in Cumberland, brother to Richard de Morvill [Constable of Scotland], who had married Avice, only sister of William de Lancaster [II], first husband of said Hawise."

"Lastly comes the important grant from William de Lancaster II to Gilbert, his son, of a moiety of the manor of Sockbridge. Here the witnesses are: Helewise my wife, Elias de Stiveton, Will. de Loncastre . . ." - from "The Yorkshire Archaelogical Journal." Gilbert was an illegtimate son . . . or was William referring to his son-in-law, Gilbert Fitz Reinfrid? Did Gilbert marry William's daughter before or after William's death? The Sockbridge manor [eventually] descended via the illegitimate son of Gilbert Fitz Reinfrid's heir, William III.

The following may be the children of William II.
(6) Hawise de Lancaster (c1170), who inherited
(6) Gilbert de Lancaster of Sockbridge (c1170)
(6) Jordan de Lancaster of Sockbridge (c1170)

An Essex and Sussex landholder. I suppose his father must have been Reinfrid. Henry II's dapifer [steward], justicar, and Sheriff for Sussex and Berkshire. A member of the Curia regis at Westminster. His first wife may have been Rohaise [Rohese de Gant], the widowed Countess of Lincoln. She was the daughter of Richard de Clare and Alice, the daughter of Ranulph "le Meschine," the Earl of Chester. Note that Ranulph was the third husband of Ivo de Tallebois' widow, Lucy.

Circa 1170-1180 Roger conveyed one-twelth a knight's fee to the nuns of Clerkenwll on the condition that they receive his wife, Alice, and her mother, Margaret, as nuns in their chapter whenever it pleased them to enter. Alice was Alice de Breton, the sister of Ralph Breton of Ramsden Bellouse.

Another source [stirnet.com] claims that Roger's father was Ralph de Bruere, whose father was Reinfrid de Bruere.

Gilbert was the son of Roger Fitz-Reinfrid. Steward of the King's household in the last year of Henry II and the first of Richard I. Henry II gave him Hawise [Helewise], the only daughter and heir of William de Lancaster, in marriage.

1184-1189. "Notification by Henry II, addressed to our dear son Richard, comte de Poitiers, of his grant to Gilbert son of Roger Fitz-Reinfrid, our sewer, of the daughter of William de Lancastre with her whole inheritance. Witnesses: Geoffrey our son and chancellor, William Marshal, Richard de Humet." - from "British History Online"

1189. "At Rouen, on 20th July, king Richard confirmed to Gilbert son of Roger Fitz-Rainfrei, sewer to the king, his father, the daughter of William de Lancastre." - from "British History Online"

"Et si vos di en bone fei Que Gilebert le filz Reinfrei Ne retint il pas a filastre: Cele li dona de Lancastre Que li [Marchal] ont en garde, Dont il fist molt corteise garde." - from "British History Online"

Richard 1 confirmed this marriage and, on 15 April 1190, by three charters granted practically the whole of southern Westmorland to Gilbert, together with acquittance of the noutgeld, suits of shires, etc. due to northern Westmorland. By these grants of the same date Gilbert fitz Roger fitz Reinfrid was endowed with full baronial status throughout Kentdale and the outlying members, including the manor of Morland and a considerable part of Barton. His service to the crown for the same being definitely fixed at the service of two knights - from "British History Online." These charters confirmed that Gilbert held these lands

"as fully and freely as Wm. De Lancastre and Nigel de Albiny had held the same."

In 1199-1200 Henry de Rademan [Redman] was Gilbert's steward of Kendale. Henry was later termed seneschal, which is just a fancier word for steward. - from "British History Online." This had apparently become an hereditary position. Henry's father, Norman, had been William II's steward.

It is unclear in many of the documents I've seen whether Gilbert, son of Roger Fitz-Reinfrid, is or is not the same man as Gilbert de Lancaster, or was this surname not used until Gilbert's son, Willliam III, below?

Gilbert was said to be a favourite of King John. Sheriff of Lancaster in the 7th and 17th years of John's reign, and Sheriff of Yorkshire from 12 to 16 John [1209 to 1212]. It was Gilbert that rebuilt Kendall Castle in stone.

Gilbert became opposed to King John over Magna Carta and, after John turned the tables on his rebellious Barons, had his son, William, taken hostage, and lost his titles, his castle at Kendal and the Honor of Lancaster in 1215.

1215. "Letters of safe-conduct for Gilbert Fitz-Reinfrid, father of William de Lancastre, touching the redemption of the said William." - from "British History Online"

1216. "Gilbert Fitz Reimfrid delivered up to the king his castles of Morhull and Kirkeby, at Berewic, on 22nd January, on which occasion he made fine with the king by 12,000 marks for his goodwill and grace and the remission of his rancour against Gilbert for confederacy with the king's enemies, the barons, and that his son, William de Lancastre, and his knights, Ralph de Aencurt [Ayncurt] and Lambert de Busay, might be delivered from prison, having been taken in Rochester castle in munition against the king; for his and his son's faithful service he was required to find hostages, namely Benedict son and heir of Henry Redeman [his steward], the first born son of Roger de Kirkeby, whom he has of the said Gilbert's daughter, the son and heir of William de Windlesores whom he has of the niece of the said Gilbert, the son or daughter and heir of Ralph de Aencurt, the son or daughter and heir of Roger de Burton, the daughter and heir of Adam de Yeland, the son or daughter of Thomas de Bethum, the son or daughter and heir of Walter de Stirkeland, the daughter of Richard de Copland, the son of Gilbert de Lancastre, or other children in their places." - from "British History Online"

In a document from 1219 Gilbert Fitz-Reynfrey was noted to be sick. Gilbert died in 1220 and was survived by his wife, Hawise, and heir, William.

1220 May 6. "The land of Gilbert Fitz-Reinfrid is to be taken into the king's hands and nothing removed therefrom until William de Lancastre, son and heir of Gilbert, does what is due to the king." - from "British History Online"

Arms: Argent two bars Gules, on a canton Gules a lion passant guardant Or [or, for William de Lancaster, below, Argent]. These were also the arms of John de Lancaster, a Baron in 1299, and Roger de Lancaster. Gilbert's children were,
(7) William de Lancaster III (c1190)
(7) Hawise de Lancaster (c1200), who married Peter de Brus
(7) Avice de Lancaster (c1200), who married William de Linsey
(7) Sir Roger de Lancaster (c1200), illegitimate brother of William
(7) John de Lancaster (c1200), illegitimate?
(7) Daughter, who married Roger de Kirkeby.
(7) Sarota [Serota] de Lancaster, who married Alan de Multon - from "The History of the Parish of Garstang in the County of Lancaster"

Gilbert's son, William, assumed his mother's name of de Lancaster.

The following is a grant of a market and fair in the manor of Barton by King John to a William de Lancaster, though this was in the period before our William had inherited. It also mentions a John de Lancaster, who apparently thought he was an heir of William's, but could not prove it. Andrew Lancaster, of Belgium, feels they may be part of the Sockbridge line, below. Sockbridge is a village in Barton parish, Westmorland.

"(Charter) Thurs; mercatum, gr 22 Sept 1214, by K John to William de Lanc'. To be held at the manor of Barton (RCh, p. 201). 1214, Nova Oblata: William de Lancastr' owed a sore sparrowhawk for having a market and fair (see below) in his vill of Barton, Yorkshire and for a royal charter (PR, 16 John, p. 94). The inclusion of this entry under Yorkshire in the pipe roll appears to be an error. Order to the sh of Westmorland to cause him to have it, 17 Oct 1215 (RLC, i, p. 173). In 1224, William de Lanc' stated that he held a Thurs market at his manor of Barton, Westmorland, by charter of K John. He alleged that the men of the county were impeded from going to his market by Robert de Vieuxpont, earl of Westmorland (CRR, xi, no. 2732).

In 1292, John de Lanc' claimed the right to hold a market at Pooley Bridge, a member of the manor of Barton, through the 1214 charter granted to William de Lanc', but his claim was refused as he could not show that he was related to William. The market was stated to be worth nothing per annum (QW, p. 792)."

"Lastly comes the important grant from William de Lancaster II to Gilbert, his son, of a moiety of the manor of Sockbridge.

William was made a hostage to King John for his father's good conduct following Magna Charta.

1217. "Mandate to Peter de Maulay to deliver to the earl of Chester, William de Lancastre, a prisoner in his custody . . . William de Lancastre to be sent to Gloucester under safe conduct." - from "British History Online"

William's father died in 1220 and he succeeded to the Honor of Lancaster and barony of Kendal, the de Lancasters being back in favor by this time.

He was Justice Itenerant for Cumberland in the 10th year of the reign of Henry III. William de Lancaster III was given back the Kendal Castle and was the Sheriff of Lancaster from 1232 to 1246.

In 1242 William was summoned to "serve over seas" and, in 1245, he was on the king's service in Wales. - from "British History Online."

The de Lancaster's were very close to the de Brus family. William married Agnes de Brus; his brother Roger married Margaret de Brus; his sister, Hawise, married Peter le Brus.

William died in 31 Henry III, 12 [28?] November 1246. "The following were present when William de Lancastre lay on his death bed: John prior of Coningesheved, Roger brother of the said William, Robert de Layburne and Laurence FitzRichard, knights of William de Lancastre, Rowland de Revesgil his seneschal, Gilbert de Lancastre [of Patterdale] constable of Kirkeby, Robert le Tailur, Gilbert de Boivile." - from "British History Online." William and Agnes had no surviving children. Agnes afterwards held the manors of Crossethwaite, Gresmere and Lych for life.

Peter, the son of Peter de Brus, and William de Lindsey, husbands to William's sisters, Hawise and Alice, were his next heirs. The castle and manor of Kendal were given to Peter de Brus, but, in 1266, the Honor of Lancaster was conferred upon Henry III's son, Edmund Crouchback, who also obtained Leicester and the lands between the Mersey and the Ribble. Note that the latter had by this time been inherited by the Earl de Ferrers, a supporter of Simon de Montfort in his rebellion against Henry III, and that Leicester was Simon's seat. Both were forfeited in the aftermath of the rebellion's failure. Had the de Lancaster's also sided with the rebels and thereby lost the Honor of Lancaster?

William was a contemporary of Roger Gernet of Halton and Vivian Gernet of Heysham, as well as of Sir Mathew de Redmayne, Sir Robert de Lathom, Sir John de la Mare, Richard Pincerna and Adam de Molyneux.

After the death of William de Lancaster III sine prole, the Barony was divided between Hawise [Helwise] and Avice [Alice], daughters of Gilbert and Helwise Fitz-Reinfrid. Presumably Roger and John, below, were illegitimate and unable to inherit.

Alice [Avice], the younger, married William de Lindsay of Luffness, and her share of the Barony was afterwards called the Richmond Fee.

2 April 1257, at Westminster. "Mandate to Walter de Lindeseye to be intendant to William de Valencia the king's brother, to whom the king has granted the debts due to the king by William de Lancastre, in the Jewry, with respect to a moiety thereof, to the payment whereof he is bound by reason of one moiety of the lands late of the said William de Lancastre falling to him by inheritance." - from the "Patent Rolls"

Helwise, the elder, married Peter [Piers] de Brus, Lord of Skelton and Danby, in Yorkshire, and brought the Barony and Kendall castle into his family. Her portion was subsequently divided into two seigniories, designated the Marquis Fee and Lumley Fee.

Helwise's grandson, Peter de Brus, d.s.p. and his four sisters became his heirs.
- Christiana married Sir Robert Harrington
- Isabel married Sir Thomas Hermiory
- Margaret married Robert de Ros. She had the barony allotted to her share. Their posterity was called Ros of Kendal,
- Elizabeth married Robert de Crake Thorp.

I have another de Lancaster, Adam, who was probably born in about 1150. It is hard to know, however, whether this was a "de Lancaster" or merely someone identified as being from Lancaster.

"It has been shown that Henry de Redman married about 1182 the daughter and heir of Adam de Lancaster, Dean of Amounderness and Rector of Kirkham."

"He [Henry de Redman] was of full age in 1187 and is presumed to have been a minor in 1184, in which year Adam, Dean of Amounderness, gave 100s. for leave to marry his daughter who was in the King's gift to the son of Norman de Redman." - from "The Yorkshire Archaeological Journal" by Yorkshire Archaeological Society

I also have an undated reference to "Adam filius Haraldi de Lancastre dat nobis total terram suam in campo de Milnefeld. [Adam the son of Harold of Lancaster gives land in the field of Milnefeld]" - from "Remains, Historical and Literary, Connected with the Palatine Counties of Lancaster and Chester" by Chetham Society. Milnefeld was an enclosure in the neighborhood of Lancaster.

I also have an Adam de Lancaster, circa 1230. He acted for Matilda, the wife of William de Parles, in a legal action, 8 July 1233. - from "Final Concords of the County of Lancaster: From the Original Chirographs, Or Feet of Fines..." by William Farrer.

"Inquest taken at Kyrkeby in Kendale on Monday after the quindene of Holy Trinity, 2 Edward I (11 June, 1274) by the oath of Thomas de LANCASTRE, Richard GILPIN, John de KENETEMERE, Roger de BRONOLVESHEVED, Ralph de PATTON, Thomas COLLAN, Benedict GERNET, Roger KAYRUS, Robert de STIRKLAND, John de MIDELTON, Roger son of William, and William son of Alexander, jurors, to make an extent of the lands of Robert de ROS of Werk, who say that the castle of Kyrkeby in Kendale with the parks, vivaries, herbage and "cista" therein is worth one year with another 10 marks; there are in Kirkeby in demesne 160 a. arable land, each worth yearly with meadow 6d. sum 66s. 7d. (sic); the vill of Kirkeby with enclosure is worth 10 marks yearly; a water-mill, the moiety thereof pertaining to this part, with the moiety of the mills of Rispeton and Appeltweht, is worth 28 marks yearly, whereof Alan de SUTTON receives 50s. yearly and Adam de LANCASTRE 20s., for their lives; the moeity of the fulling-mill of Kirkeby, formerly extended at 10 marks, is now 8 marks, as the tenants of John de BELLEWE ("de Bella Agua") in Kenetemere, who married Laderina one of the sisters and heirs of Peter de BRUS, do not do suit at the said mill as of old in Peter's time; the moiety of the mill of Patton, formerly extended at 10 marks, is now 9 marks, as William de WYNDESORES has set up a mill at Grarig to its injury in 1 mark yearly; the mill of the hospital is worth yearly 60s.; the moeity of the mill at Dylaker is worth 10s. yearly; the fishery of Fors is worth 6 marks; in the demesne of Helsinton there are 210 a. land with meadow, each worth 6d. yearly worth with the emendation of the grange, herbage of the Hay with the forest and dead wood felled, £4 13s. 4d.; farm of the tenants in Helsinton, 64s. 10d.; from geld ("golder") of sheep there, 3s.; farm of Henry the reeve of Helsinton, 20s.; the farm of Grenerig, 54s., and from "gold" there, 6s. 8d.; farm of Adam de RIBOYERS, 6d.; farm of Hagayl, £6 3s. and from "gold" there, 5s.; from a meadow called Rispetun-henge, containing 9 a., 12d. an acre yearly; from the herbage of Adam BRUN, 16s. yearly; from the farm of William [le] SAUSER, 3s. 6d. yearly; from that of Beauconquayte, 7s. yearly; from that of Stavley, 70s. yearly and from the demesne there 46s. and from "goldis" there 6s. yearly; from a close at Hoon (?), 12d. yearly; from the farm of the vill of Skirkeland, 60s., and from "golds" there, 3s.; the meadow of Leythilde, 6s. yearly; the farm of the vill of Schalquatrig, 50s. yearly; the farm of the tenants of the underwoods, 48s.; the farm of Hotun, 110s. and from "golds" there, 6s.; from the mill there, 100s.; farm of the tenants in the forest with Schewreschale and Oxinholme, £11 6s. 9d., herbage there 5 marks; from Adam son of Henry for a shieling and 2 a. land, 3s.; there are free tenants [in Kendale] who pay yearly £7 4s. 3d.; two year-old hawks, 2s.; 2 pairs of gilt spurs, 13d.; gloves, 1d.; 6 cross bows 10d.; 12 arrows 2d.; 4 lbs. Pepper, 40d.; 4lbs. cummin, 4d.; and 1lb. Wax, 6d.; the forests of Ridale with Satsondoff and Becmelbrid and Carkerdale are worth £14 13s. 4d. yearly; the farm of Gresmere with a moiety of the mill and of the fulling-mill, "goldarr" of sheep, moors, fishings and a brew-house, is worth £7 17s. 3d.; the farm of Langedon with a moeity of the mill and herbage of the forest are worth £3 18s. 8d.; in Crostweyt there is land in demesne worth 22s. 11d.; the farm of Crostweyt with the herbage, "goldis," a brew-house and the mill are worth £11 15s. 11d. yearly; from the moiety of Aynerholm, 3s. 4d. yearly; from the farm of Adam CHEFDOR, 3s. yearly; Roger's island in Wynendemere is worth 12d. yearly; from small fishings above Kirkeby a mark; free tenants in Westmerland under 104s. 4d. yearly; the court of Kendale worth one year with another and formerly extended at &popund20, is now worth £18, being reduced in value 40s. by the pourparty of John de BELLEWE; from stallage, small herbages, pannage, honey and squirrels, 102s. Total £197 17s. 3d. The said manor [of Kirkeby in Kendale] has fallen to the pourparty of Margaret de ROS, the last-born daughter and one of the heirs of Peter de BRUS, and is held of the king in chief; Inq., p. m. 2 Edw. I, n. 26."

13 Edward III, 18 November 1339, at Langely. "The like to Robert de Seardeburgh, Robert de Hungerford, Thomas de Malghum and John de Lancastre, on complaint by the prior of the church of St. Mary, Lancaster, that whereas the king lately took into his hands the priory with other alien priories and afterwards by letters patent committed the same to his custody, during pleasure, at a rent, and by other letters patent took him and his men lands, rents and possession into his special protection, John le Keu of Lancaster, Alan le Maistreson of Lancaster, William son of Adam son of Simon de Lancastre . . . John son of Peter de Lancastre, . . . William son of Simon de Lancastre, . . . John de Hesham, . . . and others broke his closes and palings while thus under protection at Neuton by Lancastre, cut the palings into little bits, and depastured his gress with beasts." - from the "Patent Rolls"

"The arms of the Lancasters of Howgill were: Argent, two bars Gules, on a canton on the second a lion passant guardant Or. Howgill castle occupies an elevated position on the skirt of the Crossfell range, in the parish of Milburn, about fives miles from Appleby. It is a massive and extensive pile of building, and though long used as a farm residence, and much modernized, it presents by its approaches, by it pillared gateway, and imposing elevation some remnants of its past grandeur." - from "The Old Manorial Halls of Westmorland & Cumberland" by Michael Waistell Taylor.

Of Barton and Patterdale. "Roger was a brother of the half blood. The registry of Furness Abbey states this, -- "Rogerus bastardus frater Wilhelmi." - from "Transactions: The Leicestershire Archaeological and Historical Society." Roger de Lancastre was enfeoffed of Patterdale by his brother, William de Lancaster III,

"of 200 acres of land of his demesne in Patricdale (Patterdale) worth 4l. yearly . . . The said Roger has the service of Gilbert de Lancastre [?], who holds by knight's service by the tenth part of one knight's fee. And the service of Walter de Lancastre [?], who holds by knight's serive, by the tenth part of one knight's fee. Also the said Roger de Lancastre of the whole forest of Westmorland, except Fensdale and S. lartefel (interlined), and the head of Martindale, which the said Roger held before of ancient feoffment." - from "Lancashire Inquests, Extents, and Feudal Aids ..." by William Farrer

1209-1212. "Gilbert son of Roger Fitz-Reinefred grants to Richard Walensis 1 c. in Munketon [co. York, which John abbot of Fountains and the convent had granted to the said Gilbert], which Walter de Fauchenberge held, to hold for 22s. and 1/18 fee. Witnesses: Lambert de Buseto, Anselm de Furneis, Stephen de Welleton, William son of Ketel, Roger de Byrkebyrle, Gilbert de Lancastre, Henry de Alnou, Richard de Coupland, Henry de Rademan, William Tuchet, William Marshall, Thomas Flandrensys, Walter Pychard, Richard de Preston, Walter de Lancastre, Roger Gernet". - from "British History Online"

Sir Roger de Lancaster witnessed a grant by "the lord G, Prior of Lancaster" to his brother, William, to have a chapel on his manor of Ashton, for which he paid the church an annual rent of 12 pence. - from "Materials for the History of the Church of Lancaster."

In 1246 Roger inherited Howgill from his half-brother, William.

". . . William the third died towards the end of Henry III.'s reign [1246] without issue, leaving two sisters Helwise and Alice, between whom were divided the inheritance and dignities . . . There was however a half or illegitmate brother named Roger, to whom William made sundry gifts. To this Roger thus came the succession of Holgill or Howgill, and the manor adjoining, also various lands in Barton and Patterdale; and in the 3rd of Edward I., he obtained confirmation of the grant made to him of the forest of Rydal, as well as Amelside and Loughrigge." - from "The Old Manorial Halls of Westmorland & Cumberland" by Michael Waistell Taylor

Roger married Margaret de Brus of Skelton, one of sisters and coheirs of Peter de Brus the elder, by whom he inherited the manor of Rydal and Loughrigg [and Ulverston].

"The Manor anciently belonged to the Family of Lancaster, to whom it descended from the Brus's of Skelton, by the marriage of Margaret de Brus, one of the Coheirs of Peter de Brus, with Roger de Lancaster; for he & Edward I procured a Grant and Confirmation of the Forest of Ridal, which his Wife had before made overto him, which proves 'twas her Inheritance. From the Family of Lancaster it passed to that of Plaiz by the female Heir in 8 Edward III [1335]. And from them by the Howards to the Flemmings in the Reign of King Henry IV." from - "Magna Britannica et Hibernia" by Thomas Cox, 1731.

1258. "Robert de Vieuxpont, Walter de Lindesay [Roger's brother-in-law], Roger de Lancaster, and William de Forness; all the marchers of Northumberland, Cumberland, Westmorland, Copeland, Cartmel, Kentdale and other lordships and liberties were commanded to come with the multitude of footmen and archers - from the Close Roll, 42 Henry III

Roger secondly married Philippa de Bolebec sometime before 23 October 1262. She was the eldest daughter of Sir Hugh de Bolebec of Northumberland and Margaret, one of the heirs of Richard de Montifechet. Hugh de Bolebec was loyal to King John, even during the troubles of Magna Charta. Because Roger's eldest son, John, inherited the East Ham estates that came into the family with Philippa, I'm assuming that he at least was her son.

"Roger de Lancaster de Rydal" held the post of Sheriff of Lancaster from 1265 to 1267. He was listed as a Sheriff, "known to be living near Lancaster," in 1265 - from "Time-Honored Lancaster."

Benedict Gernet, the King's Forester of Lancashire, was pronounced an enemy of the King, presumably for siding with Simon de Montfort in the recent rebellions.

49 Henry III, 8 September 1265, at Westminster. "Commitment, during pleasure, to Roger de Lanc[astre] of the bailiwick [area of jurisdiction] of the king's forest of Lancaster, which Benedict Gernet, the king's enemy, lately held; so that he answer at the Exchequer for the issues. The like to Roger de Leyburn of the county of Cumberland; and mandate to all those of the county to be intendant to him as sheriff. The like to Roger de Lanc[astre] of the county of Lancaster." - from the "Patent Rolls, Henry III, volume 5"

25 October 1265, at Canterbury. "The king wills that Roger de Lancastre, whom Roger de Leyburn has deputed in his place during the pleasure of the king and himself to keep the forest beyond Trent, because he cannot attend to it himself, shall keep the said forest accordingly." - from the "Patent Rolls"

1269-1270. "Writ to the King, as directed by Roger de Leyburne, Justice of his forest beyond the Trent, is recited by Roger in writing to his friend and kinsman, Roger de Lancaster, who is desired to execute the King's command with all hast."

"Inquisition made at Langewath before lord Roger de Lancaster, Steward of the King's forests this side of the Trent, on Thursday in the first week of Lent, 54 Henry (27 Feb., 1269-1270) . . . if the King should grand to Edward [Edward I] his eldest son the forest and hay of Langewath to have for ever, or not."

In the following Roger was confirmed in lands in Rydal by the de Brus family, heirs of William III.

1275. "Margaret de Brus, late the wife of Robert de Ros of Werk, grants to Roger de Lancastre her part of Rydale by bounds (described), her part of Amelsate and Loghrygg with common of pasture within the bounds of Gressemere, to hold as Peter de Brus, her brother, and William de Lancastre, her uncle, formerly held the same, to hold for the 4th part of one fee. Witnesses: Thomas de Musegrave, sheriff of Westmerland, John de Hyrlawe, John de Morevill, Ranulf de Dacre, Henry de Stavelegh, Michael de Harecla and Roger de Burton, knights; William de Wyndlesore, Roger son of Gilbert de Lancastre, Thomas de Derley, Ralph de Patton, Roger de Brunulvesheved, Gilbert his son, Thomas de Lancastre." - from "British History Online."

1277. "Agreement made between Roger de Lancastre and William de Lyndesey respecting the said William's men and their beasts taken in Roger's forest of Rydal." - from "British History Online"

1281. "Three-fourths of a fee in co. Westmorland late of Peter de Brus, which William de Stirkelaund, Thomas de Pykering, Roger son of Gilbert de Lancastre, Gilbert de Brunolesheved and Thomas de Cheney hold, are assigned to the pourparty of Margaret de Ros." - from "British History Online"

1283. Roger de Lancastre held the moiety of Bannandisdale of William de Lyndeseye [Lindsey; his brother-in-law and heir of William III] for 2s. rent; Roger the marshall held le Holmes for 2d. rent - Lancashire Inquisitions.

Roger died before 22 February 1291 in the 19th year of the reign of Edward I [1291].

1291. "Roger de Lancastre held at his death the dale of Rydal of the king in chief for a 4th part of a fee . . . The manor of Wythirslake, extended at £15 19s. 10d. yearly, the valley of Ridale, extended at £20, and other lands are assigned in dower to Philippa late wife of Roger de Lancastre, although the king lately took the homage of John de Lancastre, Roger's son and heir, for the lands which his father held in chief and caused him to have seisin thereof, it was not his intention to omit assigning dower of the lands to Philippa." - from the "Close Rolls"

1307. "Margaret de Ros held at her death a moiety of the barony of Kendale, except the dale of Kentmer, of the King in chief for 1" fee; out of which moiety she enfeoffed Roger de Lancastre of the dale of Ridale." - from "British History Online"

Philippa died in 1294 holding East Ham manor in chief for 1/4 knights fee. Apparently the Lawrence family claims a descent from Sir Roger via an otherwise unknown son, Thomas Lawrence de Lancaster.

"Roger died . . . leaving three sons, John, William, and Christopher. From Christopher issued the branch of the Lancasters who prospered for many generations in the direct male line at Sockbridge and Hartsop Halls,until the time of James I. The eldest son John took the inheritance of the Howgill estate; he served as knight of the shire in parliament, and died in the eight of Edward II. without issue, and was succeeded by the next heir male John de Lancastre, son of the second brother William. So for nearly three hundred years did the name of de Lancastre fill a notable position in Westmorland, as lords of Howgill, up to the troublous times of Henry VI., when the descent ended, in 1438, in four daughters." - from "The Old Manorial Halls of Westmorland & Cumberland" by Michael Waistell Taylor.

Baron of Rydale, in Westmorland. The eldest son and heir of Roger; he inherited Howgill estate and castle, the chief messuage of the manor of Milburn.

He married Annora. According to at least one source this was Eleanor or Alina Garnet of Tewhitefield [Tewitfield, this is just southeast of Yealand Conyers in northern Lancashire], Lancaster. This was (9) Alice Gernet de Caton (c1300). She married into the family, but I think it was to a later man, William de Lancaster of Howgill, below.

The following grant of a market and fair to a William de Lancaster in the village of Barton, near Sockbridge, also mentions a John de Lancaster, who claims to be William's heir, but cannot prove it [because he was of an illegitimate line?].

Circa 1292. "(Charter) Thurs; mercatum, gr 22 Sept 1214, by K John to William de Lanc'. To be held at the manor of Barton (RCh, p. 201). 1214, Nova Oblata: William de Lancastr' owed a sore sparrowhawk for having a market and fair (see below) in his vill of Barton, Yorkshire and for a royal charter (PR, 16 John, p. 94). The inclusion of this entry under Yorkshire in the pipe roll appears to be an error. Order to the sh of Westmorland to cause him to have it, 17 Oct 1215 (RLC, i, p. 173). In 1224, William de Lanc' stated that he held a Thurs market at his manor of Barton, Westmorland, by charter of K John. He alleged that the men of the county were impeded from going to his market by Robert de Vieuxpont, earl of Westmorland (CRR, xi, no. 2732). In 1292, John de Lanc' claimed the right to hold a market at Pooley Bridge, a member of the manor of Barton, through the 1214 charter granted to William de Lanc', but his claim was refused as he could not show that he was related to William. The market was stated to be worth nothing per annum (QW, p. 792)."

In 1299 the King of England commanded the King of Scotland to pay damages to his baneret, John de Lancaster. - from "Documents Illustrative of the History of Scotland from the Death of King Alexander the Third to..." by Joseph Stevenson.

John de Lancaster was summoned to Parliament as a Baron in 1299. Johannes de Lancastria was one of two members for Lancaster, 33rd of Edward I, summoned to meet at Westminster 16 Feb 1304-5, which was prorogued to 28 Feb 1304-5. Johannes de Lancastr' was one of two members for Lancaster, 35th of Edward I, summoned to meet at Carlisle 20 Jan 1306-7. Note also that
- Johannes Cort [?] de Lancastr' was one of two members for Lancaster, 20th Edward II, summoned to meet at Westminster 14 December 1326, prorogued to 7 Jan 1326-7. What does Cort refer to? Might this be John Cort of Lancaster?
- Nicholas de Lancastr' was one of two members for Lancaster, 2nd Edward III, summoned to meet at York 7 Feb 1327-8. Who was he?

A John de Lancaster, Baron, fought at the siege of Caerlaverock Castle in 1300. This was during Edward I's war against the Scotish King, John Balliol. He was one of the King's serjeants in the county of Chester. Did John also fight against William Wallace [Mel Gibson]?

In 1306 John de Lancaster granted to Stratford Langthorne Abbey, in free alms, 2 acres of land in East Ham, with the advowson. This seems to have been the first step in a process, continuing until 1338, by which the abbey acquired the whole manor from Lancaster and his tenants - from "British History Online."

1312. John, son of Sir Roger de Lancaster of Sockbridge "was summoned to answer Walter de Stirkeland regarding common of pasture in the vill of Barton." 17 Edward II [1324], the same Walter de Strikeland sued John, son of John de Lancastre [?], and Gilbert de Lancastre, and Adam de Carleton, of Barton, for suit of the mills of Walter, in Barton - from "Antiquary: A Magazine Devoted to the Study of the Past" by Edward Walford, J. Charles (John Charles) Cox, George Latimer Apperson. Who were these men?

John apparently rented property at Skirwith.

On 24 September 1314 a pardon was issued to John son of Roger de Lancaster of "Holegille" for the death of John de Helton - from "British History Online."

Andrew Lancaster points out the following reference from the Kew Archives,

"One of the John de Lancasters was an heir to a Ralf Fitz William and his wife Margaret, which put him in court with John of Yeland.
SC 8/3/112 [c. 1316-c. 1322].
Nature of request: Lancastre requests that the King issue a writ to the justices that they proceed to judgement without further delay concerning his suit for a reversal of a fine levied between John de Yeland and Ralph le fitz William and Margaret his wife, because of which Lancaster (the heir of Ralph and Margaret) concerning the fine has sued for 16 years or more, pleading it to judgement.

...he was presumably heir via his cousin Alice, wife of Walter de Huntercombe...

SC 8/56/2775. Covering dates [c. 1313].
Scope and content Petitioners: John de Lancaster, cousin and heir of Alice who was the wife of Walter de Huntercombe.
Addressees: King and council
Other people mentioned: Walter de Huntercombe; Alice [de Huntercombe], who was the wife of Walter de Huntercombe; Ralph le Fitz William.
Nature of request: The petitioner asks the King to resolve the enmity and discord between him and Ralph le Fitz William over a moiety of the estate of Alice in accordance with custom and the law of the land. An inquest [upon a writ of] of diem clausit extremum (for Alice) was taken and returned into chancery in 1313-14, which found that the petitioner was her next heir. He sought to enter into his inheritance according to the custom of chancery and of the realm, but only had livery of a moiety of the estate; the other was taken out of his hands in the king's court and is thus without lordship, homage, fealty, relief, wardship and marriage, to the petitioner's disinheritance.
Endorsement: John de Haverington, attorney for John de Lancaster. The moiety was acquired because Ralph Fitz William showed a fine in court that it was held for her (Alice's) lifetime and that Ralph was owed the remainder. The king sent a [writ of] precipe to the escheator to take into his hands the same moiety.

...Walter and Alice de Huntercombe seem to have been connected with Roger the husband of Phillipa de Bolebec, so the John above is presumably their son or grandson as you would expect...

SC 8/133/6631. Covering dates [c. 1340].
Scope and content Places mentioned: Langley, [Buckinghamshire]; Wraysbury, [Buckinghamshire];
Other people mentioned: John de London, escheator; Richard Baraille; Henry de Demenham; Wybert de Arras; William de Folesham; Robert German; John de Bruere; John de Waledon; Simon de ...; Thomas de Preston; William Martel; Richard Venatorem; John Immeswirche; Richard de Munfichet; Margery de Bulbec; Hugh de Bulebec; Philippa de Lancaster; Roger de Lancaster; Margery Corbet; Nicholas Corbet; Alice de Huntercombe; Walter de Huntercombe; Matilda de la Valle; Hugh de la Valle; Avelina [de Munfichet, de Fors]; William de Fors, Earl of Albemarle; Hugh de Plays; Richard de Plays; Ralph de Plays; Robert Aguilon;
Nature of request: Copy of an inquisition concerning the descent of two manors, submitted as supporting documentation to the petition of Richard de Plays."

The following shows that John's brother was Roger, as shown below.

17 August 1319, at Newbiggin. "Licence for John de Lancastre to enfeoff William de Herle of a moiety of the manor of Styford, co. Northumberland, held in chief, and for the said William to re-grant the same to the said John de Lancastre for his life, and if the said John should die in the life-time for Roger de Lancastre, his brother, that the said moiety should remain over to the said Roger for his life, and upon the deaths of the said John and Roger that it should revert to the said William de Herle and his heirs." - from the "Patent Rolls"

The following looks confusing, but isn't.

1320. "Licence for John de Lancastre to enfeoff John de Lancastre of Holgill of the Manor of Rydale, held in chief and for the latter to regrant the manor to the former and to Annora his wife, for their lives, with remainder to Roger de Lancastre, brother of the first named John de Lancastre, for his life, with final remainder to John de Lancastre of Holgill and his heirs." - from the "Patent Rolls."

In 1322 the Earl of Lancaster, Thomas Plantagenet, was beheaded by the King for treason. Sir John de Lancastre was made keeper of the Earl's forfeited lands in Lancashire. Andrew Lancaster pulled the following references to John as "keeper of the forfeited lands in Lancashire" from the Kew archives. Clearly in seizing the Earl's lands many innocent [?] bystanders got hurt. Note that John Travers, steward of Lancaster, is also noted as a keeper.

"SC 8/150/7470. Covering dates [c. 1323].
Scope and content Petitioners: Aline (Alina), recluse of Wigan.
Addressees: King.
Places mentioned: Wigan, [Lancashire]; Shevington, [Lancashire].
Other people mentioned: Robert de Holand; John Travers, Steward of Lancashire; John de Lancastre (Lancaster), keeper of forfeited lands in Lancashire.
Nature of request: Aline, recluse of Wigan, states that when she was enclosed, Robert de Holand gave her a rent of 30 s. annually in the vills of Wigan and Shevington, but that this was seized into the King's hand with his other lands after his forfeiture. She sued a writ to John de Lancastre, keeper of the forfeited lands in Lancashire, to have an inquiry, and on the basis of this inquiry he was told by writ to remove the King's hand; but has done nothing. She requests grace and a remedy.
Endorsement: The process is to be examined in Chancery, and she is to be granted a writ of sicut alias, and the due process is further to continue.

SC 8/8/371. Covering dates [1324-1325].
Scope and content Petitioners: William de Multon and Joan [de Multon] his wife
Addressees: King
Places mentioned: Haydok (Haydock), [Lancashire]; Orel (Orrell), [Lancashire]; Barton jouste Maincestre (Barton by Manchester), [Lancashire]; Swynton jouste le Hope (Swinton), [Lancashire]; Heton jouste Fanfeld (Heaton), [Lancashire]
Other people mentioned: William de Holande; Robert de Holande; John Travers, keeper of the forfeited lands in Lancashire; William de Tatham, receiver of the issues of the forfeited lands in Lancashire; John de Lancastre (Lancaster), keeper of the forfeited lands in Lancashire: William Herle, justice; John de Denom, justice
Nature of request: William de Multon and Joan his wife state that Joan was seised of various tenements in Haydock, Orrell, Barton, Swinton and Heaton, as her dower, from William de Holande, her former husband, and by the assignment of Robert de Holande, his heir, until she was disseised by John Travers, keeper of the forfeited lands in Lancashire and by William de Tatham, receiver of the issues of the same lands. She sued a writ of novel disseisin against John, and John de Lancastre, presently the keepers, before William Herle and John de Denom. The keepers attested before them that the tenements were in the king's hand and that they were charged with answering for the issues from them; so the justices surceased, and told her to sue to the king. They request justice and right.
Endorsement: Faithful people are to be appointed in chancery to enquire, in the presence of the keeper etc., into the truth of the contents of the petition and other necessary articles, and, when the inquisition has been returned in chancery, if it is found to be true, then justice is further to be done there.

SC 8/14/672, Covering dates [c. 1322].
Scope and content Petitioners: John de Lancaster.
Addressees: King and council
Places mentioned: [Lancashire]; Up Holland, [Lancashire]; Hale, [Lancashire]; Orrell, [Lancashire]; Dalton, [Lancashire]; Haydock, [Lancashire]
Other people mentioned: Robert de Holand (Holland); John de Holand (Holland); Alan de Raynford (Rainford).
Nature of request: Lancaster shows that he has the keeping of the lands that were Robert de Holland's in Lancashire. John de Holland and Alan de Rainford came and by force and arms seized the manors and take the issues and profits, so that Lancaster has nothing. Lancaster requests that a remedy be ordained.
Endorsement: He should sue at the Exchequer.

SC 8/52/2587. Covering dates [c. 1324].
Scope and content Petitioners: Prior of Upholland
Addressees: King and council
Places mentioned: Holand (Upholland), Lancashire; Wolveton (Woolton), Lancashire
Other people mentioned: ######## de Walden; John de Lancastre (Lancaster)
Nature of request: The Prior of Upholland in Lancashire states that he leased the manor of Woolton and other lands and tenements from the king for three years from last Michaelmas, and ######## de Walden, who with John de Lancaster arranged this lease when the king was in those parts, promised him a deed or other recognisance, which he has not received. He therefore requests such a deed or recognisance attesting to this lease.
Endorsement: The Treasurer and Barons of the Exchequer are to be ordered that when they have informed themselves that the lease was made as in the petition, they are to let the same Prior have a commission on this etc.

SC 8/56/2763. Covering dates [1323].
Scope and content Petitioners: The Burgesses of Lancaster
Addressees: King and council
Places mentioned: Lancaster, [Lancashire]; Forest of Quernmore, [Lancashire]; York
Other people mentioned: Thomas [of Lancaster], late Earl of Lancaster; John Travers; John de Lancaster
Nature of request: The petitioners seek the recovery of their right to pasture animals and collect estovers of deadwood to burn and growing wood from the forest of Quernmore to build in Lancaster (by a charter from King John), because since the burning of their town by the king's Scottish enemies they require wood to rebuild. They held these rights peaceably from the time of the aforesaid charter until the taking into the king's hands of the forest through the forfeiture of Thomas of Lancaster when Travers, then the king's steward in the county, hindered them. The petitioners went to York to show their grievances and a writ was sent out of chancery to the steward that they should have their rights in the forest according to the tenor of the charter and by reason thereof the steward allowed their rights, until John de Lancaster became steward and they were hindered for his term, which hindrance continues against the charter and to their disinheritance.
Endorsement: Let them have a writ in chancery similar to the other sent to John de Lancaster now warden.The burgesses of the town [of Lancaster].

He might also be this one?

SC 8/107/5347. Covering dates [c. 1323].
Scope and content Petitioners: Edmund Dacre, forester.
Addressees: King.
Places mentioned: Bowland Forest, [West Riding of Yorkshire]; Reddom (Radholme Laund), [West Riding of Yorkshire].
Other people mentioned: William Tatham; John de Lancaster; sheriff of Yorkshire.
Nature of request: Dacre complains that the king's chase of Bowland has been assessed at £4 a year, whereas it was previously acknowledged to be waste.
Endorsement: Let the sheriff and John de Lancaster survey the park and find if it would be to the profit of the king for the park to be assessed, and to certify the exchequer accordingly.

SC 8/15/734. Covering dates [1331].
Scope and content Petitioners: John de Lancastre (Lancaster), sergeant in Cheshire and Flintshire; Adam de Swynesheved (Swineshead), sergeant in Cheshire and Flintshire.
Addressees: King and council
Places mentioned: Cheshire; Flintshire, [Wales]
Other people mentioned: Richard Damory, justiciar of Chester.
Nature of request: Lancastre and Swynesheved show that they are his sergeants of Cheshire and Flintshire and were to take by Damory, the late justiciar of Chester, robes and money of which they are both in arrears. They request that they can be paid their arrears, and also remain of the king's council.
Endorsement: It is ordered to the justiciar and chamberlain that they certify the king when and by whom they were put in office, and what they ought to take in their office, and how much is still in arrears of which they complain, and of what time. And they should certify the king of this, and they are to do justice.

SC 8/35/1704. Covering dates [c. 1331].
Scope and content Petitioners: Tenants of the four vills of Bowland, Slaidburn, Newton, Grindleton and West Bradford
Addressees: King and council
Places mentioned: Bowland, [West Riding of Yorkshire]; Slaidburn, [West Riding of Yorkshire]; Newton, [West Riding of Yorkshire]; Grenilton (Grindleton), [West Riding of Yorkshire]; West Bradford, [West Riding of Yorkshire]
Other people mentioned: Thomas [of Lancaster], Earl of Lancaster; John Travers, justice; William de Tatham, justice; John de Lancaster, justice; Peter de Middelton, justice; William de Denom, justice
Nature of request: The tenants show that they are burdened by puture in the times of several lords. Whereas each of them in times past have paid fourteen pence to the keeper of the chase of Bowland for puture, under duress they have paid each of them two shillings in the time of the earl of Lancaster and afterwards. They have a writ to enquire of this that found that the fourteen pence was the correct annual sum, and a further inquisition found the same. The tenants request that the king and council have regard for the long time that they have suffered, and order that the correct puture be levied without more.
Endorsement: Let this petition be ordered into Chancery and view the inquisitions mentioned by the petition and let justice and reason be done."

There are references in the Rydal manuscripts to a John de Lancaster "of Howgill" in 1324/5. Called "Lord of Holgill" in 1333.

"This John was a warlike Man, and was with his King several times in his Wars with Scotland, in which he behaved himself with that Fidelity and Courage, that the King employed him in guarding the Marches against that Nation. He sat in Parliament among the Barons from 25 Edward I to the 3 Edward II. He left no Issue, and so his Estate passed to his Sister's Son Richard de Plaiz, then a Minor of twelve Years old, and from that family to the Howards, ancestors to the Dukes of Norfolk, who are spread into so many noble Families." - from "Magna Britannica et Hibernia" by Thomas Cox, 1731.

"Upon his death the barony became extinct . . . and authorities affirm that his nephew, John de Lancaster, was his next heir." - from "The Siege of Carlaverock" by Harris Nicholas

John died in 1334 in 8 Edward II dsp.

1334. "Order to the escheator to deliver to Annora, late the wife of John de Lancastre the manor of Rydale etc., because the King has learnt by inquisition taken etc., that John and Annora held jointly at John's death the said manor by the grant of John son of Robert de Lancastre (reference to a messuage in Barton) by the king's licence, for their lives, with reversion of the manor to John son of Robert and his heirs, and that the said manor is held of the king in chief by the service of the 4th part of a knight's fee etc." - from "British History Online"

1338. "Annora late wife of John de Lancaster held for her life with her husband the manor of Ridale of the grant of John de Lancastre of Holgill, remainder to Roger de Lancaster for life, reversion to John de Lancaster of Holgill, who survives; the said Roger died 10 years ago; the manor is held of the king in chief for a fee; the reversion of the manor belongs to John de Lancaster of Holgill, who is 30 years of age." - from "British History Online"

The brother of John.

17 August 1319, at Newbiggin. "Licence for John de Lancastre to enfeoff William de Herle of a moiety of the manor of Styford, co. Northumberland, held in chief, and for the said William to re-grant the same to the said John de Lancastre for his life, and if the said John should die in the life-time for Roger de Lancastre, his brother, that the said moiety should remain over to the said Roger for his life, and upon the deaths of the said John and Roger that it should revert to the said William de Herle and his heirs." - from the "Patent Rolls"

1320. "Licence for John de Lancastre to enfeoff John de Lancastre of Holgill of the Manor of Rydale, held in chief and for the latter to regrant the manor to the former and to Annora his wife, for their lives, with remainder to Roger de Lancastre, brother of the first named John de Lancastre, for his life, with final remainder to John de Lancastre of Holgill and his heirs." - from the "Patent Rolls."

A son of Roger and Phillippa de Bolebec. William married Margaret de Hollebeck - From the John Palmer manuscript, approx 1830, Chetham Library, Manchester, England. This document, however, lists (9) John de Lancaster, below, as a son of Sir William, while the Close Rolls appear to show him as the son of Robert, as I depict below.

"Barton was a possession of the Lancasters, barons of Kendal; and, when their direct male line was determined, at the death of the third William de Lancaster, this part was settled on his bastard brother, Roger, who married Philippa, daughter of Hugh de Bolbeck, a famous Northumbrian baron; they had issue John, William, and Christopher. John died without issue, and left Howgill Castle to John, eldest son of his brother William, . . . " - from "The Beauties of England and Wales, Or, Delineations, Topographical, Historical, and Descriptive,.."

"Simon, Archdeacon of Richmond, to Henry III
(Royal Letters, No. 751)

Exellentissimo domino suo reverendo domino H[enrico], Dei gratia regi Anglorum illustri, domino Hibernie et duci Aquitanniae, devotus suus clericus Simon Archidiaconnus Richemundiae, salutem in Eo cujus gratia reges regnant.

Licet per inquisitionem sollemniter factam appareat quod ecclesia de Bethum achidiaconatus mei per mortem Romani qui eam tenuit jam vacavit; Willelmus tamen filius nobilis viri domini Rogeri de Loncastria, qui occasione turbationis regni Angliae eandem ecclesiam occupavit, ipsam detinet vi armata et clericum praesentatum a veris patronis ad eandem ipsam ingredi non permittit. Ideoque regiae majestati supplico devote quatenus ob reverentiam Dei et ecclesiae sanctae ipsius praesumptio violenta auctoritate regia compescatur. Valeat sinceritas vestra semper.

Datum undecimo calendas Februarii, anno Dommini millesimo ducentesimo sexagesimo quarto."

[A (very) rough translantion: Most excellent lord and revered lord Henry, by the grace of God illustrious King of England, lord of Scotland and Duke of Acquitaine, from his devoted cleric Simon, archdeacon of Richmond, greetings to him whose royal reign is most glorious.

An inquest established the solemn fact that the archdeacon of the church of Bethum [Beetham, Westmorland] had died leaving his office vacant; William son of the the noble young Sir Roger de Lancaster, in this moment of confusion as to who the royally appointed ecclesiastic occupant was, of his own accord occupied the clerical seat with the aid of armed men and took possession without permission. On that account I supplicate your royal majesty in fear and awe of God and respect for ecclesiastic sanctity to preside over his royal restraint. May you be clothed in good health for ever, sincerely.

In the year of our Lord, 22 January 1264.] - from "Royal and other Historical Letters Illustrative of the Reign of Henry III" by Reverend Walter Waddington Shirley.

The father of Sir John de Lancaster's heir, John, below.

1283. In the Inquest for William de Lyndeseye [Lindsey; an heir of William III by marriage]. This inquest also mentioned holdings for Robert's father, Sir Roger. "Robert de Lancastre holds Barton and Witherslak, and render yearly one niais hawk (speruarium sorum) and 1d.; they are worth 30l." - Lancashire Inquisitions.

Historical Timeline: Reign of Kings 1327-1377 Edward III He was another powerful King. Because his mother was a daughter of the French King, when that throne became vacant Edward pressed his claim. Not surprisingly the French nobles could not bear the idea of an English King on their throne and, instead, picked one of their own number to take the crown. This began the 100 Years War with France. Edward III founded the Order of the Garter, still one of England's most renowned orders of knighthood. He had many sons, including the Black Prince, the most renowned warrior of his age.

John was the son of Robert de Lancastre. He married unknown. "To John, the grandson of this Roger, fell the inheritance of Howgill Castle, and of Milburn, a manor at the foot of Crossfell." - from "The Old Manorial Halls of Westmorland & Cumberland" by Michael Waistell Taylor. His uncle, Sir John de Lancaster, died in 1334 and bequethed his estates to John.

1334. "Order to the escheator to deliver to Annora, late the wife of John de Lancastre the manor of Rydale etc., because the King has learnt by inquisition taken etc., that John and Annora held jointly at John's death the said manor by the grant of John son of Robert de Lancastre (reference to a messuage in Barton) by the king's licence, for their lives, with reversion of the manor to John son of Robert and his heirs, and that the said manor is held of the king in chief by the service of the 4th part of a knight's fee etc." - from "British History Online"

1338. "Annora late wife of John de Lancaster held for her life with her husband the manor of Ridale of the grant of John de Lancastre of Holgill, remainder to Roger de Lancaster for life, reversion to John de Lancaster of Holgill, who survives; the said Roger died 10 years ago; the manor is held of the king in chief for a fee; the reversion of the manor belongs to John de Lancaster of Holgill, who is 30 years of age." - from "British History Online"

1338. "Order for delivery to John de Lancastre of Holgill of the manor of Rydale and tenements in Hoton (Roof), in accordance with the above grant." - from "British History Online"

From Le Fleming MSS., Rydal Hall, UK Archives:

1340 - "Memorandum of Assize, [31 August 1340] held at Carlisle before Robert Parvyng and other justices, that John de Lancaster, kt., Richard his son, William de Lancaster and Alice his wife, William de Denton, chaplain, William Brunnyng, chaplain, William Bisshep, of Kirkeby, chaplain, Adam de Appleby, chaplain, Robert de Merton, chaplain unjustly dispossessed Elena, wife of Alexander de Fetherstanhalgh of her freehold in Skirwith (case found against her)."

31 August 1340. "Memorandum of Assize held at Carlisle before Robert Parvyng and other justices, that John de Lancaster, kt., Richard his son, William de Lancaster and Alice his wife, William de Denton, chaplain, William Brunnyng, chaplain, William Bisshep, of Kirkeby, chaplain, Adam de Appleby, chaplain, Robert de Merton, chaplain unjustly dispossessed Elena, wife of Alexander de Fetherstanhalgh of her freehold in Skirwith (case found against her)."

The son and heir of Sir John, see above. I haven't yet, however, found any references to him after the death of his father in 1351. From the Rydal manuscripts, UK Archives:

1 August 1345 - "Agreement made at Hollegill between: Richard de Lancaster and Roger de Skirwith: Roger's lands at Skirwith are held of Richard notwithstanding a deed of Robert, son of Walter lord of Davingtre, sometime lord of Skirwith; Roger is to grind all his corn at Richard's mill "at the 30th vessell"; Roger grants the watercourse of Litlebeck and his rights of common in a close called Newfield to Richard."

1 August 1345. "Agreement made at Hollegill between: Richard de Lancaster and Roger de Skirwith: Roger's lands at Skirwith are held of Richard notwithstanding a deed of Robert, son of Walter lord of Davingtre, sometime lord of Skirwith; Roger is to grind all his corn at Richard's mill "at the 30th vessell"; Roger grants the watercourse of Litlebeck and his rights of common in a close called Newfield to Richard."

William de Lancaster of Howgill married Alice Gernet, the daughter of Thomas Gernet of Caton, sometime before 1329 [?]. William was mentioned in the Rydal manuscripts in 1348 and 1349.

William died in 1361.

"XXXIX. Testamentum Willi De Lancaster.
Reg. vol. 2, folio 86. Trans. vol. 3, p. 124.
In dei nomine Amen die Veneris proximo post Nativitatem Beate Marie virginis anno domini MCCCLXI [8 September 1361] Ego Willmus de Lancastre condo testamentum meum in hunc modum . . . Aline uxori [Alice the wife] mee ita quod dicta Alina habeat usum eorundem quoad vixerit et post decessum dicta ornamenta heredibus suis remaneant . . . Dat. apud Ryddle [Rydal] die et anno supradicto."

Of Howgill and Rydall. He married Christiana. He was mentioned in the Rydal manuscripts in 1377 as "of Holgill."

1379. "William de Lancaster of Holgill gave to the king half a mark for licence to concord with William Gurwyll de Eryom and Alice his wife in a plea of covenant for a tenement in Kyrkethore and has the chirograph for peaceful admission before [judge] Roger de Fulthorp. De Banco Roll, 476, m. 147." - from "British History Online."

"Then Sheriff of Westmorland" in 1380.

28 February 1382, at Westminster. "Appointment, during pleasure, of William de Lancastre as steward of the king's manors of Penreth and Sourby, co. Cumberland." - from the "Patent Rolls"

Also mentioned in the Rydal manuscripts in 1392. William died in 1398 and Christiana died in 1406.

Of Howgill and Rydall. The following may go here. It makes more sense for a young man of about 30 to have committed such a crime.

8 January 1394, at Westminster. "Pardon to William de Lancastre, son of William de Lancastre, knight, for the death of Nicholas Dobson, killed a Schallyng in Skirwith on Wednesday the feast of St. Barnabas in the fifteenth year." - from the "Patent Rolls"

Of Howgill and Rydall. He married Joan Rookeby, daughter of John Rookeby of Knock and with her he had the manor of Knock. The dates of the latter seem a little early, but this must be our John.

1397. "John de Lancastre of Rydale, last of seven commissioners appointed to arrest and commit a large number of Westmorland men (named) who threaten the lives and limbs of the abbot and canons of Hepp." - from "British History Online"

1402. "John de Lancastre, chevaler, holds the fourth part of one fee in Ridale, as parcel of the moiety of the manor of Kirkeby Kendale, which Margart de Ros formerly held." - from "British History Online"

1435. "Pardon, for 20 marks, to Thomas Warcop of Lambersate and John Scarlet, chaplain, in that they lately acquired without the king's licence to them and the heirs of Thomas from John Lancastre, "Chivaler," since deceased, and Katherine his wife, the manors of Ridale and Loughrygge, held in chief, and regranted them to the said John Lancastre and Katherine and the heirs male of their bodies with remainder to Robert Lancastre his brother for life, with remainder to John Lancastre son of William Lancastre of Yanewyth and the heirs male of his body, with remainder to Christopher Lancastre, brother of the said John son of William and the heirs of his body, with remainder to William Lancastre son of the said Robert and the heirs male of his body, with remainder to William Lancastre of Hertsop and the heirs male of his body; and licence for the said Katherine to have the manors again entailed as aforesaid." - from "British History Online"

John had 4 daughters, but no male heir.

"In the partition of the various estates, Howgill fell to Elizabeth, who brought the same by marriage to Robert, a younger brother of their neighbor John de Cackenthorpe of Newbiggen. The grandson of this Robert had daughters only, the eldest of whom Anne had Howgill for her share, and by her marriage with Sir Thomas Sandford of Askham, we are first introduced to the Sandfords as lords of Howgill." - from "The Old Manorial Halls of Westmorland & Cumberland" by Michael Waistell Taylor

In 6 Henry VI the four daughters and coheirs of Sir John de Lancaster of Howgill, in consideration of the sum of 20l. paid to each of them, sold to Sir Henry Threlkeld, Knight, their moiety of the manor of Yanewith." - from "The Border Antiquities of England and Scotland." Yanewith is just downriver from Sockbridge.

From a Family Settlement dated 12 August 1443,

(1) Lady Christiana, late wife of [Sir] Robert de Haryngton, kt.
(2) Lady Margaret, late wife of [Sir] Mathew Whitfeld, kt. [Sheriff of Northumberland, in 1434]
(3) Elizabeth, late wife of Robert Cracanthorp, esq.
(4) [Sir] Thomas Flemyng, esq., and Isabella his wife, all the above being daughters and co-heiresses of John de Lancaster, kt.

Recital: Indenture of 20 June 1438, whereby John de Gressyngham, parson of Claughton, William Longton, parson of Merton, John Ivegyll, parson of Whitfeld and Richard Cok, chaplain, lately by acknowledgment of an action of novel disseisin in the presence of James Strangways, justice, and his colleagues at Kendal, have recovered the manors of Rydal, Deepdale, Glencoyne, Howgill and "Knoksalcok", with appurtenances, and will surrender the same to John de Lancaster, Lady Katherine his wife, William Thornburgh and others, and an indenture of 1 April 1443, whereby William Longton remised the above premises to (1), (2), (3) and (4), then in their tenure.
Terms: (1), (2), (3) and (4) agree to divide the premises as follows; (1) and (3) to have the manors of Deepdale, Glencoyne, Howgill and Knoksalcok, (2) and (4) to have the manor of Rydal and Loughrigg.

(14) Robert de Lancaster (c1380)
(5) Roger Fitz Reinfrid (c1114) (6) Gilbert fitz Reinfrid "de Lancaster" (c1162) (7) Sir Roger de Lancaster (c1200) (8) Robert de Lancaster (c1260) (9) Sir John de Lancaster (1308) (10) Richard de Lancaster (c1300) (11) William de Lancaster (c1320) (12) Sir William de Lancaster (c1340) (13) Sir William de Lancaster (c1360)

The brother of Sir John.

1435. "Pardon, for 20 marks, to Thomas Warcop of Lambersate and John Scarlet, chaplain, in that they lately acquired without the king's licence to them and the heirs of Thomas from John Lancastre, "Chivaler," since deceased, and Katherine his wife, the manors of Ridale and Loughrygge, held in chief, and regranted them to the said John Lancastre and Katherine and the heirs male of their bodies with remainder to Robert Lancastre his brother for life, with remainder to John Lancastre son of William Lancastre of Yanewyth and the heirs male of his body, with remainder to Christopher Lancastre, brother of the said John son of William and the heirs of his body, with remainder to William Lancastre son of the said Robert and the heirs male of his body, with remainder to William Lancastre of Hertsop and the heirs male of his body; and licence for the said Katherine to have the manors again entailed as aforesaid." - from "British History Online"

Robert had a son, William. William Lancastre of Hertsop was from the Sockbridge line, below.

(??) William Lancaster of Yanwath (c1380)

Yanewyth, Yanewith. "In 6 Henry VI the four daughters and coheirs of Sir John de Lancaster of Howgill, above, sold to Sir Henry Threlkeld, Knight, their moiety of the manor of Yanewith." - from "The Border Antiquities of England and Scotland." Yanewith is just down the Eamont river from Sockbridge, so William could be a member of that family. William Lancastre of Yanewyth had sons, John and Christopher.

1439. "Commission to the bishop of Carlisle, Ralph earl of Westmorland and 12 others (named) to make inquiry touching the complaint of Elizabeth, late the wife of Robert Crakanthorpe, that John Lancastre of Holgill and Christopher his brother with other malefactors drove away and still detain 260 oxen and cows and 200 sheep belonging to tenants of the said Robert at Rydale and Depedale, in the lifetime of her said husband, and that the said John Lancastre, William Thornburgh of Selsede and others burned a barn of her said husband with corn therein to the value of £100 and that the said John, Christopher and William, and Roland, Edward and Leonard, William's brothers, with the aid and counsel of certain wicked persons, have frequently robbed her since her husband's death and her friends well-wishers and tenants of their goods, threatening them to such an extent that they must either leave the country or compound with the said malefactors at their will." - from "British History Online"

The de Lancasters of Sockbridge and Hartsop

Sockbridge is a village on the Eamont river, SSW of Penrith, in Barton parish, West Ward, Westmorland. This is in the Marquis division of the old barony of Kendal. Other villages nearby are Barton, Winder, Yanwath, Patterdale, Hartsop, Martindale and Eamont Bridge.

"The parish of Barton, at least a great part of it, anciently belonged to the barony of Kendal, and was in the hands of the Lancasters barons of Kendal; a branch of which family removed into this parish, and settled at Sockbridge, and continued there for many generations, until that branch ended in daughters; and the posterity of the eldest of those daughters enjoy the manor of Sockbridge, and divers other possessions in the said parish to this day [1777]." - from Genuki.

The family appears to have held Sockbridge, Strickland, Hartsop, Tirrel, and Bannandesdale. They were followers of the Dacre family.

Arms: Argent, two bars gules, a canton of the last, a molet [star] or.

A Thomas Lancaster of Brampton in Westmorland used these same arms and was considered, for that reason, to have been part of a younger branch of the Sockbridge line. Brampton is a manor in the parish of Barton.

Early de Lancaster's of Sockbridge A son of William de Lancaster II, of the first de Lancaster line, may be the orginator of this line. Alternately, below, the first was a son of the Fitz Reinfrid line. (6) Gilbert de Lancaster of Sockbridge (c1170) (1) Eldred of Workington (c1025) (2) Ketel FitzEldred (c1050) (3) Gilbert de Lancaster (c1080) (4) William de Lancaster I (c1110) (5) William de Lancaster II (c1140) A natural son of William de Lancaster II. Note in the following grant by William de Lancaster II, that Jordan and Gilbert, both witnesses, are listed as the grantor's [William's] sons. 1170-80. "William de Lancastre II grants to Gervase de Ainecurt £15 worth of land for the service of a fee in Natland and Bothelford [extending] to the brook of the gallows and to the bounds of Hoton and Stainton, with Sizaritherge, Winderg and the other Winderg, the grantor's part of Lander and that part of Socabret which Waldeve held, all which he gave for £12 10s. worth of land; and for 50s. worth of land in arrears he delivered to the said Gervase the service of Hacatorp in pledge for 50s., until he perfected the said £15 worth of land. Witnesses: Norman the sewer, Jordan the grantor's son, Gilbert the grantor's son, Grunebald, Robert de Heriez, Anselm, Orm son of Tore, Roger de Crofd, Roger son of [Adam, Orm son of Bernu-]lf, Robert Mustel, William parson of Warton John the clerk, Richard the chamberlain, W[illiam Pultyngton]; orig. D. at Sizergh." - from "British History Online" "Lastly comes the important grant from William de Lancaster II to Gilbert, his son, of a moiety of the manor of Sockbridge. Here the witnesses are: Helewise my wife, Elias de Stiveton, Will. de Loncastre . . . Normand de Redman . . ." - from "The Yorkshire Archaelogical Journal." Alternately, this refernce may have been to William's son-in-law, Gilbert Fitz Reinfrid. However, see also, "10 John [7th December, 1208]. Between Gilbert fitz Reinfrid and Hawise, his wife, plaintiffs, by Gilbert de Lancaster, put in her place, and Richard Boteler, tenant of one carucate of land with the appurtenances in Clacton [Claughton]." - from "Final Concords of the County of Lancaster: From the Original Chirographs, Or Feet of Fines..." by William Farrer I believe this indicates that Gilbert acted as Hawise's spokesman, or even lawyer, in this court case. Richard Boteler quitclaimed to Gilbert and Hawise, and the heirs of Hawise. Gilbert died before 1220 - per "The Parentage of William de Lancaster." (7) Gilbert de Lancaster of Sockbridge (c1200) (1) Eldred of Workington (c1025) (2) Ketel FitzEldred (c1050) (3) Gilbert de Lancaster (c1080) (4) William de Lancaster I (c1110) (5) William de Lancaster II (c1140) (6) Gilbert de Lancaster of Sockbridge (c1170) Of Strickland. He married Christiana. In 1279 a settlement of a dispute between Roger de Lancaster, the mesne lord, and Christiana, the widow of Gilbert de Lancaster, underlord of Sockbridge, Roger granted Christiana the common of pasture for herself and her heirs dwelling in Sokebred [Sockbridge] for stock of every kind the whole year through - from "British History Online."

(8) Christopher de Lancaster (c1260)
(5) Roger Fitz Reinfrid (c1114) (6) Gilbert fitz Reinfrid "de Lancaster" (c1162) (7) Sir Roger de Lancaster (c1200)

Of Sockbridge and Barton. The de Lancaster's of the Fitz Reinfrid line moved into the Sockbridge area, either alongside or in place of the older de Lancaster family of (6) Gilbert de Lancaster (c1170).

". . . and to the second brother, Christopher, went the manor of Barton. His branch of the family settled at Sockbridge, and continued there for many generations in the direct male line, till the reign of James I., and then became extinct in daughters. The manor was then acquired by marriage by the house of Lowther." - from "The Old Manorial Halls of Westmorland & Cumberland" by Michael Waistell Taylor.

"Barton was a possession of the Lancasters, barons of Kendal; and, when their direct male line was determined, at the death of the third William de Lancaster, this part was settled on his bastard brother, Roger, who married Philippa, daughter of Hugh de Bolbeck, a famous Northumbrian baron; they had issue John, William, and Christopher. John died without issue, and left Howgill Castle to John, eldest son of his brother William, and his property here to his brother Christopher, from whom descended the Lancasters of Sockbridge Hall, an old mansion, about a bow-shot from the southern margin of the Eamont . . . On the ceiling, in plaster work, in the old dining-room, are the arms of Lancaster quartering Hartsop, and empaling Tankard . . . Here the Lancasters continued for twelve generations, when their possessions, about the year 1630, were added, by marriage of a coheiress, and the purchase of her other sister's portions, to the estate of Sir Christopher Lowther, of St. Bees and Whitehaven, baronet, with whose posterity they have since continued." - from "The Beauties of England and Wales, Or, Delineations, Topographical, Historical, and Descriptive,.."

Christopher married Joan, the daughter of Hugh de Lowther, of Lowther castle. Hugh was Attorney General to Edward I, circa 1292, and a Justice of the King's Bench. The following is not dated, but must be a later Lancaster-Lowther marriage.

". . . of the reigne of Kyng Henre the vijth the 15th betwix Hew Lowther Esquyer on yt on partye and Cristofer Loncaster Esquire on yt other partye wytnessyth that itt is agreyde and accordytt betwix the partyes aforsaid in maner and forme folowying . . . lawfully begottyn, for the whych maryage and feoffment so hade and don the said Hew Lowther shall pay or make to be payd to ye said Christofer Loncaster or hys assignes a hundreth marks . . ." - from "Cumberland & Westmoreland Antiquarian & Archeological Society"

(9) Sir Gilbert de Lancaster (c1260)
(5) Roger Fitz Reinfrid (c1114) (6) Gilbert fitz Reinfrid "de Lancaster" (c1162) (7) Sir Roger de Lancaster (c1200) (8) Christopher de Lancaster (c1260)

Of Sockbridge, Strikeland, Barton, and Bannandesdale. Christiana's grandson [?], Gilbert de Lancaster. He died in 1354 [?].

"Sir Gilbert de Lancaster, of Sockbridge and Barton, co. Westmoreland, son of Christopher de Lancaster (by Joan, dau. of Hugh de Lowther), and grandson of Roger de Lancaster of Barton and Patterdale [that would be Sir Roger de Lancaster of the Fitz Reinfrid line], brother by the half blood of the last William de Lancaster, Baron of Kendal, ob 19 Edw. 1. Sir Gilbert married first Alice, dau. of Ralf, fourth Baron Neville, of Raby (the widow of Sir Thomas Grey [of Heton castle]), and had by her Gilbert de Lancaster, who married a dau. of Sir Thomas Grey, of Norton (Dugdale)." - from "Notes and Queries" of the Oxford University Press.

This may be a poor reference. Lady Alice Neville, who married Thoms Grey, was apparently of a later generation, perhaps born as late as 1390. Roger's second wife was Elizabeth.

1310. "Gilbert de Lancastre held inter alia the hamlet of Strikeland Roger by knight's service and . . . . . rent, of William de Ros of Kendale; Cal. Inq., V, 118."

1310. "Gilbert de Lancastre (of Sockbridge) held of William de Ros [heir of William III] the hamlet of Bannandesdale" from Cal. Inq.

1310. "Gilbert de Lancastre grants to his son, Christopher de Lancastre, his forest in Bannandesdale, land in Bannandesdale-holme, his land of Faurebreck and land in Quinfell. Witnesses: Sir Roger de Brunolvesheved, Sir Ralph de Bethum, Sir Roger de Layburn, knights; John de Wesington [Washington], John de Patton, William de Thorneburgh." from Reg. Of Deeds at Levens.

I don't know if this fits here, but, "1335. Gilbert de Lancaster demises to his son, Robert de Lancaster, for life, his lands and tenements in Whynfell in Kendale, with reversion to Christopher the grantor's son." - from "British History Online." This implies that Christopher was the senior heir who was left to decide whether his brother, Robert, would maintain the grant after his father's death or would gain the estate on Robert's death, assuming he d.s.p..

26 May 1335, at York. "Exemption for life of Gilbert de Lancastre from being put on assizes, juries, or recognisances, and from appointment as mayor, sheriff, coroner, escheator, or other bailiff or minister of the king, against his will." - from the "Patent Rolls"

Gilbert's sons were,
(10) Gilbert de Lancaster (c1290)
(10) Christopher de Lancaster (c1290)
(10) Roger de Lancaster (c1290), or
(10) Robert de Lancaster ???

(10) Gilbert de Lancaster (c1290)
(5) Roger Fitz Reinfrid (c1114) (6) Gilbert fitz Reinfrid "de Lancaster" (c1162) (7) Sir Roger de Lancaster (c1200) (8) Christopher de Lancaster (c1260) (9) Gilbert de Lancaster (c1260)

He married a daughter of Sir Thomas Grey, of Norton (Dugdale). This reference may be wrong. Certainly he did not inherit, so perhaps he died before 1355.

(10) Christopher de Lancaster (c1290)
(5) Roger Fitz Reinfrid (c1114) (6) Gilbert fitz Reinfrid "de Lancaster" (c1162) (7) Sir Roger de Lancaster (c1200) (8) Christopher de Lancaster (c1260) (9) Gilbert de Lancaster (c1260)

Of Sockbridge, Strickland, Hartsop, and Bannandesdale. His wife was Joan. In 1330 Gilbert de Lancaster gave to his son Christopher all his lands and tenements, inter alia, in Strickland. - from "Records of Kendale Vol 1" by William Farrer Litt.

1348. "In a charter appointing Thomas de Bampton as attorney to deliver seisin to Christopher de Lancaster and his wife of lands in Tirril, we find it dated "at the chapel of Patrickdale [Patterdale], Monday the feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Mary the Virgin, 22 Edward III."

His father probably died in 1355 and Christopher inherited.

1368. "Christopher de Lancaster occupied and took the profits of all the lands [in Kirby in Kendale] . . . of Thomas de Roos, held from that feast of St. Martin up to the present time . . . [reference to] the feast of the exaltation of the Holy Cross, 36 (?) Edward III . . . last plague now six years ago; Chan. Inq. p.m., 42 Edw.111, n 64. - from "Records of Kendale Vol 1" by William Farrer Litt.

1371. "Know all men etc. that I Christopher de Lancaster have given and granted etc. to Sir John Boukyn, rector of Marton, and Sir Adam de Brokelstowe, chaplain, as interim feoffees, my manor of Hartsop with its belongings, to have and to hold in lands, etc. without retention of anything belonging, of the chief lords of the fee by service, etc. for all time. Dated on Wednesday next after the Purification of St. Mary, 45 Edward III. The release was granted on the Friday next after the Feast of St. Gregory the Pope. - from "British History Online.

1371. "Certain feoffees settle the manors of Sokebrede and Stirkland Roger upon Christopher de Lancastre and Joan his wife for their lives with successive remainders to Gilbert, son of the said Christopher, John son of the said Gilbert, William brother of John, William son of Christopher, John son of Christopher, John son of Isabel de WYNDESORE, Thomas son of the same Isabel; Trans. C. and W. A. Soc., N.S. X, 463."

1371. "John Bonkin, rector of Merton and Adam de Drokynstow, chaplain, to Christopher Lancaster and Gilbert, his son manor of Hartsop."

1376. "John Bonkin, rector of Merton and Adam de Drokynstow, chaplain, to Christopher Lancaster and Joan, his wife Manors of Sockbridge and Strickland Roger."

1383. "Christopher de Lancastre grants his lands and tenements in Whynfell, Fatherbank and Sleddale in Kendale to feoffees to the use of his son, John de Lancastre, the younger, with remainder, in default of issue of John, to Thomas, brother of John." - from "British History Online"

Apparently Christopher died between 1383 and 1390.

1390. "Joan who was the wife of Christopher de Lancastre held of Thomas de Ros, knt., the hamlet of Stirkeland Roger for 13s. 5d. rent at Easter and Michaelmas, worth 20s. yearly; and the manor of Stirkland Roger for 25s. 11d. at the same time, worth 40s. yearly; Inq., p.m., 14 Richard II, n. 41."

1405. "Joan late the wife of Christopher de Lancastre held of William Parr, knt., and Elizabeth late his wife, the hamlet of Stirkeland Roger for 13s. 5d. rent at Easter and Mich., worth 20s.; and the manor of Stirkeland Roger for 26s. 11d., at the same term, worth yearly 40s.; Inq., p.m., 6 Henry IV, n. 37."

Christopher's sons were,
(11) Gilbert de Lancaster (c1320)
(11) William de Lancaster (c1320)
(11) John de Lancaster (c1320)
(11) Thomas de Lancaster (c1320)

(11) Gilbert de Lancaster (c1320)
(5) Roger Fitz Reinfrid (c1114) (6) Gilbert fitz Reinfrid "de Lancaster" (c1162) (7) Sir Roger de Lancaster (c1200) (8) Christopher de Lancaster (c1260) (9) Gilbert de Lancaster (c1260) (10) Christopher de Lancaster (c1290)

"Gilbert, son of the said Christopher"

(12) John de Lancaster (c1350)
(5) Roger Fitz Reinfrid (c1114) (6) Gilbert fitz Reinfrid "de Lancaster" (c1162) (7) Sir Roger de Lancaster (c1200) (8) Christopher de Lancaster (c1260) (9) Gilbert de Lancaster (c1260) (10) Christopher de Lancaster (c1290) (11) Gilbert de Lancaster (c1320)

Of Stirkland. "Gilbert, son of the said Christopher, John son of the said Gilbert." 1407. "John de Lancastre of Brompton held of John de Parr the manor of Stirkeland Roger for 26s. 11d. rent at Easter and Mich., worth 40s.; Inq., p.m., 9 Henry IV, n. 38."

(12) William de Lancaster (c1350)
(5) Roger Fitz Reinfrid (c1114) (6) Gilbert fitz Reinfrid "de Lancaster" (c1162) (7) Sir Roger de Lancaster (c1200) (8) Christopher de Lancaster (c1260) (9) Gilbert de Lancaster (c1260) (10) Christopher de Lancaster (c1290) (11) Gilbert de Lancaster (c1320)

"Gilbert, son of the said Christopher, John son of the said Gilbert, William brother of John." There are references in the Lowther manuscripts to a purchase in Penrith by William de Lancaster of Holgill, 1377, and of the manor of Newby, undated - from the "British Archives." This could relate to William's uncle, below, as well.

(11) William de Lancaster (c1320)
(5) Roger Fitz Reinfrid (c1114) (6) Gilbert fitz Reinfrid "de Lancaster" (c1162) (7) Sir Roger de Lancaster (c1200) (8) Christopher de Lancaster (c1260) (9) Gilbert de Lancaster (c1260) (10) Christopher de Lancaster (c1290)

"William son of Christopher."

(11) John de Lancaster (c1320)
(5) Roger Fitz Reinfrid (c1114) (6) Gilbert fitz Reinfrid "de Lancaster" (c1162) (7) Sir Roger de Lancaster (c1200) (8) Christopher de Lancaster (c1260) (9) Gilbert de Lancaster (c1260) (10) Christopher de Lancaster (c1290)

"John son of Christopher."

1383. "Christopher de Lancastre grants his lands and tenements in Whynfell, Fatherbank and Sleddale in Kendale to feoffees to the use of his son, John de Lancastre, the younger, with remainder, in default of issue of John, to Thomas, brother of John." - from "British History Online"

(11) Thomas de Lancaster (c1320)
(5) Roger Fitz Reinfrid (c1114) (6) Gilbert fitz Reinfrid "de Lancaster" (c1162) (7) Sir Roger de Lancaster (c1200) (8) Christopher de Lancaster (c1260) (9) Gilbert de Lancaster (c1260) (10) Christopher de Lancaster (c1290)

Thomas son of Christopher.

1383. "Christopher de Lancastre grants his lands and tenements in Whynfell, Fatherbank and Sleddale in Kendale to feoffees to the use of his son, John de Lancastre, the younger, with remainder, in default of issue of John, to Thomas, brother of John." - from "British History Online"

(10) Roger de Lancaster (c1290)
(5) Roger Fitz Reinfrid (c1114) (6) Gilbert fitz Reinfrid "de Lancaster" (c1162) (7) Sir Roger de Lancaster (c1200) (8) Christopher de Lancaster (c1260) (9) Gilbert de Lancaster (c1260)

Of Sockbridge, Stirkland and Banandesdale. His wife was Margaret. On the Close Roll for 44 Edward III is the record that "Roger, son of Gilbert de Lancaster, died on the Thursday before Michaelmas, anno 26 [1352/3]."

"Roger de Lancastre died on 12 October, 27 Edward 111 [1353]; by reason of the minority of his son and heir, certain lands and tenements in Banandesdale were in the king's hands until 21 May, 29th year (1355) when the lands of Kendale were delivered to John de Coupeland and Joan his wife; the issues during that period amounted to 75s.; Ministers Accts., bundle 1118, n. 5."

In 1355 "Roger son of Gilbert de Lancaster, lately deceased, held at his death three tofts and one bovate in Stirkland Randolf of Thomas de Ros for 6s. 8d. yearly, and one carucate in Stirkland Randolf (According to Rawlinson's MS. B. 438, f. 50d, he held the manor (sic) of Stirkland Ranndolf of Thomas de Ros of Kendale for 26s. 2d. yearly, worth 40s. yearly; Inq., p.m., 43 Edw. III, 1st., nos., n. 62.) and Sleddale of Thomas de Ros by homage and the service of 6s. 8d. yearly. He died in 28 Edward III (1354)." - from "Records of Kendale Vol 1" by William Farrer Litt.

In 1355 "Roger, son of Gilbert de Lancaster, lately deceased, held at his death 3 tofts and 1 carucate of land in Whynfell of Matthew de Redmane for one sparrow-hawk yearly, worth 20s. yearly." - from "British History Online."

In 1356 "Roger son of Gilbert de Lancaster held as his death 3 tofts and 1 carucate in Whynfell of Matthew de Redmane by homage and the service of a sparrow-hawk yearly." - from "British History Online."

1356. "Inquest taken at Kirkby in Kendale, 21 December, 30 Edward 111 1356, by the oath of Thomas de Redmane, John de la Chaumbre, John de Pykering, Roland de Thornburgh, William de Gilpyn, Roger de Gnype, John Ward, Roland son of Michael de Patton, William de Edenhale, Roger Cayrous, William de Potter [gh], and John de Leke, who say that Roger son of Gilbert de Lancastre was seised at his death of one moiety of a pasture called Banandesdale in Stirkland Ketel, held of the king in chief, as of the fees late of William de Coucy, by homage and service of 2s. yearly, worth 50s. yearly clear; and of the other moiety of the same pasture held of the heir of John, son of Isolda de Croft, who is within age, by fealty and service of 2s. yearly, worth 50s. yearly clear; a messuage and 1 carucate of land in Skelmeserghe of Roger de Leyburne by fealty and the service of 18d. yearly, worth 13. 4d. yearly; 3 tofts and 1 bovate of land in Stirkland Randolfe of Thomas de Ros by homage and the service of 6s 8d. yearly, worth 6s. 8d. yearly; a moiety of the manor of Sockbred of the same Thomas de Ros by homage and the service of 13s 4d. yearly, worth 20s. yearly; 3 tofts and 1 carucate of land in Whinffell of Matthew de Redman by homage and the service of a sparrow-hawk yearly, worth 20s. yearly; 2 tofts and one carucate of land in Skelmesergh conjointly with Margaret his wife, who survives, of Roger de Leyburn by fealty and the service of 18d. yearly, worth 10s. yearly; 3 tofts and 1 carucate of land at Faurebanke (now Fairbank), jointly with the said Margaret of Thomas de Thwenge by fealty and the service of 1lb. Cummin yearly, worth 13s. 4d. yearly; 1 carucate of land in Stirkland Randolf and Sledale, jointly with the said Margaret, of Thomas de Ros by homage and service of 6s. 8d. yearly; 6d. yearly rent from a tenement which william de Edenhale and Alice de Heton held in Kyrkeby in Kendale. He died 4 September, 28 Edward 111 (1354). Alexander his son, aged 10 years, is his next heir; Chan. Inq. p.m., Edw. 111, 1st nos., n. 36."

The Patent Roll of 32 Edward III [1359] stated that Roger de Lancaster was dead, leaving John his son and heir, and named William [?] as Roger's brother. Could this also fit here? I don't have another member of the family dying in that year. This may, like the inquests to follow, have been a reference to a man long dead. If so, then perhaps Alexander was the eldest son, but one who had died between 1356, when he was named heir, and 1359, when John was so named. If so, then John had died by 1369 when Joan was named next heir. Perhaps this explains the numerous inquests; they were done for minor heirs who had died before they could legally inherit.

1369. "Another inquest taken in 43 Edward III, Roger son of Gilbert de Lancaster held at his death two parts of a pasture in Banandesdale of the fee late of William de Coucy, as of the manor of Kirkeby in Kendale, by the service of 3s. yearly; a moiety of Banandesdale of Thomas de Roos of Kendale, chivaler, by the service of a sparrow-hawk or 12d. at St. Peter's Chains, worth 32s.; the manor (?) of Stirkeland Randolf of the same Thomas by the service of 26s 21/2d. yearly, worth 40s.; a moiety of the manor of Sockbred of the same Thomas by the service of 2s. yearly, worth 40s.; two messuages and 40 a. land in Skelsmeser of Roger de Leybourne by the service of 18d. yearly; 3 messuages in Faurbank in the vill of Strikeland kelte of Robert de Belyngeham by the services of 6d. yearly. He died 26 Edward 111 and Joan, wife of William de Taillour, is his next heir; Inq.p.m., 43 Edward 111, 1st nos., n.62." - from "Records of Kendale Vol 1" by William Farrer Litt.

1370. "Roger, son of Gilbert de Lancaster held at his death on Thursday before Michaelmas, 26 Edward 111 (1352) two-thirds of a pasture in Banandesdale of the fee late of William de Coucy, deceased, as of a moiety of the manor of Kirkeby in Kendale, rendering 3s. yearly; Joan wife of William Taillour, daughter of the said Roger, who at his death was under age, is his next heir and of full age; Cal. Close R. 1370, p.162." - from "Records of Kendale Vol 1" by William Farrer Litt.

1375. "Margaret late the wife of Roger de Lancastre held of Joan de Coupeland divers tenements in Banandesdale for 2s. yearly; Inq. p.m., 49 Edw. 111."

In 1411 "Richard Roose held of Philippa, duchess of Ireland, divers lands in Banandesdale, which Margaret, late the wife of Roger de Lancaster, formerly held freely, by homage and fealty and 2s. rent at Easter and Mich., worth 100s. yearly; but now the said Richard for some time disclaims the holding of the said lands of the said Philippa, for what reason is not known; Chan. Inq. p.m., 13 Hen, iv, n. 44." - from "Records of Kendale Vol 1" by William Farrer Litt.

Roger's children were,
(11) Alexander de Lancaster (1346)
(11) John de Lancaster (c1347)
(11) Joan de Lancaster (c1349), who married William de Taillour.

(11) Alexander de Lancaster (1346)
(5) Roger Fitz Reinfrid (c1114) (6) Gilbert fitz Reinfrid "de Lancaster" (c1162) (7) Sir Roger de Lancaster (c1200) (8) Christopher de Lancaster (c1260) (9) Gilbert de Lancaster (c1260) (10) Roger de Lancaster (c1290)

Alexander was Roger's son and next heir. Inq., post mort., 30 Edward III (I), n. 36; ib. 43 Edward III (I) n. 62; Cal. Close Rolls, 1356, p. 269. - from "Records of Kendale Vol 1" by William Farrer Litt. He apparently died young for in 1359 his brother, John, was listed as his father's next heir.

(11) John de Lancaster (c1347)
(5) Roger Fitz Reinfrid (c1114) (6) Gilbert fitz Reinfrid "de Lancaster" (c1162) (7) Sir Roger de Lancaster (c1200) (8) Christopher de Lancaster (c1260) (9) Gilbert de Lancaster (c1260) (10) Roger de Lancaster (c1290)

I suspect that John's elder brother, Alexander, died in about 1359, before he could legally inherit. At this point John was appointed as the minor heir. The next entry seems questionable, but I don't know where else to put it.

"John son of Roger de Lancaster by his will, dated 13 January, 1353-4, desired that his body should be buried "in capella Sci Cuthberti de Milnebourne" [the chapel of St. Cuthbert of Milburn] and left a legacy to pay for a priest who should sing masses for his soul." - from "British History Online."

By 1369 Joan, John's sister, had been proclaimed sole heir, so I assume John had died by that time, while still a minor and not yet having inherited.

(11) Joan de Lancaster (c1348)
(5) Roger Fitz Reinfrid (c1114) (6) Gilbert fitz Reinfrid "de Lancaster" (c1162) (7) Sir Roger de Lancaster (c1200) (8) Christopher de Lancaster (c1260) (9) Gilbert de Lancaster (c1260) (10) Roger de Lancaster (c1290)

". . . Joan, wife of William de Taillour, is his next heir."

Unplaced de Lancasters of Sockbridge

Thomas de Lancaster (c1250-1325?)

of Sockbridge. The following reference doesn't seem to fit, but I don't have any other Thomas'.

"The period, let us say, was at the end of the long reign of Edward III [1327-1377], or the close of the fourteenth century . . . There was Thomas de Lancaster of Sockbridge and his kinsman, Sir William de Lancaster, of Howgill, knight, both branches of the family of the powerful barons of Kendal." - from "The Old Manorial Halls of Westmorland & Cumberland" by Michael Waistell Taylor.

The latter was probably (11) William de Lancaster (c1320), but who was Thomas de Lancaster?

Roger de Lancaster (c1280?-1354)
() Thomas de Lancaster

Of Sockbridge and Banandesdale. The son of Thomas. His wife was Margaret.

1354. "Inquest taken at Kirkeby in Kendale on Saturday in the octave of . . . 42 Edward III [1354], by the oath of Thomas de Redmane, John de Wesington, John de Burgh, Henry de Levenes, William de Gilpyne, Thomas de Yealand, John de Leke . . . John Warde of Hoton and John de Karlesheved, who say that, Roger, son of Thomas de Lancastre held at his death a pasture called Banandesdale . . . beside the agistment of Banandesdale of the fee late of William de Coucy, by the service of . . . worth 33s. 4d. per annum clear . . . of a moiety of the manor of Sokbrede [Sockbridge] held of Thomas de Roos of Kendale for a pair of spurs or 12d. yearly . . . Fauerbank . . . Wynfell held of . . . de Redemane by service of . . . worth, beyond the service, 13s. 4d . . . held the moeity of the pasture of Bananddisdale from the death of the said Roger . . . Margaret [late the wife of the said Roger took] the profits of the 3rd part of another moiety of Bananddisdale, as of her dower . . . Christopher de Lancaster occupied and took the profits of all the lands . . . of Thomas de Roos, held from that feast of St. Martin up to the present time . . . [reference to] the feast of the exaltation of the Holy Cross, 36 (?) Edward 111 . . . last plague now six years ago; Chan. Inq. p.m., 42 Edw.111."

Christopher de Lancaster (c1310?)

A son of Roger, above? Upon Roger de Lancaster's death in 1354 "Christopher de Lancaster occupied and took the profits of all the lands." Perhaps a greedy brother.

(13) Sir William Lancaster (c1400)
(5) Roger Fitz Reinfrid (c1114) (6) Gilbert fitz Reinfrid "de Lancaster" (c1162) (7) Sir Roger de Lancaster (c1200) (8) Christopher de Lancaster (c1260) (9) Gilbert de Lancaster (c1260) (10) Christopher de Lancaster (c1290) (11) Gilbert de Lancaster (c1320) (12) William de Lancaster (c1350)

Of Sockbridge. I don't know that he was the son of William, or of his brother, John, but there are no others available. A William Lancastre of Hertsop was mentioned in the will of Sir John de Lancaster of Howgill.

1435. "Pardon, for 20 marks, to Thomas Warcop of Lambersate and John Scarlet, chaplain, in that they lately acquired without the king's licence to them and the heirs of Thomas from John Lancastre, "Chivaler," since deceased, and Katherine his wife, the manors of Ridale and Loughrygge, held in chief, and regranted them to the said John Lancastre and Katherine and the heirs male of their bodies with remainder to Robert Lancastre his brother for life, with remainder to John Lancastre son of William Lancastre of Yanewyth and the heirs male of his body, with remainder to Christopher Lancastre, brother of the said John son of William and the heirs of his body, with remainder to William Lancastre son of the said Robert and the heirs male of his body, with remainder to William Lancastre of Hertsop and the heirs male of his body; and licence for the said Katherine to have the manors again entailed as aforesaid." - from "British History Online"

(14) Mabel de Lancaster (c1430)
(5) Roger Fitz Reinfrid (c1114) (6) Gilbert fitz Reinfrid "de Lancaster" (c1162) (7) Sir Roger de Lancaster (c1200) (8) Christopher de Lancaster (c1260) (9) Gilbert de Lancaster (c1260) (10) Christopher de Lancaster (c1290) (11) Gilbert de Lancaster (c1320) (12) William de Lancaster (c1350) (13) Sir William Lancaster (c1400)

Sir Hugh Lowther, Sheriff of Cumberland, married Mabel Lancaster, the daughter of Sir William Lancaster of Sockbridge in 1456. A son, Hugh, was born in 1461. Sir Hugh acquired a large part of the Sockbridge estates, but by another marriage 44 years later [1500] the estate returned to the Lancasters.

Thomas Lancaster of Sockbridge (c1420)

Thomas Lancaster, of Sockbridge Hall, was a descendant of Roger de Lancaster, of the Lancasters who were Barons of Kendal, Westmoreland.

Elizabeth Lancaster (c1450)
Thomas Lancaster

Thomas' daughter was Elizabeth, who married William Gilpin, one of the five children of Richard de Gylpyn. William "was a eminent man and of great dealings in the Barony of Kendal." He lived, as Sir Daniel Fleming's ms. has it, in the time of Edward IV, about 1472, and had seven children.

Christopher Lancaster (c1440)

Eleanor Musgrave (c1440), the daughter of Sir Thomas Musgrave (1417-1457) and Mary Stapleton, married Christopher de Lancaster.

Launcelot Lancaster (c1530)

Of Craketrees [Crake Trees], county Westmorland, esq. There must be several generations of Launcelots here. A Launcelot Lancaster married Jane Musgrave, the daughter of William Musgrave; also Frances, the daughther of Thomas Tancred [Tankard] (1530-1596) of Yorkshire, in the early part of the reign of James I; Elizabeth Pattison on 16 February 1640; Margaret Rokeby of Mortham; and Dorothy Airey on 13 May 1736.

Crake Trees "The earliest documentary reference to the occupation of the building dates to 1591, but it is thought to have been built for a branch of the Lancaster family, whose principal seat was at Sockbridge Hall near Penrith. In the late 16th or early 17th century, the medieval timber-framed great hall and the accompanying service range were demolished to make way for a single-storey stone-built wing combining entrance hall and kitchen, whose external wall proudly displayed the Lancaster family's coat of arms. Attached to this was a two-storey tower, also built in stone, which contained the house's smartest rooms. This remodelling was the swansong of Crake Trees: after the mid-17th century, the house was apparently occupied by tenants and the construction of a barn in the late 18th century confirms that by that date it was essentially just a farmhouse. The house was eventually abandoned at some point between 1871 and 1881 and thereafter fell gradually into disrepair, although photographs taken in 1935 indicate that it was more or less intact at that date." - from "English Heritage"

Launcelot Lancaster of Sockbridge was "one of Dacre's officers [his steward] in Westmorland, assembled his master's tenants, and led them to throw down certain enclosures which had been made by John Warcop . . ." Lancelot was subsequently imprisoned at Appleby castle. He was referred to as a man "who could be relied on, when required, to push his master's quarrels with the dominant Clifford interest to the point of violence. - from "Society, Politics and Culture: Studies in Early Modern England" by Mervyn Evans James.

1542. Mentioned in a bond as Lancelot Lancaster of Sockbridge, yeoman. - from the "British Archives."

I have a Lancelot Lancaster, an escheator for Westmorland in 1547, and Ambrose Lancaster, who was an escheator in 1549. - from "British History Online"

1558. "An examination of an information exhibited by Allan Bellingham, esq., in the Court of Yorke, against Lancelot Lancaster, esq., and others, his bailiffs and servants, for causing open Proclamation to be made "that if any tooke geist of Allan Bellingham in a place called Bannersdaleside, parcell of Fawcett Forest, that the cattle should be kill'd; as also for killing cattle there as well of the said Allan's owne as of others that tooke geist, and of the answers of the said Lancelott who claimed a title to the said bannersdale side and justified that he and the other defendants, as his servants, did drive cattle from off the said ground and did give notice that none should take any geist there of the said Allan Bellingham." Wherefor the said cause proceeded by examination of witnesses upon interrogatories and depositions od sundry witnesses then taken; whereupon it did appear upon proofs that the said Lancelot had not any good title to the lands in question and that he had hindered the said Allan in taking the full profits of the said lands. It was therefore ordered that the said Lancelot should pay to the said Allan £10 for the said damages, and £20 to the king "for the greate riott" and to be committed till he pay that fine and also to be bound to the peace."

1560. "In Michaelmas term, 2 Elizabeth (1560), Lancelot Lancester, esq., conveyed by fine to Alan Bellingham, esq., 200 a. land with pasture, moor and heath in Banisdayle, Banisdaileside and Strickland Ketle; Reg. of D. at Levens."

Ambrose Lancaster (c1560)
() Lancelot Lancaster (c1530)

Ambrose was involved in a land deal in 1586. "Craik Trees. A tower house and the residence of a cadet branch of the Lancaster family; Ambrose the 6th son of Lancelot Lancaster of Sockbridge was living here in 1591." - from "British History Online."

Eleanor Lancaster (c1570)
() Lancelot Lancaster (c1530)

Richard Cleburne (1567-1607) of Killerby, Yorkshire, and Cleburne, Westmorland, married Eleanor, daughter of Launcelot Lancaster of Sockbridge and Barton, Westmorland.

Jane Lancaster (c1570)
() Lancelot Lancaster (c1530)

Thomas Dykes, escheator of Westmorland in the time of Queen Elizabeth, married Jane, the daughter of Launcelot Lancaster, Esq., of Sockbridge.

Agnes Lancaster (c1570)
() Lancelot Lancaster (c1530)

Richard Lloyde, clerk, curate of St. Mary, Islington, married Agnes Lancaster, spinster, of St. John's, Walbrook, London, the daughter of Lancelot Lancaster, late of Hackney, Middlesex, taylor, deceased.

Edward Lancaster (c1540-1619)

Of Sockbridge, Barton, Hartsop, and Strickland. He died on 15 October 1619.

"Inquest taken at Browham [Brougham], 15 October, 17 James I (1619), before Cuthbert ORFEUR, gentleman, Roger OTWAY, esquire, escheator and Robert CURWEN, gentleman, feodary, the king's commissioners. Edward LANCASTER, esquire, long before his death as seised of the manor of Sockbread and divers lands, &c., in Tirell; the manor of Hartsopp; the manor of Strickland Roger and divers lands, &c., in Ladyford and Skelmerster; a moiety of the advowson of the vicarage of the parish church in Barton; a moiety of the rectory of Barton and of all the tithes of grain, hay, lambs, wool, hemp and other tithes of the parish of Barton, the tithes in Martindell, parcel of the said rectory of Barton excepted. So seised he by deed dated 28 September, 18 Elizabeth (1576) granted to Edward MIDDLETON, esquire, John WHARTON, esquire, and George HUDSON, gentleman, all the premises and his lands and tenements in co. Westmorland, to the use expressed in certain indentures of same date made between the parties for the advancement of Lancelot LANCASTER, son and heir apparent of the said Edward LANCASTER, and for the jointure of Jane MUSGRAVE, one of the daughters of William MUSGRAVE, esquire, if a marriage hereafter should be had between the said Lancelot and Jane, namely: To hold the capital messuage called the demesne lands of Ladyford, parcel of the manor of Strickland Roger, and 8 messuages then in the tenur of the wife of Nicholas REDMAINE, Mabel DUCKETT, widow, Edward REDMAINE, Christopher REDMAINE, Robert RICHARDSON of Hartsopp, Geoffrey THOMPSON of Gaithowe in Overhartsopp, Lancelot LANCASTER of Sockbread and John LANCASTER of Tirrell [Launcelot's brother?] with the lands to the same capital messuage or 8 messuages belonging, to the use of the said Lancelot LANCASTER and the said Jane, daughter of the said William MUSGRAVE, for parcel of her jointure and the heirs male of the said Lancelot, with divers other remainders to heirs male; and to hold the residue of the premises to the use of the said Edward LANCASTER for term of his life and after his death to use of Lancelot and his heirs male."

Launcelot Lancaster (1568)
() Edward Lancaster (?-1619)

Of Sockbridge Hall. Christopher may be his brother. "Nicholas (sic Lancelot) Lancaster still survives and by force of the statute of uses of Henry VIII, Edward Lancaster [his father] was seised for term of his life of the premises aforesaid except the messuage and lands assured for the jointure of Jane."

1619. "The manor of Sockbread is held of the heirs of Matthew REDMAINE, by a pair of spurs, saving foreign service; a moiety of the manor of Hartsopp, a moiety of the manor of Strickland Roger, a moiety of the lands and tenements in Ladyfoordes and a moiety of the lands and tenements in Skelmerstre are held of James BELLINGHAM, knight, in socage by a pair of spurs and are worth yearly 40s.; and the other moiety of the manors, lands and tenements in Sockbread, Tirrell, Hartsopp, Strickland Roger, Ladyfoordes and Shelmestre are held or Charles, prince of Wales, as of his purparty of the barony of Kirkbykendall called "le Marquesse Fee," by knight service and a yearly rent of 26s. 8d. and are worth yearly £10 clear; the moiety of the advowson or right of patronage of the vicarage of the church of the parish of Barton and the moiety of the rectory of Barton and of all the tithes of grain, &c., of the parish of Barton, except the tithes in Martindell, parcel of the aforesaid rectory of Barton, are held of the king in chief by knight service and are worth yearly clear £3. Edward LANCASTRE did 20 January, 15 James I (1618) and Lancelot LANCASTRE esquire is his son and heir, aged 50 years at the time of his father's death; Court of Wards Inq., p.m., vol. 61, n. 141."

"The church [of Barton], dedicated to St. Michael, is a large building, situate in the picturesque vale of Eamont. It consists of a nave, chancel, and side aisles, and presents a very venerable appearance. In the centre is a large square tower, in which are two bells. In one of the aisles, on a plate of brass, is inscribed "Here lieth William Lancaster, son of Christopher, on whose soul .Jesu have mercy." He is supposed to have died about the year 1575. "In the chancel, above the communion table, are five rows of escutcheons, seven in each row, many of which are now defaced, but, amongst them were to be seen in Michael's4 time, the arms of Arundel, Percy, Lucy, Dacre, Lowther, Lancaster, Strickland, Threlkeld, Machel, Moresby, Orpheur, and Crackenthorpe." The church was given in the 13th century, by Sir John de Lancastre, to Wartre priory, in Yorkshire, and after the dissolution of the monasteries, was granted by the crown to Thomas, Earl of Rutland, who sold it to Lancelot Lancaster, of Sockbridge, and Michael Hudson. The Lancaster portion passed in marriage to the Lowthers, who have since become possessed of the entire advowson, so that the Earl of Lonsdale is now the patron." from "Images of Cumbria."

"The Vicarge-house [at Barton], distant about 200 yards from the church is a handsome mansion, erected in 1637 by Dr. Lancelot Dawes, a vicar and native of this parish, whose descendant sold the rectorial tithes of High Barton to the lord of the manor. The church was given by Sir John de Lancastre to Wartre priory in Yorkshire, and after the dissolution was granted by the crown to Thomas, Earl of Rutland, who sold it to Lancelot Lancaster and Michael Hudson, from whom the rectorial tithes of the parish passed to various proprietors, but the Earl of Lonsdale is patron of the vicarage, which is valued in the King's books at £11. 1s. 0d., and is now enjoyed by the Rev. Thomas Gibson. The impropriators pay a yearly pension of 6s. to the bishop. The vicar receives the interest of £100. left by Mrs. Dudley, of Yanwath."

1630. "Inquest taken at Kirkbie Kendall last day of August, 6 Charles I (1630) before John COWPER, esquire, escheator, by the oath, &c., who say that: Allan BRACKEN, yeoman, on the day of his death was seised of a messuage and tenement in Strickland Roger and of 8 acres of arable land, 2 acres of meadow and 6 acres of pasture thereto belonging in Strickland Roger lately purchased from Lancelot LANCASTER, esquire, and Christopher LANCASTER, gentleman. So seised by his will in writing date 18 May last (1630) he bequeathed the messuage, tenement and other the premises to his brother Thomas BRACKEN and his heirs for ever. The premises are held of the king as of his manor of Kendall called "Marquesse Fee" by fealty and a free rent of 3d. at the feast of St. Michael yearly to be paid to the king in common socage and are worth yearly clear 20s. He died 19 May last (1630). Henry BRAKCEN is his brother and nearest heir, aged 44 years and upwards now; Court of Wards Inq., post mort., vol. 80, n. 146."

1633. A draft marriage settlement mentions Lancelot Lancaster of Sockbridge and Christopher Lancaster of Crackenthorpe. - from the "British Archives."

Crackenthorpe In Westmorland.

1707-1708. "Thomas Lancaster of Little Musgrave, yeo. and Lancelot Lancaster of the same, yeo. were indicted for obstructing an ancient road leading from the Close of George Thompson called Ellerside End to the town of Little Musgrave, by erecting a wall across a gateway in a close called Home Close. Each were fined 2s. 6d." - from "British History Online."

Launcelot Lancaster (c1660)

At least one of the Lancelots was a Quaker - from "The Friends' Library: comprising journals, doctrinal treatises , and other writings of members of..." by William Evans and Thomas Evans. This would have been sometime after 1652. "Christmas [written Xtmas] 1694
Juratores pro domino Rege super sacramentum suum presentant quod Lancelot Lancaster de Ambleside in comitatu predicto, yeoman, tricesimo die October anno regni Regis Gullielmi et nuper Regine Marie Anglie etc. sexto vi et armis apud Ambleside in comitatu predicto aliquam ovem matricem cujusdam Thoma Ellis precij quinque solidorum ibidem nuper inventam existentem felonice cepit, furatus est et asportavit et alia enormia etc. ad grave dampnum etc. et conra pacem etc." That is, the jury on behalf of the lord king upon their oath present that Lancelot Lancaster of Ambleside in the aforesaid county, yeoman, on the 13th day of October in the sixth year of the reign of King William and of the late Queen Mary of England etc. violently and feloniously in Ambleside in the aforesaid county took, stole and carried away a ewe of a certain Thomas Ellis valued at five shillings which he recently found there, and other enormities etc., to the grave loss etc. and against the peace etc. - from "Documents in Medieval Latin" by John Thorley.

Elizabeth Lancaster (1738)
Lancelot Lancaster

I'm guessing based on the below that this was an early death. 14 January 1738/9 . . . Eliz: daughter of Lancelot Lancaster, KS. - from "Kirby Stephen, Westmorland, Burials 1731-1740."

Lancelot Lancaster (1743)
Lancelot Lancaster

21 March 1743/4 . . . Lancelot son of Lancelot Lancaster - KS. - from "Kirby Stephen, Westmorland, Baptisms 1741-1750."

Christopher Lancaster

William Lancaster (?-1575)
() Christopher Lancaster

Barton: "The church, dedicated to St. Michael, is a large building, situate in the picturesque vale of Eamont. It consists of a nave, chancel, and side aisles, and presents a very venerable appearance. In the centre is a large square tower, in which are two bells. In one of the aisles, on a plate of brass, is inscribed "Here lieth William Lancaster, son of Christopher, on whose soul Jesu have mercy." He is supposed to have died about the year 1575." from Images of Cumbria.

Christopher Lancaster (c1585) of Sockbridge

He had four daughters and no male heir.

Frances Lancaster (1617)
Christopher Lancaster (c1585)

The last of the Sockbridge Hall Lancasters. In 1633, at the age of 16, she married Sir Christopher Lowther, 1st Baronet of Whitehaven, the son of Sir John Lowther. He was Sheriff of Cumberland in 1640. She was Da. and h. of Christopher Lancaster of Sockbridge, Westmorland. "Christopher Lowther who married the daughter and heiress of Christopher Lancaster held the moiety of the manor of Sockbridge by knight's service rendering yearly a pair of gilt spurs." - from "British History Online." On the death of Christopher Lancaster, Sir John bought out the dowries of the three remaining sisters.

Barton: "The church was given in the 13th century, by Sir John de Lancastre, to Wartre priory, in Yorkshire, and after the dissolution of the monasteries, was granted by the crown to Thomas, Earl of Rutland, who sold it to Lancelot Lancaster, of Sockbridge, and Michael Hudson. The Lancaster portion passed in marriage to the Lowthers, who have since become possessed of the entire advowson, so that the Earl of Lonsdale is now the patron." from Images of Cumbria

Barbara Lancaster (c1615)

Of Sockbridge. She married Robert Highmoor. A sister of Frances?

The de Lancaster/Lawrence's of Ashton Hall

(8) Thomas de Lancaster (c1260)
(5) Roger Fitz Reinfrid (c1114) (6) Gilbert fitz Reinfrid "de Lancaster" (c1162) (7) Sir Roger de Lancaster (c1200)

A younger son (1292) of Roger de Lancaster. He was the father of Laurence de Lancaster (1317), father of John Laurence (1338), father of Edmund Laurence (d. 1381), of Ashton Hall in Lancaster, who married, secondly, Agnes de Washington, grand-daughter and sole heiress of Robert de Washington and his wife, Joan de Strickland. There are, however, contrary descents for this family who do not mention the de Lancasters at all.

The de Lancaster's of Rainhill

The manor of Rainhill, assessed at two ploughlands, was held by the lord of Eccleston of the lord of Sutton, the latter holding of the Constable of Chester as of his barony of Widnes. Simon de Rainhill had two daughters, Amice, who married Alan de Windle, and Agnes, who married Roger de Molyneux, a younger son of Adam de Molyneux of Sefton.

The second moiety descended from Roger and Agnes de Molyneux to their son Richard. On the death of Richard's son, Sir John de Molyneux, without surviving issue, it became the right of John de Lancaster, son of John de Lancaster who had married Margery, the daughter of Richard de Molyneux [but who was that?] - from "British History Online."

In 1628 Thomas Lancaster, as a convicted recusant, paid double to the subsidy, but though his son John was a Royalist, and as such suffered the confiscation of his property by the Parliament, he does not seem to have been charged with the equally serious offence of recusancy. Subsequently the estate was recovered. In 1717 John Lancaster and two other members of the family as 'Papists' registered estates here. Parts of the estate were sold, but the hall descended to the Fleetwood family. - from "Townships: Rainhill, A History of the County of Lancashire: Volume 3"

The Lancasters of Rainhill used the common Lancaster arms, Argent, two bars gules, on a canton of the second a lion passant guardant or.

John de Lancaster (c1280)

He married Margery de Molyneux, the daughter of Richard de Molyneux, before 1314. He was described as "of Rainhill" as early as 1313. I suspect he was a descendent of the de Lancasters of Sockbridge. Note that the Howgill line already had a John in this generation.

John de Lancaster of Rainhill (c1315)
John de Lancaster (c1280)

The son of John. He appeared frequently in court cases from 1346 on. Living in 1364.

Richard de Lancaster (c1340)
John de Lancaster (c1280) John de Lancaster of Rainhill (c1315)

Probably the son of John. His mother was Joan and was still living in 1396.

John de Lancaster (c1375)
John de Lancaster (c1280) John de Lancaster of Rainhill (c1315) Richard de Lancaster (c1340)

1396. John, son of Richard de Lancaster, was engaged to marry Margery, the sister of John de Bold. He was a juror at the Widnes court in about 1430.

Thomas de Lancaster (1428)
John de Lancaster (c1280) John de Lancaster of Rainhill (c1315) Richard de Lancaster (c1340) John de Lancaster (c1375)

The son of John? A juror at the Widnes court in 1476. Excused from serving on assizes in 1498, being 70 years old.

Richard de Lancaster (1476)
John de Lancaster (c1280) John de Lancaster of Rainhill (c1315) Richard de Lancaster (c1340) John de Lancaster (c1375) Thomas de Lancaster (1428)

Son and heir of Thomas. In 1526, at the age of 50, he joined with Thomas Gerard, lord of the other portion of Rainhill, in renouncing as claim on a pasture called the Copped Holt. He died in 1535.

Richard de Lancaster (1521)
John de Lancaster (c1280) John de Lancaster of Rainhill (c1315) Richard de Lancaster (c1340) John de Lancaster (c1375) Thomas de Lancaster (1428) Richard de Lancaster (1476)

Son and heir of Richard. He married Alice, the daughter of Bartholomew Hesketh, in 1530, though he was only 17 in 1538. An arranged child-marriage I suppose.

Unknown de Lancaster (c1550)
John de Lancaster (c1280) John de Lancaster of Rainhill (c1315) Richard de Lancaster (c1340) John de Lancaster (c1375) Thomas de Lancaster (1428) Richard de Lancaster (1476) Richard de Lancaster (1521)

John de Lancaster (c1600)
John de Lancaster (c1280) John de Lancaster of Rainhill (c1315) Richard de Lancaster (c1340) John de Lancaster (c1375) Thomas de Lancaster (1428) Richard de Lancaster (1476) Richard de Lancaster (1521) Unknown de Lancaster (c1550)

Elizabeth, the wife of John Lancaster, was a recusant in 1641. Rainhill Hall and other lands of John Lancaster had been sold in 1653 to John Sumner. The estate was "much encumbered."

Thomas de Lancaster (1637)
John de Lancaster (c1280) John de Lancaster of Rainhill (c1315) Richard de Lancaster (c1340) John de Lancaster (c1375) Thomas de Lancaster (1428) Richard de Lancaster (1476) Richard de Lancaster (1521) Unknown de Lancaster (c1550) John de Lancaster (c1600)

The Visitations of 1664 has a pedigree ending with Thomas de Lancaster, aged 27, with infant sons John and William.

John Lancaster (1661)
John de Lancaster (c1280) John de Lancaster of Rainhill (c1315) Richard de Lancaster (c1340) John de Lancaster (c1375) Thomas de Lancaster (1428) Richard de Lancaster (1476) Richard de Lancaster (1521) Unknown de Lancaster (c1550) John de Lancaster (c1600) Thomas de Lancaster (1637) p> Probably the son of Thomas. John Lancaster, born in 1661, was living in 1690. He had a son and heir, John, and daughters Anne and Mary.

John Lancaster (c1690)
John de Lancaster (c1280) John de Lancaster of Rainhill (c1315) Richard de Lancaster (c1340) John de Lancaster (c1375) Thomas de Lancaster (1428) Richard de Lancaster (1476) Richard de Lancaster (1521) Unknown de Lancaster (c1550) John de Lancaster (c1600) Thomas de Lancaster (1637) John Lancaster (1661)

The son of John and grandson of Thomas. His estate was worth 87l 6s 4d a year. He was probably the brother of Thomas, below. His wife was Elizabeth Houghton. He had a son, John, and daughter, Mary. John Lancaster the younger was living in 1758.

John Lancaster (1723)
John de Lancaster (c1280) John de Lancaster of Rainhill (c1315) Richard de Lancaster (c1340) John de Lancaster (c1375) Thomas de Lancaster (1428) Richard de Lancaster (1476) Richard de Lancaster (1521) Unknown de Lancaster (c1550) John de Lancaster (c1600) Thomas de Lancaster (1637) John Lancaster (1661) John Lancaster (c1690)

The son of John and Elizabeth, he was baptized in 1723. He died, unmarried, in 1784.

Thomas Lancaster (1690)
John de Lancaster (c1280) John de Lancaster of Rainhill (c1315) Richard de Lancaster (c1340) John de Lancaster (c1375) Thomas de Lancaster (1428) Richard de Lancaster (1476) Richard de Lancaster (1521) Unknown de Lancaster (c1550) John de Lancaster (c1600) Thomas de Lancaster (1637) John Lancaster (1661)

Thomas Lancaster, son of John and Catherine, was born in 1690. He studied at the English College in Rome and was sent to England as a priest. Thomas Lancaster of Rainhill had an annuity of 10l out of Percival's house and his son, Francis, had an estate of 5l 17s 6d. "Thomas, heir of his brother [John the younger], whose son James died without issue in 1807."

James Lancaster (c1720)
John de Lancaster (c1280) John de Lancaster of Rainhill (c1315) Richard de Lancaster (c1340) John de Lancaster (c1375) Thomas de Lancaster (1428) Richard de Lancaster (1476) Richard de Lancaster (1521) Unknown de Lancaster (c1550) John de Lancaster (c1600) Thomas de Lancaster (1637) John Lancaster (1661) Thomas Lancaster (1690)

On the death of James Lancaser Rainhill Hall descended to his sister, Jane, who died in 1824, and to her children by Robert Fleetwood, her husband.

Francis Lancaster (c1720)
John de Lancaster (c1280) John de Lancaster of Rainhill (c1315) Richard de Lancaster (c1340) John de Lancaster (c1375) Thomas de Lancaster (1428) Richard de Lancaster (1476) Richard de Lancaster (1521) Unknown de Lancaster (c1550) John de Lancaster (c1600) Thomas de Lancaster (1637) John Lancaster (1661) Thomas Lancaster (1690)

The son of Thomas. The will of Francis Lancaster, apothecary, was dated 21 February 1744/5. A Francis Lancaster of Rainhill was fined as a recusant in 1715.

The Puritan Lancaster's of Rainhill

Gabriel Lancaster (c1570)

Of Rainhill. He married Margaret Bruen, of Bruen-Stapleford. She was probably the sister of the Puritan minister John Bruen (1560-1625) who was also the squire of the village of Bruen-Stapleford. Could Gabriel be the father of John de Lancaster (c1600), above, whose father is unknown? It doesn't feel right, however. His name looks, to me, like that of a second son, or later.

Reverend Nathaniel Lancaster (c1600)
Gabriel Lancaster (c1570)

The second son of Gabriel and Margaret Lancaster of Rainhill. He married Elizabeth Leigh, of High Leigh. I believe he too was a minister. Cited as a Puritanical minister, he gave an eloquent sermon "in praise of cities" in the Chester churches of St. Peter and St. Michael in 1627. In 1643 a parisioner of Tarporley, Cheshire complained to local magistrates about the confusions wrought in his parish by the reforming minister Nathaniel Lancaster.

Reverend Peter Lancaster (c1625)
Gabriel Lancaster (c1570) Nathaniel Lancaster (c1600)

The son of Nathaniel Lancaster. He was made Canon of Chester on 2 May 1694. Rector of Tarporley and Nantwich. Vicar of Bowdon. He died and was buried on 17 May 1709 in Chester cathedral.

Reverend Peter Lancaster Jr?? (c1655)

I feel like we need another generation here. Could he also have been Rector of Nantwich and Prebendary of Chester?

Reverend Nathaniel Lancaster (1701-1775)
Gabriel Lancaster (c1570) Nathaniel Lancaster (c1600) Reverend Peter Lancaster (c1625) Rev. Peter Lancaster Jr?? (c1655)

"The Rev. Nathaniel Lancaster LL.D. son of the Rev. Peter Lancaster M.A. Rector of Nantwich and Prebendary of Chester, did not become Dean, but, according to the magazines of the day, he married on 17th February 1735-6 "the relict of Captain Broome, with a fortune of L20,000."" - a footnote from "The Private Journal and Literary Remains of John Byrom" by John Byrom, Richard Parkinson, Francis Robert Raines. He wrote an anti-Methodist satire written in "Miltonic verse" called "Methodism Triumphant" in 1767.

Sarah Lancaster (c1625)
Gabriel Lancaster (c1570) Nathaniel Lancaster (c1600)

The daughter of Nathaniel Lancaster. "Samuel Clark, D.D., b. 12 Nov. 1626 . . . m. Sarah, sister and heir of Peter Lancaster, canon of Chester and rector of Tarporley and Nantwich, and dau. (by his wife, Elizabeth Leigh, of High Leigh) of Nathaniel Lancaster, B.D., of Tarporley, 2nd son of Gabriel Lancaster, of Rainhill, by Margaret Buren, of Bruen-Stapleford." - from "A Genealogical and Heraldic Dictionary of the Landed Gentry of Great Britain and Ireland" by Bernard Burke

From Wills in Probate Court, from "An Index to the Wills and Inventories Now Preserved in the Court of Probate, at Chester ..." by J. P. (John Parsons) Earwaker,

Lancaster, Percival, of Rainhill 1628
Lancaster, Thomas, of Rainhill, esquire 1629
Lancaster, Thomas, of Rainhill, 1629

Lancaster, John, of Rainhill, Admon with Inv 1674
Lancaster, John, of Rainhill, Admon with Inv 1779
Lancaster, Thomas, of Rainhill, Admon with Inv 1679

A Stray de Lancaster Line

(8) Simon de Lancaster (c1230)
(5) Roger Fitz Reinfrid (c1114) (6) Gilbert fitz Reinfrid "de Lancaster" (c1162) (7) Sir Roger de Lancaster (c1200)

Perhaps a son of Sir Roger and Phillipa Bolbec, though Simon is an odd name for this family.

"In the 28th Edward I [1300], Simon de Lancaster, chaplain, gives a burgage (a tenure proper to cities and borough towns whereby lands are held of the king or some lord at a certain yearly rent) with a garden in St. Mary's Street. The latter is probably the modern Church Street." - from "Time-Honored Lancaster."

Circa 1365 there was mention in the deeds amongst the Beamont mannuscripts of a Hugh, son of Thomas, son of Simon de Lancaster - British Archives. Simon had two sons,
(9) Adam de Lancaster (c1260)
(9) Thomas de Lancaster (c1260)

(9) Adam de Lancaster (c1260)
(5) Roger Fitz Reinfrid (c1114) (6) Gilbert fitz Reinfrid "de Lancaster" (c1162) (7) Sir Roger de Lancaster (c1200) (8) Simon de Lancaster (c1230)

1323. "Inquest taken at Lancastre, before Edmund de Nevill and John de Lancastre, on Wednesday next after Michaelmas, 17 Edward II [5 October, 1323] by William de Oxclif, Alan de Aston, Alan de Burgh, Thomas de Byggetwayt, John the cook of Lancaster, Adam son of Simon de Lancastre . . ." - from "Lancashire Inquests, Extents, and Feudal Aids ..." by William Farrer.

Adam and John were contemporaries.

"Letter of Attorney by Walter de Fauconberg and Marmaduke de Tiiweng, authorizing Adam de Lancaster to receive seisen of their moiety of the late Peter de Brus' lands in Ulverston, . . ." - from "Remains, Historical and Literary, Connected with the Palatine Counties of Lancaster and Chester" by Chetham Society. Helwise de Lancaster's husband and grandson were both named Peter de Brus. The latter died sine prole and was of Adam's approximate generation.

(10) William de Lancaster (c1290)
(5) Roger Fitz Reinfrid (c1114) (6) Gilbert fitz Reinfrid "de Lancaster" (c1162) (7) Sir Roger de Lancaster (c1200) (8) Simon de Lancaster (c1230) (9) Adam de Lancaster (c1260)

20 Edward III [1347]. "It there appears that the action was brought by William son of William Mirresone, burgess "villae de Prestone" against William son of Adam son of Simon de Lancastre and John de Catherton." - from "Rerum Britannicarum Medii avi Scripture: Or, Chronicles and Memorials of Great Britain and..." by Great Britain. Public Record Office

(9) Thomas de Lancaster (c1260)
(5) Roger Fitz Reinfrid (c1114) (6) Gilbert fitz Reinfrid "de Lancaster" (c1162) (7) Sir Roger de Lancaster (c1200) (8) Simon de Lancaster (c1230)

(10) Hugh de Lancaster (c1290)
(5) Roger Fitz Reinfrid (c1114) (6) Gilbert fitz Reinfrid "de Lancaster" (c1162) (7) Sir Roger de Lancaster (c1200) (8) Simon de Lancaster (c1230) (9) Thomas de Lancaster (c1260)

(10) Lawrence de Lancaster (c1290)
(5) Roger Fitz Reinfrid (c1114) (6) Gilbert fitz Reinfrid "de Lancaster" (c1162) (7) Sir Roger de Lancaster (c1200) (8) Simon de Lancaster (c1230) (9) Thomas de Lancaster (c1260)

14 August 1297. "Free tenants in Skerton [of Edmund, Earl of Lancaster]--Lawrence son of Thomas Lancastre holds there 30 acres of land, and renders yearly at the two terms of Easter and St. Michael 6s. 8d. . . . of the land of Lawrence, son of Thomas de Lancaster in [S]kerton yearly for the same 8d. Of Lawrence son of Thomas for one acre in fee 3d. yearly." - from "Lancashire Inquests, Extents, and Feudal Aids ..." by William Farrer

(7) John de Lancaster (c1200)
(5) Roger Fitz Reinfrid (c1114) (6) Gilbert fitz Reinfrid "de Lancaster" (c1162)

John de Lancaster held the post of Sheriff of Lancaster from 1240 to 1241 using the same arms as his supposed father, Gilbert, and brother, Roger. I suspect he was illegitimate. He died d.s.p.

(6) Jordan de Lancaster of Sockbridge (c1170)
(1) Eldred of Workington (c1025) (2) Ketel FitzEldred (c1050) (3) Gilbert de Lancaster (c1080) (4) William de Lancaster I (c1110) (5) William de Lancaster II (c1140)

Another illegitimate son of William II? Note in the following grant by William de Lancaster II, that Jordan and Gilbert, both witnesses, are listed as the grantor's [William's] sons.

1170-80. "William de Lancastre II grants to Gervase de Ainecurt £15 worth of land for the service of a fee in Natland and Bothelford [extending] to the brook of the gallows and to the bounds of Hoton and Stainton, with Sizaritherge, Winderg and the other Winderg, the grantor's part of Lander and that part of Socabret which Waldeve held, all which he gave for £12 10s. worth of land; and for 50s. worth of land in arrears he delivered to the said Gervase the service of Hacatorp in pledge for 50s., until he perfected the said £15 worth of land. Witnesses: Norman the sewer, Jordan the grantor's son, Gilbert the grantor's son, Grunebald, Robert de Heriez, Anselm, Orm son of Tore, Roger de Crofd, Roger son of [Adam, Orm son of Bernu-]lf, Robert Mustel, William parson of Warton John the clerk, Richard the chamberlain, W[illiam Pultyngton]; orig. D. at Sizergh." - from "British History Online"

(7) Gilbert de Lancaster (c1200)
(6) Jordan de Lancaster of Sockbridge (c1170)

Of Strickland.

1256. "An assize came to recognize if Gilbert son of Jordan de Lancastre, ("fil." sic) of Ralph de Shyreburn, was seised at his death of 20 a. land and meadow in Styrkelaund, which land Thomas de Lancastre holds. Ralph and Thomas make an agreement, namely that Thomas acknowledges the land to be the right of Ralph and surrenders it to him, saving to Thomas the vesture [the crop or profit] of the said land for that year; Assize R. 979, n. 2."

(8) Thomas de Lancaster (c1230)
(6) Jordan de Lancaster of Sockbridge (c1170) (7) Gilbert de Lancaster (c1200)

Of Strickland. 1256. "Thomas de Lancastre acknowledged that 23 a. land in Stirkeland were the right of Ralph de Schypton; Feet of F., file 4, n. 29."

(9) Roger de Lancaster (c1260)
(6) Jordan de Lancaster of Sockbridge (c1170) (7) Gilbert de Lancaster (c1200) (8) Thomas de Lancaster (c1230)

Son of Thomas?

The Lee Family Connection

I may be a generation off here with Warin being the son of (3) Gilbert vice (4) William, but I haven't worked the dates out yet.

(5) Warin de Lancaster (c1140)
(1) Eldred of Workington (c1025) (2) Ketel FitzEldred (c1050) (3) Gilbert de Lancaster (c1080) (4) William de Lancaster I (c1110)

Warinus or Warine. The youngest son of Gilbert and brother of William de Lancaster I according to "Time-Honored Lancaster" or, as depicted here, of William II. The latter makes more sense time-wise. However,

"K. Hen. II. coming to the Crown peacabley, had the Laws put in better execution; & ordered that Justices Itinerant should see the same performed in each County: which before were to be had onely at the King's Court. And whereas Gilbert the Baron of Kendal in Westmoreland, being his Receiver for the County of Lancaster, was called Gilbert de Furnesio; William the son of the said Gilbert was consituted Seneschallus Hospitii Regis, & a Baron in Lancashire, & thereupon by consent of Parliament called himself Gilbert de Lancaster; and Warin his younger Brother--Lancaster being a Prison for malefactors--was made Keeper of the Castle and Prison, & as a Magister Serviens had his Corrodium therein; And for the reward of his Service had given him by the King the Towns of Aynoldsdale, Ravenmoles (now totally destroyed by the Sea) Leverpool, Lytherland, & French-Lea, from whence his son Henry was cal'd Henricus de Lea; to whom K. John afterwards in lieu of his Surrender of Liverpool (which he forthwith made a Burrough) confirm'd the rest of the aforesaid Towns, & also annexed English-Lea to the same." - from "Lancashire and Cheshire Records Preserved in the Public Record Office, London: In Two Parts ..." by Walford Dakin Selby

"The only reference I have yet found to a relationship between Warin de Lancaster and William de Lancaster I occurs in Hugh de Morvill's confirmation of two oxgangs of land in Forton to Henry de Lancaster (afterwards known as Henry de Lee), which confirmation was probably necessary owing to the fact that Hawise de Stutevill, wife of Hugh de Morvill, and widow of William de Lancaster II, had received her dower in the Fee of Garstang, of which Forton was a member. The words of the charter of confirmation, referring to the two oxgangs in Forton are:--"totam Fortonam scilicet duax bovatas quas pater ejus (i.e. Warin de Lancaster) habuit ea dona Willelmi de Lancaster aevunculi sui et concessa haeredus sui." - from "The Chartulary of Cockersand Abbey of the Premonstratensian Order" by William Farrer

Warin was Keeper of the Castle and Prison, & as a Magister Serviens, or sergeant of the peace. He was termed the Constable of Lancaster Castle and its prison per "Time-Honored Lancaster." Corrodium refers to an allowance for services of some kind. Perhaps here this means Warin's treasury.

Ancestor to the family of Lee. There is a grant in frankalmoign, circa 1185-1190, of the fourth part of one oxgang of land in Lea from Warin de Lancaster [Warinus de Lancastre] to the monks of Cockersand - from "The Chartulary of Cockersand Abbey of the Premonstratensian Order" by William Farrer.

Also known as Warinus Falconarius," the Falconer" and Chief Falconer of Henry II, he held his lands by the serjeantry of falconry. Note that Henry II gave the vill of Raven Meols, with Ainsdale and other more important estates, to his falconer, Warin de Lancaster, to hold by grand serjeanty, and John count of Mortain, later King John, confirmed the gift to Henry de Lea, son of Warin, between 1189 and 1194 - from "British History Online." The son, Henry, got his surname from the manor of Lea, in Preston.

1185-1186. "The Sheriff had collected the fines arising from five convictions against the Forest, of which details were given:--Warin the Falconer for keeping dogs in the forest, contrary to assize, i.e. which had not been expelled in accordance with the Assize of Woolstock; Harold of Lancaster for vaccaries or cow sheds for the cattle pasturing in the forest . . . " = from "The Lancashire Pipe Rolls of 31 Henry I., A.D. 1130, and of the Reigns of Henry II., A.D...." by Great Britain Exchequer

During the reign of Henry II, or sometime between 1166 and 1189, Liverpool and other lands were granted to Warine de Lancaster, the governor of Lancaster castle. This probably occurred at the great council held at Northampton in 1176 - from "The Decline of the Manor of West Derby and the rise of Liverpool during the medieval period" by Norman Blake. The deed of grant does not survive, but is referred to in an undated confirmation granted to Henry, son of Warine, by John Count of Mortain, after his succession to the honour. - from "British Historny Online." In 1207 King John exchanged lands with Warin [or his son, Henry?] to get control of Liverpool. Liverpool was omitted from the deed to Henry Fitz Warine [de Lea], the son of Warine de Lancaster. Warin has been referred to as a Crusader.

(6) Henry de Lea (c1170)
(1) Eldred of Workington (c1025) (2) Ketel FitzEldred (c1050) (3) Gilbert de Lancaster (c1080) (4) William de Lancaster I (c1110) (5) Warin de Lancaster (c1140)

Of Lea, Preston. Lord of Ravensmeols. Governor of Lancaster. Henry II's grant of lands to Warin de Lancaster by the sergeantry of falconry was confirmed to Henry de Lancaster, son of Warin, by John, Count of Mortain (1189-1194) and soon again after John became King - from the Charter Roll, 1 John, Pt. 1, m. 5. By a charter dated 23 August 1207 the King granted to Henry the Manor of English Lea in exchange for Liverpool and Up-Litherland - from "Final Concords of the County of Lancaster: From the Original Chirographs, Or Feet of Fines..." by William Farrer. Keeper of the castle of Lancaster in 1208, and possibly as late as 1216 - from "Time-Honored Lancaster." Some researchers place yet another generation between (4) William I and Henry, making him fourth in descent. Henry died before 1240 and was succeeded by his son, John.

(7) Sir John de Lea (c1200)
(1) Eldred of Workington (c1025) (2) Ketel FitzEldred (c1050) (3) Gilbert de Lancaster (c1080) (4) William de Lancaster I (c1110) (5) Warin de Lancaster (c1140) (6) Henry de Lea (c1170)

The son of Henry de Lea. He died in 1265 and was succeeded by his son and heir, Sir Henry de Lee.

(8) Sir Henry de Lea (c1230)
(1) Eldred of Workington (c1025) (2) Ketel FitzEldred (c1050) (3) Gilbert de Lancaster (c1080) (4) William de Lancaster I (c1110) (5) Warin de Lancaster (c1140) (6) Henry de Lea (c1170) (7) John de Lea (c1200)

The grandson of Henry de Lea. He was fined for his relief on 12 September 1265. Henry was Sheriff of Lancaster from circa 1282 to circa 1285, during the last years of the reign of Henry III. Another source claims he was Sheriff 1276-77-83. - from "Of Sceptered Race" by Annah Walker (Robinson) Watson. Henry was a contemporary of Benedict Gernet.

"Adjudication, by Ranulf de Dacre [father of William, Benedict's son-in-law], sheriff of Lancaster, Richard le Butler, Adam of Houghton, Benedict Gerneth [sic], Henry of Lea [de Lea], Adam of Holland, John Devyas [Devias or de Euwyas], knights, William of Singleton, Alan of the same, William de Mara, Nicholas of Wigan, John of Freckleton and Gilbert of Meols, appointed by Stephen, Prior, and the monks of Lytham and dom William son of Aimery le Butler, to clarify the ancient bounds between the several and demesne lands and pastures of Lytham towards the north and between Kilgrimoles and again between Kilgrimoles and William's demesne lands towards Layton, that the former are west to the sea from the old cross on Croshowe, from that cross to the other cross, put up on the road from Lytham towards Layton by agreement of the Prior and monks and William, and from that cross straight through the middle of the moss between Marton and Lytham north of the Miggylund to the stream called Swinebrigge, and that Kilgrimoles and the Northowes are common between them." Language: Latin, 9 February 1271 [1272]

- 1282-1285. "Robert son and heir of Adam of Holand, to Richard his brother -- the land called the Apiltrehevid in Ellale, by the bounds which A.H. divided from Thomas of Coupmanwra [Capernwray] -- rendering yearly a pair of white gloves or 1d. Witn. Henry, lord of Lee, then, sheriff of Lancaster, the lord Richard the Butyler, the lord Benedict Gernet, Orm of Kellet, John of Parles, John of Oxeclyve [Oxcliffe], Adam of Berewyk, John Gernet, William of Clacton, John of Urswyk, Roger of Slene." Henry de Lea of Lea, Preston, was sheriff from 1282 to 1285.

Henry died in 1289 and was succeeded by his son and heir, William de Lee.

(9) Sir William de Lea (c1260)
(1) Eldred of Workington (c1025) (2) Ketel FitzEldred (c1050) (3) Gilbert de Lancaster (c1080) (4) William de Lancaster I (c1110) (5) Warin de Lancaster (c1140) (6) Henry de Lea (c1170) (7) John de Lea (c1200) (8) Henry de Lea (c1230)

He married Clarence [?], the daughter and heiress of Robert Banastre, by whom he gained the manor of Mollington Banastre in Cheshire. He died before the end of the reign of Edward I and was succeeded by his son, Sir Henry de Lee.

(10) Sir Henry de Lea (c1290)
(1) Eldred of Workington (c1025) (2) Ketel FitzEldred (c1050) (3) Gilbert de Lancaster (c1080) (4) William de Lancaster I (c1110) (5) Warin de Lancaster (c1140) (6) Henry de Lea (c1170) (7) John de Lea (c1200) (8) Henry de Lea (c1230) (9) Sir William de Lea (c1260)

Henry married the step-daughter of Sir Adam Banaster. In 1315 Sir Adam Banastre and Henry de Lea led a rebellion against Thomas, Earl of Lancaster. They were defeated and beheaded. Lord of Molynton-Banastre, d. s. p., 1315.

"Sir Henry was executed in 1315 for his part in the revolt against Thomas of Lancaster during the great upheavals of the reign of Edward II and in the aftermath of the English defeat at Bannockburn. Robert the Bruce sacked the town of Lancaster and attacked (but did not take) the castle." - from "Heraldry at Lancaster Castle", website

Sybil inherited her brother's estate in 1315 and married Richard de Houghton.

(4) Gilbert de Lancaster II (c1110)
(1) Eldred of Workington (c1025) (2) Ketel FitzEldred (c1050) (3) Gilbert de Lancaster (c1080)

(4) Roger de Lancaster (c1110)
(1) Eldred of Workington (c1025) (2) Ketel FitzEldred (c1050) (3) Gilbert de Lancaster (c1080)

Roger, son of Gilbert, and probably the brother of William, gave two oxgangs of land in Hensingham [to the church]. - from "The Lancashire Pipe Rolls of 31 Henry I., A.D. 1130, and of the Reigns of Henry II., A.D...." by W. Farrer. Roger's brother, William I, had also given land in Hensingham to the church.

Roger married Sigrid of Allerdale who had previously been married to Waltheof of Allerdale who died 1124 [?]. Waltheof was the Lord of Allerdale and the brother of Gunnilda of Dunbar who had married Roger's uncle, Orme fitz Ketel.

(4) Robert de Lancaster (c1110)
(1) Eldred of Workington (c1025) (2) Ketel FitzEldred (c1050) (3) Gilbert de Lancaster (c1080)

A younger brother of William de Lancaster I. - from "The Parentage of William de Lancaster."

The de Lancaster's of Radcliffe

(4) Nicholas de Lancaster (c1110)
(1) Eldred of Workington (c1025) (2) Ketel FitzEldred (c1050) (3) Gilbert de Lancaster (c1080)

Nicholas Fitz Gilbert "de Radcliffe," brother of the Baron of Kendal in the time of Henry II. He held the manor of Oldham of his nephew, William de Lancaster II. He married a [Saxon?] heiress of the Booths. Of the manor of Radeclive, in Lancashire. From him descends the family of Radcliffe who rose to prominence in the 14th and 15th centuries. Note that a descendant, Adam de Radclyffe, the son of William, the Sheriff of Lancaster, married a daughter of Alan de Culwen, a descendant of Ketel via Gilbert's brother, Orme.

The de Lancaster's of Workington

Workington is both a parish and a village in the Allerdale-above-Derwent ward of Cumberland. It is both a seaport and a market-town on the Solway Firth, below Carlisle.

(3) Orme fitz Ketel (c1080)
(1) Eldred of Workington (c1025) (2) Ketel FitzEldred (c1050)

Lord of Workington. He inherited his father's estates of Workington and Preston.

He married Gunilda, the daughter of Gospatric, Earl of Northumberland and Dunbar. Gunilda was the sister of Dolfin, Lord of Cumbria, and Waldieve [Waltheof], who was the first lord of Allerdale. Orme received in marriage with her the manor of Seaton and took up his abode there. He also, by the same conveyance, had the towns of Cammerton [Camerton], Greysouthern, and Flimby. Baron of Seaton and Lord of Allerdale.

In 1094 "Orm son of Ketel" witnessed a charter of Roger the Poitevin giving the church at Lancaster to St Martin of Sees. He was probably a tenant under Roger, Count of Poitou, in Lancashire. He died in about 1156.

The family of Ormerod claims to trace their descent from this man. The Ormerod Arms, left, are very similar to the Arms born by John de Lancaster, right. Note also that the given names Gilbert, William, Roger and John were common to both families. The Curwens of Workington also trace their descent from this point.

Orm apparently had a second wife, Ibrea de Travers. Other children of Orm were Michael, Robert and Roger.

(4) Gospatric Fitz Orme (c1110)
(1) Eldred of Workington (c1025) (2) Ketel FitzEldred (c1050) (3) Orme fitz Ketel (c1080)

Lord of Workington. Named for his maternal grandfather, he was born in about 1110. "Gospatrick, son of Orm, son of the said Ketell held his lands both in Copeland and Westmorland of the de Lancasters, Barons of Kendal as appears by a grant of William, son of Gilbert de Lancaster and by Gilbert, son of Roger Fitz Reinfred to the Abbey of St. Mary in York." William I also gave Gospatric the vill of Lansplugh in exchange for Middleton in Lonsdale. The "son of Orme" received from Alan, second lord of Allerdale, the manor of High Ireby, which continued with a younger branch of the Curwens until it terminated in heiresses. He gave two parts of the fishing in Derwent, with Flimby, to the abbey of Holm Cultram; and to the priory of Carlisle he gave Waytcroft.

He married Egeline d'Engaine. See the Engaine family on the Gernets of Halton page. They had five sons, Thomas, Gilbert, Adam, Orme and Alexander.

Gospatric, son of Orm, was fined for surrendering Appleby Castle to William the Lion, King of Scotland, in 1174. The fine appears in Henry II's Pipe Roll for Everwicher [Yorkshire] from 1176. Gospatric son of Orm, was fined 500 marks, Robert son of Coleman 10 marks, and William Breton of Colby 40 shillings. Note that Gospatric had taken as his second wife Ada, the daughter of William the Lion, King of Scotland.

Circa 1160-1180, a grant of land in Soulby was witnessed by Robert Seneschall of Westmorland, Gospatric son of Orm, and John Taillebois, amongst others. By the way, circa 1200, a John Tailebois was a witness to a Machell family grant.

William de Lancaster and Gospatric, son of Orm (ancestor of the Curwens of Worthington and cousin to William de Lancaster) were surety for the payment of 5 marks each - from the Pipe Rolls, 16 Henry II [1169-1170].

Gospatric died in 1179. His son was Thomas de Lancaster, of Workington, lord of Culwen. The Culwen's and Camberton's [Camerton's] trace their descent from him. See the Culwen family page for their descent and intermarriage with the Gernet's of Caton.

Workington Hall Workington Hall in Cumbria is the ancestral home of the Curwens. Sited on "a wooded acclivity overlooking the Derwent, commanding a fine view of the Derwent valley, the Solway Firth, and the opposite Scotch coast." It has been occupied since the 13th century. The large quadrangular structure began as a crenellated fortress built around a Pele tower, its license granted by Richard II in 1379 to Sir Gilbert de Culwen. The Hall is named after the Lords of the Manor of Workington, the Curwen family. It was embellished several times over the centuries, especially in the 18th century by John Christian Curwen. In 1568, when Mary Queen of Scots fled across the Solway after the defeat of her supporters at Langside she sought refuge at Workington before her nineteen years of captivity which ended in her execution. The family vacated the Hall in 1929. Neglected, it fell into decay and soon became a ruin. It contains the remains of a grand Tudor Hall and the original fortress of the 14th and 15th century. At right are its ruins as it is today. The infamous member of the family, Henry Curwen (1661-1725), was a Jacobite Rebel. He experienced a mysterious death, and his ghost can apparently be seen wandering among the ruins.

The de Lancasters were noted as close allies and relatives of the senior branch of the Gernet family.

Unplaced De Lancasters

1235. "Roger de LANCASTRE held a 10th and a 20th part of a knight's fee of the barony of Kendale; Testa, 412. Walter de LANCASTRE held a 20th part of a knight's fee of the same barony; ib."

1275. "Gilbert de BRUNOLVESHEVED is the attorney of Roger de LANCASTRE; Cal. Close R. 1275, p. 237."

Steve Hissem
San Diego, California