Of interest…

As reward for his military service William Espec is granted five lordships and a further nine overlordships making a total of fourteen lordships over lands in Bedfordshire. To manage these, the Barony of Warden of created. Williams son Walter inherits the Barony, he is a prominent military and judicial figure for Henry I. He founds Kirkham Priory, Rievaulx Abbey, and Warden Abbey in the early 12th Century. Walter is High Sheriff of Yorkshire and at the Battle of the Standard 1138 is heard to say, “I pledge thee my troth, either to conquer or to die”. View full comprehensive history under 'Further Information'

Of interest…

In 1242 John Fitz Geoffrey, son of Geoffrey Fitz Piers, Earl of Essex becomes the 1st Baron of Quarrendon. He becomes Justicar of Ireland (Prime Minister). John becomes one of Henry III’s chief opponents and he is later named as one of the ringleaders alongside Simon de Montford of the revolution. He is one of the seven magnates whose confederation began the process of reform. He is also one of the twelve chosen Barons to reform the realm and one of the council of fifteen imposed on the King by the provisions of Oxford. John is succeeded by his son of the same name who becomes 2nd Baron of Quarrendon. He also becomes a leading supporter of Simon de Montford. He is appointed Sheriff of Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire in opposition to the Sheriff appointed by King Henry. View full comprehensive history under 'Further Information'

Of interest…

The 1st Baron of Wycombe accompanied King John to Runnymede on 15th June and is listed with his brother as one of the King’s counsellors. Henry III is made King of England and the Baron is one of the witnesses to the re-issued Magna Carta on 11th November. Fulk Gilbert, Dean of York (by right of hereditary succession), became 4th Baron of Wycombe in 1241, he later assumes the role as Head of the English church. Phillip the 5th Baron of Wycombe is entrusted by King Henry with the castles of Oxford and Bristol. Phillip is appointed as Sheriff to four counties and entrusted with two further castles, Corfe and Sherburne. He is also made Justiciary of England. View full comprehensive history under 'Further Information'