Beaumont.
[2 Edw. 2.]
TOuching this Noble Family of Beaumont, whereof I am now to speak; I have not seen any mention, until towards the end of King Edward the First's Reign, that Henry de Beaumont* is taken notice of in our Publick Re∣cords; whose Descent is by somea deduced from Lewes, son to Charles Earl of Anjou, a younger son to Lewes the Eighth, King of France: but, by othersb, from Lewes de Brenne, second son to Iohn de Brenne, the last King of Ierusalem.
The vulgar tradition is; that this Henry came first into England with Queen Isabell, the VVife of King Edward the Second: but that cannot be; for her Marriagec was not until the first year of his Reign: And, plain it is; that, in 30 Edw. 1. he attendedd that King, in his Expe∣dition then made into Scotland: VVhereupon he obtained his Precepte to the Collectors of the Fifteenth in Yorkshire, for the reception of Two hundred Marks, towards his support in those VVars. I do therefore suppose, that his first ac∣cess hither, might be by the means of Queen Alia∣nore, the first VVife to King Edward the First: for Isabell, his sister, Wifef to Iohn Lord Vesci of Alnwick, in 8 Edw. 1. is calledg Kinswoman to that Queen, as I shall farther shew, when I come to speak of her.
In 1 Edw. 2. this Henry, being stiledhCon∣sanguineus Regis; in considerationi of his emi∣nent services to King Edw. the First, and expect∣ance of the like by that King, obtain'd a Grant k in Fee of the Mannors of Folkyngham, •∣denham, and Barton (upon Humber) in Com. Linc. and of all the Knights-Fees, belonging to Gilbert de Gant; which Lora (De Gant) his Widow, held in Dower. And, in 2 Edw. 2. was joyn'd in Commissionl, with Robert de Vmfran∣vill Earl of Angos, and some others, for guard∣ing those parts of Scotland, which lye betwixt Ba•wick upon Twede, and the River of Forthe; as alsom of the Marches of Anandale, Carrik, and Galwey. And, in 3 E. 2. had a Grantn of the Temporalties of the Abby of Bardney, in Com. Linc. (then in the King's hands) to hold during pleasure. In which year, being made Constableo of Roxborough-Ca∣stle in Scotland, he was sentp with Humphrey de Bohun Earl of Hereford, and Robert de Clif∣ford, to guard the Marches: And, in 4 Edw. 2. obtain'd a Grantq from the King in Fee, of the Mannor of Hekinton, in Com Line. with Forty pounds and Twenty pence yearly Rent, in Bar∣•on, which Iulian de Gant held for life: In this year also, upon the death of Alexander Bi∣shop of Lincolne, the custody of the Castle at Somer•on, in that County, was bestowedr on him, for li•e; he being at that time Constable s of the Castle of Dumftez.
The same year likewise, he had a Grantt of the Isle of Man, to hold for life, by the servi∣ces, which the Lords thereof, had usually per∣formed to the Kings of Scotland.
About this time, he took to WifeuAlice, one of the Cosins and heires to Iohn Earl of Bog∣han, Constable of Scotland: and, in 6 Edw. 2. doing his Homage, had Liveryx of the Lands of her Inheritance.
In 7 Edw. 2. he obtained a Granty in Fee, of the Mannors of Cornhull, harrewe, and little Grenestede, with the Advowson of the Church of Grenefourd, in Com. Midd. and was consti∣tuted z one of the Commissioners, unto whom the Seneschall of Gascoigne had command to at∣tend, by reason of certain Transactions, in the Parliament of Paris, at that time agitated. Before the end of which year, being again im∣ployed a into Scotland, he wasb at the Siege of Strivelyn; and, in that fatal Battel of Bannoksburne, where the English Army suf∣fered great loss.
In 10 Edw. 2. he was the Kings Lieutenant, c for all that part of the North, betwixt the Ri∣vers of Tine, and Tese: At which time, ac∣companyingd two Cardinals, then sent from Rome; partly with purpose to reconcile the King to the Earl of Lancaster: and partly to Inthronize Lewes de Beaumont, his Brother, in the Bishoprick of Durham, he was sete upon near Derlington, by divers stout Robbers, whereof Gilbert de Middleton was the chief (in revenge f of his Kinsman Edmund de Swinburne, whom the King had caused to be Arrested for his clamor against the Marches:) and despoiledg of all his Treasure, Horses, and whatsoever else was of va∣lue (as were also those Cardinals, and the Bi∣shop:) and not only so, but carriedh to the Ca∣stle of Mitford (as his Brother, the Bishop was to Morpeth) there to be secured, until they had ransomed themselves.
In which year, he had a special Commission, i to receive all such of the Scotish Nation to favour, as would submit to the Kings obedience. And, in 11 Edw. 2. in considerationk of his services done, and to be done, was constitutedl Gover∣nor of the Castle at Nountaundre, in Gas∣coine.
Moreover, in 13 Edw. 2. in farther remune∣ration m of his services, he obtained a Grantn to himself and Alice his Wife, and the heirs of her body lawfully to be begotten (by the consent of all the Prelates and Peeres, then assembled in Par∣liament at York) of the Mannors of Thores∣wey, Styveton, and Lyndewode, in Com. Linc. with the Advowson of the Church of Kay∣lesthorpe, in that County: as also of the Kings free Court within the City of Lincolne; part of the possessions of Stephen de Bayeux; which Isabell de Vesci, his sister, held for life. Further∣more, in 14 Edw. 2. he procured Licenseo to make a Castle of his Mannor-House at Whyt∣wyck, in Com Leic. And, in 15 Edw. 2. was joyned in Commissionp with Andrew de Harcla, Earl of Carlisle, for restraining the Incursions of the Scots: for which People he had so little kindness; that, in 16 Edw. 2. (though he was a Baron of this Realm, and sworn, both of the Great and Privy-Council, as the Record† ex∣presseth) being required to yield his advice, con∣cerning a Truce with them; he unreverently an∣swered, That he would give none therein. Whereat the King being much moved, and commanding him to depart the Council; he went out, and Page 51 said, He had rather be gone than stay. Which ex∣pression gave such distast; that, by the consent of all the Lords there, be was committed to prison. Whereupon Henry de Perci, and Raph de Nevill, became his Sureties, Body for Body, that he should appear upon Summons.
But, this Heat lasted not long: for, in 18 E. 2. he was constitutedq one of the Embassadors, to treat of Peace, with Charles King of France: And, in 20 Edw. 2. in considerationr of a thou∣sand pounds, obtained a Grants of the Ward∣ship, of David the son and heir to David de Stra∣bolgi, Earl of Athol, deceased. But, at this time the defectiont of the Nobles, in adhering to the Prince and Queen Isabell, against the King, in∣creasing; as a partaker with them, he was laid hold on, and sent Prisoneru first to Warwick-Castle, and afterward to that at Walingford. Whereupon, the Scene shortly after changing, through the prevalencie of the great Lords; one of the Articlesx against Hugh le Despenser, the younger, in the Parliament held that year, was, his causing this Henry de Beaumont to be thus imprison'd.
Being, therefore, thus obsequious to the Queen and Prince, he attendedy her to the Earl of Hay∣nault, upon her going out of England: And, after her returne; when the King, being desert∣ed, attemptedz to go beyond-Sea, but was driven back by contrary windes, and broughta to this Henry; he delivered him, as Prisoner,b to the Queen; who, soon after, sent him to Berkley-Castle. Whereupon, for remunerationc of these his services, he obtain'd a Grantd of the Mannor of Loughborough, in general taile; part of the possession of Hugh le Despenser, Earl of Winche∣ster, then attainted.
In 4. Edw. 3. the English Nobles, who were disherited of their Lands in Scotland, Petition∣ing e King Edward (as superior Lord of that Realme) that they might be restored; he sent to the Earl of Murref, then Guardian of that Kingdom (by reason of the Minoritie of King David) on their behalf: but, this Message ta∣king no effect; the English Lords, whereof this Henry (then bearing likewise the Titlef of Earl of Boghan) wasg the chief; took shipping at Ravenspurre, and landedh at Kingcorn, in Scotland (not far from Dunfermeline:) and worthily shared in the Honor of that Victo∣ry, then obtain'd against the Scots, near Gledis∣more; being the only person, who encouraged l the English to pass the River of Earne over night; and to fall upon the Scots very early next morning. Which they accordingly did, with such great success.
But, this being done without the leave of King Edward; who would notm permit them to enter that Realm, by land; in regardn that David, the son of Robert de Brus (the other Competitor with Edward de Baillol, for the Crown of that Realme) had Marryed his sister, he became so displeased, as that, through the adviceo of some of his Counsel, he causedp all the Castles, Man∣nors and Lands, belonging to this Henry (lying in the Counties of Warwick, Leicester, Not∣tingham, and Derby) to be seised on. Ne∣vertheless, soon afterwards, upon farther exami∣nation q of what was laid to his charge; in the Parliament then sitting at Westminster; by the assentr of the Prelates and Peeres there met, he had restitutions of them again.
And, the same year, obtain'd Letterst from King Edward, to David de Brus; representing to him; that, upon the Treaty of Peace, and Ac∣cord thereupon made, betwixt Robert de Brus late King of Scotland (his Father) and King Edward the Second; it was agreed, inter alia, that this Henry Earl of Boghan, Henry Lord Perci, and Thomas Lord Wake of Lidel, should have restitution of their Lands in Scotland, whereof they had been dispossessed, by reason of the Wars: Also, that though the Lord Perci, had Livery of his; this Henry, and the Lord Wake, were still kept from theirs: and therefore desired, that they might have the like favour; which, accordingly, wasu granted.
In 7 Edw. 3. in considerationx of his Services in that Realme, he obtained respitey for the pay∣ment of a Thousand Marks, then due from him to the King, for the Wardship and Marriage of David the son and heir to David de Strabolgi Earl of Athol.
In An. 1134. (8 Edw. 3.) being besieg'dz in a Castle in Scotland; it is saida by some, that King Edward. hearing thereof, entred that Realm with a great Power, and reliev'd him. Others say, thatb this being the Castle of Dungarg in Boghan, of his Wives inheritance, which he had newly fortified, he surrendred it, upon con∣dition he might return safe into England.
About this time, King Edward (beingm at York) wro•e his Lettersn to this Henry, giving him to understand; that whereas Edward Baillol, King of Scotland, upon the forfeiture of Ma∣lisius Earl of Strathern, had (by the consent of his Nobles) given that Earldome unto Iohn Earl Warren, in recompence of his vast expences in the Wars of that Realm: and that, afterwards, by the sollicitation of some friends of Malisius, great endeavors had been used, for revocation of that Judgment and forfeiture; as also,o that he had written to that King; desiring him, that the business might be publickly discussed by his No∣bles, and faithful Peeres of the Realm, and not by such whose fidelity was doubted: He therefore, requiredp this Henry, that he should use all his interest, for preventing any sudden determinati∣on in that business; considering of what ill exam∣ple it would be, as also peril to himself and others, in the like case.
About this time, upon the deathq of Isabel de Vesci, his sister, without issue, he was foundr to be her heir, and fifty yeares of age; Whereupon the Mannors of Barton, Staynton, Tho∣resway, Lyndewode, and Welleburne, in Com. Linc. descended to him; whereof he had Liverys shortly after, doing his homage. In 9 Edw. 3. he still continuedt in the Wars of Scotland. At which time, King Edward be∣ing u at St. Iohnstons; in consideration x thereof, and of his great expences, in that ser∣vice; by the consent of his Nobles there attend∣ing him; acquittedy him of all such debts, as were due from him unto the Exchequer; and especi∣ally of Four hundred Marks, lent unto him at York, towards the payment of his Ransome, up∣on his Imprisonment in Scotland.
In 10 Edw. 3. being then Constablez of the King's Army, he was senta into Scotland, for the defence of that Realme. And, in 11 Edw. 3. had a Charterb for Free-warren, in all his De∣mesn-Lands at Bolton-perci, in Com. Ebor. as also at Selkeworthe, and Talkley, in Com. Page 52 Oxon. In this year also, he obtain'd an Assigna∣tion, c out of the Exchequer, of One hundred for∣ty eight pounds nine shillings then in arreare, and due unto him, for the Wages of himself, and his Men at Armes in 9 & 10 Edw. 3. And, in 12 Edw. 3. attendingd the King, in his Expe∣dition then made into Flanders, obtain'd his Precepte to the Sheriff of Yorkshire, to permit his Wife and Children, to reside in the Tower at Yorke (without, and near to the Castle) du∣ring his absence.
In this 12th year he was mades Justice of Scotland. And, having been summon'dt to Parliament from 2 Edw. 2. until 6 Edw. 3. in∣clusive, departedu this life in 14 Edw. 3. being then seisedx of the Castle and Mannor of Fol∣kyngham, the Mannors of Hekynton, Sty∣veton, Lyndewode, Thoreswaye, Barton, and the Advouson of the Church of Kaille∣sthorpe, in Com. Linc. And of the Mannors of Whytewyke, with its members; viz. Shepe∣sheved, Herkefeld, Wydington, Roteby, Newton, and Bocharston; as also of the Mannor of Loughborough, with its Mem∣bers, scilicet, Beaumanour, Burton, Hucle∣scote, Watton, Ernesby, Barow, Co∣syngton, Raveston, Querndon, Mount∣sorel, Wodesthorpe, and Kyntesthorpe, all in Com. Leic. of the Mannor of Chelleton, and the third part of one Knights-Fee in Dishe∣burne, &c. in Com. Northumb. And joyntly with Alice, his Wife (the remainder to Thomas their son) of the Mannor of Bolton-Perci, in Com. Ebor. Likewisey of the Advousons of the Abby of Uaudei, and Priorie of Sempring∣ham. in Com. Linc. and of Sixty three Knights Fees and a third part; all in that County, some∣time belonging to the Barony of Gant; leaving Iohn his sonz and heir Twenty two years of age; and a daughter called Elizabeth, Married a to Nicholas de Audley, son and heir to Iames Lord Audley of Heley.
¶But here, before I proceed farther, I shall take leave to say something of Isabell de Beau∣mont,* sister to this deceased Henry; she being a Woman of great note in her time. In 8 Edw. 1. being then the Wifeb of Iohn de Vesci of Aln∣wike, in Com. Northumb. (one of the greatest Barons in the North) and called Kinswomanc to Queen A••anore; he covenanted,d that if he should depart this life, without issue of his body, by her, he would pay unto that Queen five hun∣dred, and fifty pounds of silver.
In 25 Edw. 1. this Isabel, calling her self Daughtere to Agnes de Bellomont, did Homage f to the King, at Ipswiche, for the Barony of Caral, in the County of Fife, in Scotland; whereof she was possess'd by virtue of a Re∣lease from the said Anne her Mother. And, in 33 Edw. 1. Iohn de Vesci (her husband) being g then dead; she grantedh to the King, and his heires for ever, her Mannor of Caral, with the Haven of Can. Whereupon he again granted i it to her for life; the remainder to Henry de Bea•mont, her Brother, and his heirs. Moreo∣ver, he farther grantedk to her, for life, and to the said Henry, her Brother, in Fee, all the Lands of her the said Isabell, in Welleburne, in Com. Linc. By reason whereof, she obtain'd the said King's Charter,l for a Market every Week upon the Wednesday, at her said Mannor of Caral; and a Fair yearly, on Monday in Easter-week, and fourteen dayes following.
In 1 E. 2. she was madem Governess of the Castle of Bamburgh, in Com. Northumb. pay∣ing the antient serme thereof to the Kings Ex∣chequer. But, in 3 Edw. 2. at the requestn of Henry de Laci Earl of Lincolne, the King acquit∣ted o her of One hundred and twelve pounds, which was due to his Exchequer, for that Castle of Bamburgh, and Rent of the Town of Wernemuthe, by reason of the great expence she had undergone, in attending upon Queen Isabell. After which, ere long, quittingp her right in that Castle, at the King's request; she had a Grantq of the Mannors of Thoresway, Styveton, Lyndewode, and Ketlesthorpe, in Com. Linc. with the King's free Court in the City of Lincolne; as also of the Mannors of Weye, and Pyddcle, in Com. Dorset. for life. And departingr this life in 8 Edw. 3. without issue; the said Henry de Beaumont, her Brother, was founds to be her next heir.
I now returne to Iohn* Lord Beaumont, son and heir to the before-specified Henry. This Iohn, in 12 Edw. 3. wast in that Expedition, then made into Flanders; and of the retinueu with Wil∣liam de Montacute Earl of Salisbury: And, upon his Father's death, in 14 Edw. 3. doing his Homage, had Liveryx of his Lands; but ne∣ver used the Title of Earl of Boghan. In which year, he was againy in the Wars of Flanders: and obtain'd the King's Preceptz to the Collect∣ors of the Subsidy, in Com. Devon. for the receipt of Sixty six pounds sixteen shillings six pence, in part of the Wages, then due to him, for his service beyond-Sea.
In this year, attendinga Queen Philippa, du∣ring her residence in Brabant, the Lady Alia∣nore de Lancaster (the fifth daughterb to Henry Earl of Lancaster) his Wife, being there deli∣vered c of a Son, called Henry; he obtain'd the King's special Letters Pattents,d declaring, that notwithstanding, the said Henry was begotten, and born in forrein parts: nevertheless, in re∣gard it was, by reason of his, and his Ladies at∣tendance on the Queen, he should be reputed a lawful heir; and inherit his Lands in England, as if he had been born there.
In 15 Edw. 3. he was retein'de to serve the King, in his Fleet at Sea, with Sixty one Men at Armes; whereof one Baneret, Twenty four Knights, Forty men at Armes, and Forty Archers for forty dayes. In which year, also, he wasf in the Wars of Scotland. And, having been summon'dg to Parliament, in 16 Edw. 3 (and not before) departedh this life the same year; leaving Henry,i his son and heir, two yeares of age. Whereupon, in order to his Funeral, the King sent his Preceptk to William Shireburne, a Burgess of Yorke, to make payment of Two hundred pounds of those Moneys which he did then owe, for One hundred thirty Sacks, and twenty Clays of Wooll, by him received, out of the North and East-Riding of that County, unto Sir William de Burton Knight, to the use of Alianore, the Widow of the Defunct, towards the charge of that great Solemnity.
Which Alianore, so surviving him; in 17 E. 3. procur'd the King's Charter,l for Free-warren, in all her Demesn-lands at Tackley, in Com. Oxon. and Seukworth, in Com. Berks.
But, I return to Henry,* his son and heir, whose Page 53 Legitimacy, in regard of his birth beyond-Sea, was afterwards ratified,m in the Parliament, held 25 Edw. 3.
In 34 E. 3. this Henry doing his Homage, had Liveryn of his Lands; the King being well satisfied,o that he was of full age, though he did not make any formal proof thereof: and obtained his Preceptp to the Lord Treasurer, and Barons of the Exchequer, for the acquitting him of one hundred pounds due for the ferm of his Lands, at the Feast of St. Iohn Baptist, whilst he was in his Minority, towards the char∣ges he had been at, in attending him in his last Expedition beyond Sea. Moreover, in 40 E. 3. he wasq in the Wars of Gascoigne. And having been summonedr to Parliament, from 36 E. 3. until 42 E. 3. inclusive, departeds this life, upon Wednesday next after the Feast of St. Margaret, the Virgin, 43 E. 3. leaving Iohnt his Son and Heir, eight years of age: and Margaret his Wife, Daughteru to Iohn de Vere, Earl of Oxford, surviving him: who had, for her Dowrie, an assignationx of the Mannors of Hekynton, and Stiveton, in Com. Linc. with two Messuages in the City of Lincolne, and afterwards Married to Nicholas de Louvain.
In 47 E. 3. the Wardship of this Iohn,* (Son and Heir to the before-specified Henry Lord Beau∣mont) with the custody of his Lands, during his Minority, was committedy to William Lord Latimer. But in 6 R. 2. making proofz of his age, and doing his Homage, he had Liverya of them: and the same year, wasb with Henry de Spencer, then Bishop of Norwich, in the Eng∣lish Army, sentc to make War against those, that held with Pope Clement the Seventh. More∣over, in 7 R. 2. he wasd at Burbroke, when the King of France, with his whole Host be∣sieged it: and with one hundred men at Arms, and three hundred Archers, kepte one Ward there.
In 10 R. 2. he accompaniedfIohn of Gaunt Duke of Lancaster, (then called King of Ca∣stile and Leon) into Spaine. Howbeit, be∣fore the end of this year, such was the preva∣lency g of the great Lords, which then met at Har∣ingey-Park; that they expelledh him the Court, as an Evil-Councellor to the King. But those discontents somewhat abating, he obtained Li∣cence, i to pass unto Calais, there to exer∣cise himself in Feats of Arms, with the French; four Knights of that Country having challenged k as many English, to Just with them there: at which time he Tiltedl with the Lord Cham∣berlain to the King of France. And in 12 R. 2. was made Admiralm of the Kings Fleet to the Northwards: as alson one of the Wardens of the Marches towards Scotland; whereup∣on he entredo that Country forty miles; spoy∣led p the Market at Fowyke, and brought q many Prisoners back.
In 13 R. 2. he had the Castle of Chirburgh in France, committedr to his charge, from the Feast of St. Peter ad vincula, until the end of five years; and about that time, received a spe∣cial prohibition,s that he should not exercise any feats of Arms with the French, without the leave of Henry de Perci, Earl of Northum∣berland.
In 14 R. 2. he went againt into France; and in 16 R. 2. being reteinedu to serve the King during his whole life; he had, in considera∣tion thereof, a Grantx of one hundred pounds per annum, out of the Issues of Lincolnshire. In this year likewise, he was made Constabley of Dovor-Castle, and Warden of the Cinque∣ports; and in 19 R. 2. constitutedz one of the Kings Commissioners, to contract Marriage for him, with the Lady Isabell, eldest Daughter to the King of France. As also Wardena of the West-Marches, towards Scotland.
And having been summonedb to Parliament, from 7. until 18 R. 2. inclusive, departedc this life, upon Saturday, the Morrow after the Feast of the Nativity of our Lady, in 20 R. 2. being then seisedd of the Mannor of Whytewyke, and two parts of the Mannor of Shepeshed, in Com. Leic. Of the Mannors of Dicheburne, Cartyngton, Rill, North-Charleton, and third part of the Mannor of Toggesden, in Northumb. of the Mannor of Bruscombe, in Com Cantii, Edmunton, called Wylby-Man∣nor, in Com. Midd. Thoreswaye, Lynde∣wode, Welburne, the Castle of Folkyngham, the Mannors of Edenham, Barton, Buck∣minster-Hall, in Billingburgh, Loping∣thorpe, Hekinton, Stenton, and Uessci-Hall, in the City of Lincolne, leaving Henry his Son and Heir, sixteen years of age; Kathe∣rine his Wife, Daughtere to Thomas de Evering∣ham of Laxton, in Com. Bott. surviving.
Which Henry,* in 1 H. 4. receivedf the Ho∣nor of Knighthood, at the Coronation of that King, (with many other persons of note) by Ba∣thing, &c. having allowance of Robes for that Solemnity. And in 11 H. 4. was constituted g one of the Commissioners, to Treat with others sent from France, upon a firm and lasting Peace, betwixt both Realms. And having been summonedh to Parliament, from 5 H. 4. till 1 H. 5. inclusive, departedi this life, on Thurs∣day next after the Feast of St. Barnabas the Apo∣stle; being then seisedk of the Castle and Man∣nor of Folkyngham, and Mannors of He∣kynton, and Barton upon Humber,, with the Ferry there; as also of the Mannors of Tho∣resway, and Steneton, all in Com. Linc. Like∣wise of the Mannors of Loughborough, and Whytewyke, with their respective Members, in Com. Leic. leaving Iohn,l his Son and Heir, three years of age; and Elizabeth his Wife, Daugh∣ter m to William Lord Willoughby, of Eresvy, surviving. Who representingn to the King, that Iohn, her Son and Heir, was within age, but without any thing for his support, obtain∣ed an assignationo of forty pounds per annum, for him, during his Minority.
Which Iohn,* in 8 H. 6. being reteinedp to serve the King, in his Wars of France, with twenty Men at Arms, and sixty Archers, then atttended (q)q him in his Army to Calais. And in 9 H. 6. making proofr of his age, and per∣forming his Homage, had Livery,s as well of those Lands, which Elizabeth his Mother held, as of those which Catherine, the Wife of Iohn, Father to him the said Henry, possessed during her life. In 14 H. 6. he obtained a Grantt to himself, and the Heirs Male of his Body, of the Earldome of Boloine, by Letters Patents da∣ted at Canterbury 27 Iulii, beingu at that time on his journey for the Relief of Calais, and reteined,x by Indenture, to serve the King with twenty Men at Arms, and eighty eighty Ar∣chers. In which service he meritedy so well; Page 54 as for that very respect, the King gave him Li∣cense, z to grant his Mannors of Barton up∣on Humber, and Steneton, in Com. Linc. unto Sir William Phelip Knight, and others, and to their Heirs for ever.
And in 18 H. 6. in considerationa of his farther Merits, and the special Services of his Ancestors, advancedb him to the Honor and Dignity of a Vicount, (a Title not till then used in England) by the Name of Vicount Beaumont; with precedency above all Barons of this Realm, and twenty Marks yearly fee, out of the Reve∣nues of the County of Lincolne; as by Charter c bearing date at Readyng, 12 Feb. appea∣reth.
In 19 H. 6. consideringd the great loss he had sustained, by the death of Elizabeth his Wife, Daughtere to William Phelip Lord Bar∣dolf, and by reasonf of his continued Services, he obtained a Grant,g of the custody of all the Castles, Mannors, and Lands, which by the death of her the said Elizabeth, came to Henry his Son and Heir; and in case of his death, to William his younger Son; with remainder to Ioane his Daughter. Moreover, in 23 H. 6. he had a farther grant,h to himself, and the Heirs Male of his Body, of Place and Precedence above all Vicounts, thenceforth to be created; as also above the Heirs of all Earles; and to take place next and immediately unto Earls, in all Par∣liaments and publick Meetings.
Furthermore, in 24 H. 6. he was madei Con∣stable of England: and in 25 H. 6. (with k Sir Raphe Boteler, Lord Sudley) had the custodyl of the Isles of Ieresey, and Garne∣sey, Serk, and Erme, during the Minority of Anne, the Daughter and Heir to Henry Duke of Warwick.
In this year he was foundm to be Brother and Heir to Elizabeth Lady Deincurt, Wife to Sir Thomas Nevill Knight, being at that time thirty years of age. And in 27 H. 6. procured to him∣self, (and William (then called Lord Bardolf) his Son, a Chartern of divers Priviledges, in sun∣dry of his Lordships, viz. at Folkynham, in Com. Linc. Whytewyk, in Com. Leic. and Wyrmgay, in Com. Norff. Return of Writs, and all Precepts; Assise of Bread and Ale; Soc, Sac, Weyf, Estrey, Felons-goods, Treasure-trove, Felo's de se, Escape, Gallows, Pillory, Wreck of Sea, &c. In which year, Walter Lord Hunger∣ford, in considerationo of the descent of this Iohn, from the Noble Dukes of Lancaster, by his last Will and Testament,p bequeathed unto him, a Cup of Silver with a cover; as also a Bor∣dure and knop of Gold; in which Cup Iohn Duke of Lancaster was often served, and used to drink as long as he lived. The next ensuing year he was constitutedq Lord High Chamber∣lain of England.
And in 29 H. 6. joyned in Commissionr with the Bishops of Durham, Carlisle, and some other eminent persons, for Treating with the Ambassadors of Scotland, in order to a Peace, betwixt both Realms. Also, in 35 H. 6. in far∣ther considerations of his great and eminent Services, he obtained a Grantt of the chief Stew∣ardship, and Office of Surveyour, of all the Castles and Lands, as well in England, as Wales, belonging to Prince Edward, to hold until he should accomplish his full age.
And in 37 H. 6. was again constitutedu one of the Commissioners to meet with those from Scotland, at Newcastle upon Cine, touch∣ing satisfaction for such Injuries, as had been committed by the Subjects of either Realm, against the other, contrary to the Articles of Truce, formerly concluded betwixt them.
This Iohn Vicount Beaumont, was summoned x to Parliament, from 10 H. 6. until 38 H. 6. But in that 38th year, the Duke of Yorke, be∣ing y at Calais, and having gotten strength, through the aid of the Earls of Warwick, and Salisbury, sentz divers complaints to the King, amongst which, one was, against him, calling him their mortal Enemy, alleadging that a he had misled the King, and wrought upon him to consent unto that Act of Parliament, made at Coventre against them: as alsob that he had made spoyl of their Lands and Goods. And ere long after, landing in England, gave Battlec to the King at Northampton, (viz 10. Iulii 38 H. 6.) where, obtaining the Victory, this Vicount Beaumont was slain,d with many other persons of note.
To whom succeeded William* his second Son, (Henry the eldest Son being dead before, and buried* in Denington Church, in the Diocess of Norwich.) Which William, in righte of Elizabeth his Mother, Daughterf and Heir to William Phelip Lord Bardolfe, had also the Title g of Lord Bardolfe, possessingh a large Inheri∣tance, as Heir to her: and in the same 38th year of H. 6. made proofi of his age, as Cousin and Heir to Iohn Lord Bardolf, viz.k Son and Heir of Elizabeth, Daughter and Heir to him the said Iohn, viz.l that he was born at Edenham, in Com. Linc. and Baptized in that Church, upon the Feast-day of St. George the Martyr, 16 H. 6. the Abbot of Crouland, being one of his Godfathers. Whereupon he had Liverym of his Lands, his Homage being respited.
He first MarriednElizabeth, Daughtero to Richard Scrope, (Brother to the Lord Scrope of Bolton) and secondly,pIoane Daughter to Humphrey Duke of Buckingham: but adhering firmly to the Lancastrian Interest, (as his An∣cestors had done) participated of the hard fate, which soon after befel that Family; being ta∣ken Prisonerq at Townton-Field, in 1 E. 4. and in the Parliament begun at Westminster, 4. Nov. the same year, attainted;r at which time he was seiseds of the Mannor of Halowton, in Com. Leic. Shelforth, Stoke-Bardolf, Ged∣lyng, and Carleton, in Com. Nott. Gryme∣sthorpe, Aylesthorpe, Southorpe, Eden∣bam, Hale, alias Westhall, in Com. Linc. Bolton-Perci, in Com. Ebor. Loughborough, Shepeshed, UUhitington, A•hvy-la Zouche, UUhytwyke, Bochaston, Newton, Ho∣kescote, Donyngton, Harkefeld, Rothy, Beaumaner, and Botesford, in Com. Leic. Stowe-Bardolf, Roungeton, Fareswell, in Fyncham, UUhinbergh, Mateshale, Erpyngham, UUykmere, Cantelee, Strapeshagh, Castre, Denyngton, Brun∣dishe, Ilkelyshale, Clopton, and Cretyng∣ham, in Com. Norf. UUatton and Stone, in Com. Hertf. and UUilberham, in Com. Cantabr.
In 14 E. 4. this William Vicount Beaumont, takingt part with Iohn Earl of Oxford, who withdrew himself from Barnet-field, in 10 E. 4. fleeingu first into Scotland, and afterwards Page 55 into France, landedx with him in Corn∣wall, and assistedy him in keeping of St. Hi∣chaels Mount. Whereupon,z the Sheriff of that County, offering pardon to the Earls Men who thereupon forsooka him; he was brought Prisonerb with him to the King. But in 1 H. 7. the Lancastrian Party, long depressed, through the favor of King (the chief and only re∣maining Branch of that Illustrious stock) being raised again, amongst them, this William was resto∣red c in Parliament, begun at UUestminster, 7 Nov. in the first year of his Reign. After which, I have not seen any thing farther of him, than that having been summonedd to Parlia∣ment, from 1. until 12 H. 7. inclusive, he departed e this life, without Issue 28 Dec. 24 H. 7 And that Francis Lovel, hadf he been at that time living, and not attainted, shouldg have been his next Heir, viz.h Son of Ioane, Sister to the said William.
¶From this Noble Family, do the Beaumonts of Cole-Orton, Grace-dieu, and Stough∣ton, in Com. Leic. derivei their Descents, by Sir Thomas Beaumont Knight, a younger Son to Iohn Lord Beaumont, and Catherine his Wife, Daughter of Everingham. Which Thomas being k Lord of Basquerville, and Captain of Ga∣illiarde, was reteinedl with Iohn Duke of Bedford, Regent of France, in the Mino∣rity of King Henry the 6th, to serve the King in those Wars.
So likewise didm the Beaumonts, late of UUednesbury, in Com. Staff. viz. from Hen∣ry the younger Brother to Iohn Vicount Beau∣mont.
