John 3rd Baron Arundel

Series Introduction

John 3rd baron Arundel was born on 1st August 1385. Although the barons Arundel are on the periphery of my current research, John’s life is intertwined with the Poynings, de Molyens, Fitzalan and Berkeley families. It illuminates the complex political situations of the late 14th and early 15th centuries the families lived through.

I have chosen to start with John’s Inquisition of Proof of Age, simply because it was the starting point for my research into his life. His birth in the home of Margery, lady Molyens, nee Bacun, raised several questions. And as is the way with historical research, any potential answer raised more questions in turn.

The four parts of this series are:

Proof of age
John’s Complex Family Networks
Two Marriages and an Earldom?
The Impact of Political Instability on John’s Family Connections

Part One – John’s Proof of Age

*Grand Coutumier de Normandie* [Customary Law of Normandy]. Illustrated manuscript on vellum, ca. 1450–1470. Law Library, Library of Congress (039)

The late fourteenth and early fifteenth centuries were turbulent. John was born into a world impacted by the Hundred Years War, the Black Death, popular uprisings, judicial murders, the deposition of Richard II and the troubled reign of his cousin Henry IV. The Commons in parliament were increasingly exercising their power. Exhibiting intransigence over taxes, and royal expenditure.

His great-uncle, Richard 11th earl of Arundel had been executed for treason. His grandfather, John 1st baron Arundel drowned at sea, leading a naval contingent to Brittany. There would be more more losses and pain to come before he came of age on 1st August 1406. He was far from alone as an under-aged heir. Multiple baronies, earldoms and duchies were inherited by children. Placed in the care of the crown as tenants-in-chief, the appointment of their guardians was often politically, and sometimes financially motivated.

The barony of Arundel was created in 1377, by Richard II’s council, for John Fitzalan, second son of Richard 10^th earl of Arundel. He married Eleanor Mautravers (c1345-1405), heir to the barony of Maltravers. A renowned naval commander, he drowned in the Irish sea, leading a fleet to Brittany, on 15^th December 1379. Leaving his fifteen-year-old son, John 2^nd baron Arundel to inherit. His wardship was granted to his uncle, Richard 11^th earl of Arundel (executed 1397). John 2^nd baron Arundel came of age in 1382. Assuming their heir was a honeymoon baby, the latest he could have married Elizabeth Despenser (1367 -1408) was before mid October 1384, as their son was born on 1st August 1385. John died on 14^th August 1390, aged twenty-five, leaving his five-year-old son John, 3rd baron Arundel to inherit the barony of Arundel, and following his grandmother’s death, the barony of Maltravers.

John 3rd baron Arundel was taken into Richard II’s wardship. The king then granted it to his half-brother, John Holland, earl of Huntingdon. Holland was executed in January 1400 by John 3rd baron Arundel’s great-aunt, Joan countess of Hereford and Essex for his part in the Epiphany Rising. John’s wardship then passed to Henry IV who granted it to his eldest son, Henry Prince of Wales. It was then bestowed on Thomas Neville, Lord Furnivall, the second husband of Ankaret le Strange. Neville was a younger brother of Ralph Neville, 1st earl of Westmoreland. As John’s guardian Furnivall was expected to provide him with a good upbringing, manage his lands effectively, and arrange John a suitable marriage.

John turned twenty-one on 1^st August 1406, and requested his inheritance from the king. Henry IV issued a writ for an Inquisition into Proof of Age on 8^th August. The hearing took place on 12^th August at Colnbrooke, Buckinghamshire. Nevill was evidently at Margery, Lady Molyens’ dower property at Ditton when the writ was issued. Four of the jurors, William Spelyng, Thomas Neel, Henry Aleyn and John Fynton, confirmed that they had warned him of the hearing there.

The jury comprised twelve local men, many of whom were linked to Margery’s household. They were all required to give an account of significant activities on the day of John’s birth, that helped them remember it.

The following is a transcript of the proceedings:

John Arundel, kinsman [grandson] and heir of Eleanor Arundel [nee Mautravers], was born at the manor of Ditton on August 1 1385 and baptised in St Mary’s Church Datchet, and he is therefore aged 21 years and more. Asked how they knew this, the jurors said:

William Spelyng, aged 58 years and more, on that day went to the house of John Benet, vicar of Datchet, to ask him to be godfather.

Thomas Neel, 55 and more, carried a torch at the baptism

Henry Aleyn, 58 and more, was a butler of Margery then Lady Molyens, lady of that manor, and delivered bread and wine and sent it for the baptism

John Sperman, 56 and more, on that day was sent to London by Margery Lady Molyens to discover where John the father could be found

John Bakere of Colnbrook, 42 and more, in that month took at farm the house in Colnbrook, where he now lives of William West of that place for 10 years from the ensuing Michaelmas

Willian Skynnere of Iver, 59 and more, had a daughter born that day who is now dead

John Hale of Langley Marish, 41 and more, had a new shop in Colnbrook on that day

Robert Dastrell 43 and more, at that time purchased to himself and his heirs a tenement in the parish of St Mary there by a charter of enfeoffment

William Randolf, 45 and more, had a daughter Joan married to John Wellys in St Mary’s church, Datchet, the following week

Walter Clerk of Horton, 51 and more, knows because in that week his wife Isabel was delivered of his eldest son John.

Richard Auger, 54 and more, was in the church and held a cloth for drying of hands after the baptism

John Fynton of Datchet, 52 and more, was a servant of Lady Molyens and carried two bottles of wine to the church for the people there to drink.

John’s inheritance was generous. It did not include lands held by his mother, Elizabeth Despenser in dower or jointure. But the Maltravers inheritance would more than make up for any loss incurred. He would also regain any lands Eleanor Mautravers had held in jointure with John 1^st baron Arundel.

Questions

Reflecting on the Proof of Age hearing, raised the question of why John was born in the household of Margery, Lady Molyens. She was the daughter of Edmund Bacun and Marjorie Poynings. This led to two questions:

How are the various families involved connected?
Is there any evidence to suggest why John was born in Marjorie’s household?

These will be covered in future posts.

Sources:

Burtscher M (2008) The Fitzalans. Earls of Arundel and Surrey, Lords of the Welsh Marches 1267-1415. Logaston Press

Calendar of Inquisitions Post Mortem, Henry IV. Vol 18 nos 1115 – 1123

Close Rolls of Richard II 1389-1392 pp 211-216

St George’s Church, Trotton, West Sussex

This is the first in a series of five posts about this church, and it’s connections to the Poynings family. The medieval family networks of Sussex and beyond will also be explored through the kin networks that centre on this church.

INTRODUCTION

Grade one listed, St George’s Church, Trotton, West Sussex has extant memorials to the Camoys, Poynings, Mortimer and Lewkenor families. These include tombs, memorial brasses and wall paintings ranging from the early fourteenth to sixteenth centuries. Very much a hidden gem, it is well worth a visit. Built in the decorated style, popular in the early fourteenth century, the church was likely built by the Camoys family in one phase. They are also believed to have built the bridge over the river Rother, which is of a similar age. They arrived in Trotton following the marriage of Sir John Camoys a Norfolk knight who married Margaret Gatesden the heir to in Sussex, Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire, including Trotton.[1]

Arms and Garter Emblem of Thomas, Lord Camoys

The church was the mausoleum of several generations of the Camoys and their descendants the Lewkenors. Another prominent Sussex family. Improvements were made in the later fourteenth century by Thomas, Lord Camoys. His son and heir, Richard married Joan Poynings, daughter of Richard 3^rd baron Poynings and Isabel Fitzpayn. His additions included significant wall paintings, and a tomb with memorial brass, for him, his second wife Elizabeth Mortimer, and their child.

The wall paintings are thought to have been created by one of Richard II’s court painters. The west wall has images representing the Seven Deadly Sins, the Seven Acts of Corporeal Mercy, Moses receiving the Ten Commandments and Christ sitting in judgement. The north and south wall show the importance of the Camoys family and their kin as benefactors. Richard Camoy’s marriage to Joan Poynings, means these include an image of Joan as well as her armorial devices and badges.

The church also memorialises the importance of medieval kin networks. Knowledge and maintenance of these networks was the domain of women. Even relatively distant high ranking kin could provide families with greater opportunities for advancement and influence, if they were favoured. Military success and political acumen also offered families opportunities to rise based on merit. The Camoys rise from relative obscurity to a position of influence at the royal court was accelerated by a series of good marriages.

St George’s gives us such a valuable glimpse into the fourteenth century world inhabited by the Camoys and Poynings family. The paintings, brasses and tombs illustrate the social and economic impact survivors of the famines, wars, and repeated visitations of the Black Death experienced. Relationships at all levels of society changed as working the land became less profitable. People began to related differently to religion, morality and mortality. Many took advantage of the greater social mobility offered for those with talent or ability. To do this wealth of material justice it will be broken down into the following four posts:

The Brass of Margaret Camoys – Identity, Family and Ancestry
The Tomb and Brass of Thomas, Lord Camoys and Elizabeth Mortimer – Rebellion, Marriage and Control
The West Wall – The Seven Deadly Sins and the Seven Acts of Corporeal Mercy
The North and South Walls – Patronage and the Devotional Movement.

I am indebted to the excellent guide book produced by Nicholas Hall, the Church Warden[2], amongst other sources, which have helped in developing these posts.

References:

[1] Warner K (2021) Margaret Gatesden, William Paynel and John Camoys. Online: http://edwardthesecond.blogspot.com/2021/04/margaret-gatesden-john-camoys-and.html. Accessed 21.10.2022

[2] Hall N (2015) A Guide to the Church of St George Trotton. The Rector and PCC of Trotton with Chithurst.

Introducing the Poynings Part III – Increasing Prominence 1294 – 1369

Luke’s heir Michael was summoned to a parley with Edward I on 1st June 1294, shortly after his father’s death [1]. Whether Michael this summons created a barony is debatable, and will be discussed in a future post. An accomplished knight, he frequently took his own retinue on campaign in Scotland and Gascony, fighting under the command of John, Earl Warenne. Michael becoming his Bachelor in 1303[2]. Michael and his brother Thomas appear to have been close, often fighting and competing in tournaments together[3]. Thomas, disappears from the records c1309 and is believed to have died then. Although it is possible that he was still alive in 1314, as a Thomas Poynings is listed as being present at Bannockburn. Although it is equally possible that Michael’s heir, Thomas was there [4].

Michael married Marjorie Bardolf, daughter of Hugh Bardolf and Isabella d’Aguillon[5]. They had three sons, Thomas, Michael[6], and Nicholas; and two daughters Joan and Marjorie. According to the Peerage Michael and Marjorie attended Edward II and Isabella of France’s wedding. Letters of Protection for Michael going to France as part of Earl Warenne’s retinue were issued in January 1308[7]. Michael served Edward II loyally until his death at the Battle of Bannockburn[8]. Earl Warenne was one of the Earls who opposed the expedition, claiming it to be illegal. So Michael took his own small retinue. Michael’s position on the battlefield, when or how he died are unknown. Thomas, his heir, possibly inherited under-age, but had been knighted by 1315[9]

Marjorie, was granted dower for properties in Suffolk and Sussex, including Poynings soon after Michael’s death. The family caput having moved to nearby Slaugham during Michael’s lifetime. Thomas married Agnes Rokesle in 1317. Agnes and her sister joint heirs to 1/6th of the de Criol lands and the entire Rokesele estates in Kent. Thomas and Agnes had three sons, Michael, Luke and Richard, and two daughters, Margaret and Joanna. Michael and Luke both went on to hold baronies, Luke in right of his wife, Isabel de St John of Basing. Like his father Thomas was both knight and soldier. In 1323/4 he joined the Earl of Kent’s retinue in Aquitaine. His mother was a distant cousin of the Earl’s wife, Margaret Wake. Thomas remained overseas for some time, possibly returning with Queen Isabella’s army in 1326. He swore an oath with other knights of the court, to protect Queen Isabella and Edward, Duke of Aquitaine from Edward II’s close adherents, at the Guildhall, London in January 1327[10].

Thomas served in the household of John of Eltham, Edward II’s second son[11]. Edward III was especially fond of his brother and took Thomas into his household after John’s death on 13^th September 1336. Thomas was well rewarded for his care of the dying young prince. Edward III and parliament granted him 200 marks, until he should receive equivalent in land[12]. Thomas according to some sources was 1^st Baron Poynings as he was summoned twice to councils of prelates and magnates in 1337[13]. Michael, his heir was not created a baron until 1348[14], suggesting Thomas was unlikely to have been 1^st Baron Poynings. Michael was twenty when he joined his father’s retinue for Edward III’s campaign in Flanders[15]. Thomas was killed on 10^th October 1339 in an attack on Honnecourt Castle, on the St Quentin Canal, Cambrai. The king took Michael’s homage out of respect to his father’s loyal service four days later, despite his minority[16].

Michael dedicated the following ten years to building a military career, supported by his paternal uncle Michael. They both fought at Sluys with Edward III in 1340[17]. Michael was soon promoted to banneret and granted the lands previously given to Thomas for life. This increased his income commensurate with his status [18]. His political career began in 1341, when he was summoned to council[19]. He also had responsibilities to his family. We can see from the marriage contract for his sister Joanna and William Cricketot in 1342, that he took those responsibilities seriously, ensuring they were well provided for[20]. Michael took his own retinue to France in 1345[21], and fought at Crecy. He was granted 200 marks or equivalent lands as a reward for his performance in 1346[22] and again in 1347, when he was present at the surrender of Calais[23].

In 1347, Michael’s aunt, Margery de la Beche was widowed three times, then abducted, raped and kidnapped by a gang led by Sir John Dalton on Good Friday. Her brother, Sir Michael le Oncle, was one of three men killed in the struggle. Prior to this Michael and Michael Ie Oncle made arrangements with Edward III to safeguard her lands. After Margery’s kidnap, rape and forced marriage, Edward III granted them to Michael for Margery’s lifetime. Edward III’s ten year old son Lionel, acting regent was staying in the vicinity of this event, which escalated the king’s response. Arrest warrants were issued for the whole gang, and all their relatives. By 1349 Michael had negotiated pardons for men accused erroneously. Dalton, despite being a felon was welcome in the army. Posted to Calais, with Margery and her daughter and namesake in tow, the short lived marriage soon ended. Margery died of plague in March 1349. Dalton was pardoned the following year, given an annuity and had his lands restored[24].

Michael married Joan de Moleyns, widow of John de Moleyns in 1348. John’s death without issue made his brother William their father’s heir. He had married Margery’s daughter, Margery Bacun. Michael and Joan had two sons, Thomas 2nd^th Baron Poynings, Richard 3^rd BaronPoynings, and four daughters, Elizabeth, Margaret, Agnes and Mary, who all made good marriages. Michael’s younger brother Luke also married this year. His wife Isabella, widow of Henry Burgersh, was joint heir to barony of St John of Basing. Michael was less militarily active following his marriage, his last engagement was the Poitiers campaign of 1359 – 1360. During the ensuing twenty years he regularly attended parliament. As a leading barons he also had an important role in local government, and justice. Michael frequently served as as a commissioner for the peace for Sussex, whilst Luke fulfilled the same role in Hampshire[25]. In the aftermath of the Plague, the Commissions focused on enforcing the Statute of Labourers.

Michael also appears to have taken his relationship with the church seriously. In 1362 he granted lands to the Friars of the Holy Trinity in Modynden, Kent[26]. He purchased the wardship of William Bardolf from Queen Isabella in 1365, for 1000l. William married Michael’s elder daughter, Agnes before Easter, as specified in the indenture[27]. Michael died in March 1369, six months after he made his will. Joan soon followed him dying in May 1369. They both left money to improve the churches at Slaugham and Poynings[28]. Their heir, Thomas, born in 1349, was underage, and taken into royal wardship.

[1] Palgrave F (1827) The Parliamentary Writs and Writs of Military Summons Volume I – Parliamentary Writs p26

[2] Bain J (1881) Calendar of Documents Relating to Scotland Volume I. H.M. General Register House Edinburgh p346

[3] Bodleian MS Rawl B103 (Dunstable Tournament Roll)

[4] Rotuli Scotiae Vol V entry 1716 p464.

[5] This branch of the d’Aguillon family originate in Hertfordshire. Michael’s grandmother Ela came from a family who held lands in Sussex and Norfolk.

[6] Michael was style l’Oncle in 14^th century documents to differentiate him from his nephew, Michael 1^st Baron Poynings. It appears they worked closely together and their relationship will be explored at a later date..

[7] Calendar of Letters Patent Edward II 1307 -1313 p43.

[8] Chronicle of the Reigns of Edward I and II p231-2.

[9] Cal of Patent Rolls 1313-17 p 653

[10] Calendar of the Plea and Memoranda Rolls of London. Volume 1. HMSO London (1926) p12

[11] Calendar of Patent Rolls of Edward III 1334-1338 p130, 231, 234

[12] Calendar of Patent Rolls of Edward III 1334-1338 p372

[13] Lords Report, v4, pp473, 475

[14] Cokayne, George Edward (1945). The Complete Peerage, edited by H.A. Doubleday, Geoffrey H. White and Lord Howard de Walden. X. London: St Catherine Press. pp. 660–1.

[15] Cal of Patent Rolls, 1338-40, pp372, Cal of Close Rolls, 1339 -41, pp 111, 236.

[16] Cal Pat Rolls 1338-40, p395

[17] Treaty Roll, 14 Edward III m19

[18] Cal Pat Rolls, Edward III vol 4 p449

[19] Lords Report v4, pp 537, 538, 594, 599, 617

[20] Settlement Previous to the Marriage of Isabella Poynings with William Crocketot, 1343 Cooper WD (1862) SAC vol 14 p 182-185

[21] Wrottesley, G (Hon) Crecy and Calais, from the Original Records in the Public Record Office. London. Harrison and Son. pp114, 146, 170, 196

[22] Cal pat rolls, 1345-48, p268

[23] Cal Pat Rolls 1345-48 p268

[24] CPR Edward III 1348 – 1350 p498, CPR Ed III 1348 – 1350 p552, Cal of Pat Rolls 1367-70 p191

[25] CPR Edward III 1350-54, p 86, Cal of Pat Rolls 1354-8, pp 59, 62

[26] CPR Edward III 1361 -1364 p291-293

[27] CPR Edward III 1364-7, p224

[28] Harris N (1826) Testamenta Vestusa Volume I pp 73, 82.

Introducing the Poynings – Part II, Rebellion and Recovery

Michael Poynings, Adam’s heir was first seen actively managing the Sussex lands in 1202. He secured a grant of a market in Crawley, paying King John a fine of a Norwegian hawk[1]. It is difficult to build a picture of Michael, as he is a shadowy figure in the records. He never appears in the extant de Warenne records as a witness to grants or charters. Nor does he appear to make any of his own. The evidence suggests he might have been a bit of an outsider, his loyalties shifting with the turbulent tides of John’s reign.

He married a Norfolk widow, Margaret de Cailly in 1206[2]. Whether he had a previous marriage is unknown but there are conflicting years of birth for his heir Thomas. If he was born in 1202, then Michael was married before. If Thomas arrived in 1206, then he either did not have a previous marriage or that union did not produce a male heir[3]. They had a second son, Adam who later held land in Norfolk[4].

Margaret’s eldest son, Adam de Cailly was almost of age when his mother married Michael. There are various transactions in the Feet of Fines where he claims his lands from Michael and Margaret[5]. The de Cailly’s held lands of the de Warenne and de Huntingfield families. William de Huntingfeld was one of the twenty-five Magna Carta barons, rebelling against King John in late 1214.

Michael appears to initially have done well under John. He was abroad on service in autumn and winter 1206[6]. In 1210 he was part of Earl Warenne’s retinue for King John’s expedition to Ireland. Part a mission to reach out to the native kings, part a show of authority[7]. By September 1212 he was in sufficient favour with John to hunt deer for him in the royal forests of Sussex[8]. Between then and February 1215 something changed in his attitude to the king and he and four others, including his stepson Adam were noted to be in rebellion.

John ordered that they were not to be accepted back into his peace without his consent. This was some months before he extended this rule to all rebels. This suggests that Michael was trusted by John and possibly was on the fringes of the royal household. The writ was issued to the Constable of Norwich Castle, Herve Belet[9]. There is no similar entry for Sussex, so Michael appears to have spent much of his time in East Anglia, where the bulk of his wife’s property was situated.

The reasons for their rebellion are uncertain. A future post will expand on this, as research to date is producing a complex picture. There are no records of Michael’s actions during the ensuing civil war. We have no idea where he was or whether he was engaged in any military manoeuvres. The next mention of him was in August 1217 when William Marshall granted him safe conduct to return to Henry III’s allegiance[10]. Earl Warenne rebelled but returned to Henry III three months before Michael. This would have been seen as a sign of dishonour. Two of the men who rebelled with him appear as witnesses to the Earl’s grants and charters quite soon after. There is no evidence Michael was equally rehabilitated. He appears to have lived quietly until his death in c1240[11].

His heir, Thomas began actively managing the Poynings lands five years before his father’s death. He married Ela d’Aguillon, one of four daughters and heirs of Robert d’Aguillon and Margery de Fresney between 1230 and 1239. The legal documents involved with settling the estate, give an insight into the division of lands between female heirs. Ela’s older sister, Isabella married Robert de Cockfield, her second sister Joan married Imbert de Pugeys, one of King Henry III’s constables and her youngest sister [12]Margery married Giles d’Argentein. Each daughter had a son and there is evidence that the four cousins were still jointly holding some properties into the later 13^th century.

It is uncertain when their son and heir Luke was born, but when Ela died in 1251 he was still a minor. There is a complex document in the process of being transcribed that sets out the terms of Thomas having wardship of the lands Luke would inherit from Ela[13]. There is no record that Luke and Ela had more children after Thomas, although it is likely that they did. Thomas remarried after Ela’s death, his second wife later marrying Roger de Somercotes. Thomas died c1266[14]. He is noted to have held Poynings from Earl Warenne for ten knight’s fees[15].

Thomas was also appointed the knight to aid the escheator for Sussex on 23^rd June 1246, which would indicate that Thomas had made steps to repair the family reputation. His role was to ensure lands taken into the king’s hands or granted as serjeanties in the county were well managed. In the case of the serjeanties, this also meant checking whether the correct person was holding the land and had not alienated any of it to another. He was also to assess the annual value of each parcel of lands and ensure any tenants of the landholder were paying their rents and performing appropriate service. Thomas was supported in this by the sheriff of Sussex and the bailiffs of the lands and estates[16].

This doesn’t mean Thomas was always on the right side of the law. There are various writs from 1248[17] and 1249[18] regarding boundary disputes with a Bartholomew de Capella of Newtimber, regarding Thomas’ lands at Pyecombe. It appears that Thomas was the guilty party and had allowed his men to break his boundaries and appropriate Bartholomew’s land. Medieval boundaries were investigated and inspected by perambulations, where the sheriff, the landholders, and twelve knights, four supplied by each man would either walk or ride along the agreed boundary and determine whether breaches had occurred.

He witnessed an important charter for Henry III in 1260, as a member of Earl Warenne’s retinue[19]. The charter was important, granting Peter of Savoy the earldom of Leicester. It is also likely they supported the king by serving in Earl Warenne’s retinue at the battles of Lewes and Evesham in 1263 and 1264 respectively. After his father’s fall from grace during King John’s reign, Thomas would have been anxious to be seen to be loyal to the crown. Honour and reputation meant a lot in the medieval world. Assuming his plan was to repair the family’s standing, it could be argued that he succeeded, handing Luke a stable inheritance on his death c1270[20], when Luke is noted to be Lord of Crawley.

Luke appears to have come of age and taken control of his maternal inheritance c1256[21]. He married Hawise, widow of Reginald de Vautort, a Devonshire baron in the early 1270s[22]. The couple had three children, Michael, Thomas and Joan. Through his mother’s inheritance he held lands in common with a network of cousins, across Sussex, Suffolk and Norfolk.

He was the first member of the family recorded as bearing arms. He appears on the Heralds roll of 1280, and is styled as Lord of Poynings, Crawley, and Twineham[23]. This was a list of European knights who competed in tournaments and jousts, created for Queen Eleanor of Castile. We know that Luke appeared in jousts, but there is no evidence of his mitilary career. Edward I was very active in Wales from c1282. Although Luke is not named in the various Welsh Rolls, it seems likely that he would of served as one of the knights in Earl Warennes retinue who held ancient tenancies[24]. It is also likely Michael would have served with the Earl either in Wales or in Edward’s Gascon campaigns of the 1190s but again there is no evidence.

Luke did not live long enough to see his eldest son marry Marjorie Bardolf in 1296[25]. He died somewhere between July 1293 and June 1294[26]. It is unfortunate so much of his life is lost to history. His hard work provided Michael with the foundations needed to begin the family’s rapid rise in the fourteenth century. Hawise outlived her husband, dying around 12^th October 1399[27] whilst Michael was in France with Henry Percy, presumably on behalf of the king[28]. There is still a lot of work to do to uncover more of Michael I, Thomas I and Luike I’s stories and their recovery from the family’s lowest point to date, Michael I’s rebellion against King John.

[1] King John, Pipe Roll 14 p142

[2] Curia Regis Rolls v 4, p85, Rot de Oblatis p348; Rye Pedis Finium Norfolk, Ric 1 and John p116

[3] (Assize Roll 909 m16)

[4] CCR Henry III 1261 -1264 p292

[5] Curia Regis Rolls, vol 4 p157

[6] Curia Regis Rolls vol iv pp157, 273

[7] Rot de Liberate, pp182, 200, 226

[8] Rot.Lit.Claus, v1, p123

[9] Rot Litt Claus vol 1 p250

[10] Patent Rolls 1216-25, p87

[11] Assize Roll 819, m5d

[12] http://www.british-history.ac.uk/topographical-hist-norfolk/vol2/pp177-187, Coram Regis Rolls, Mich. 35-36 Henry III, m54. Trin 37 Henry III, m4

[13] Coram Regis Rolls Mich. 35-36 Henry III, m54

[14] There is evidence of an ongoing relationship between the Poynings and Sumercotes during Luke’s lifetime (refs needed)

[15] Farrar T Book of Knight’s Fees Vol 3 p 690

[16] Patent Rolls Henry III (1232-47 p482)

[17] CCR Henry III p122

[18] CCR Henry III 1242 – 47, p 348

[19] 44° Henry III. Westm’ Cras’ Animarum. (Divers Counties: File 15. No. 372.)Sussex, Surr‘

[20] Lewes Chartulary, pt2 p55

[21] Norfolk Feet of Fines 93, 98

[22] Rolls of Parliament vol 1 p13

[23] College of Arms MS B29

[24] Parliamentary Writs Vol 1 p229

[25] https://groups.google.com/forum/#!msg/soc.genealogy.medieval/fW9-K3Uc4yk/iRYTVv63rdQJ

[26] Cal of Close Rolls 1288-96 p323

[27] cal of inquis-post-mortem v3, no 523

[28] Cal of Patent Rolls 1292-1301

Part One, Firm Foundations, Domesday to 1202

Holy Trinity Church, Poynings. Remodeled c1470 as directed by the will of Michael, 1st Baron Poynings

William Fitz Rainald, appears six times in Domesday as a tenant of William 1^st Earl Warenne. He is believed to be a member of the Pierrepoint family, also Warenne retainers[1]. As Earl William fought at Hastings, it is possible that William Fitz Rainald was in his retinue[2]. He certainly held more manors than many men of similar rank. Poynings, Pangdean and Pyecombe, Sussex, Foulden, Norfolk, and a half share with his Pierrepoint relations of Wrentham, Suffolk[3]. We know nothing of more of William or his life. The man believed to be his son and heir, Adam I de Punnings, held William’s lands c1138. He named his third son William, strongly suggesting a familial connection. Adam adopted de Punnings as his surname, as Poynings, was his caput[4].

There is little personal information about families of this class in the later 11^th and 12^th centuries. The knight was beginning to emerge as a definite social class but the concepts of chivalry, and the set process of becoming a knight were far from clear. The only evidence of the family’s existence comes from the various grants and charters, they issued or witnessed. It is safe to assume that William and his descendants were militarily active. Their lives coincided with some turbulent periods of English history. The reigns of William I, William II, Henry I, King Stephen, Henry II, Richard I and the very early rule of King John. Their lands required them to provide 40 days castle service and 40 days knight service to the Earls Warenne.

Their Sussex holdings were within the rape of Lewes. A Saxon system, dividing the county into strips of land running from the coast to its inland borders. The Warennes held two castles, Pevensey on the coast and Lewes, their caput. A military, legal and administrative centre for residents of the rape. Cases which were inappropriate for manorial courts were referred to the rape court. The courts were a day out so markets grew up around the sessions, bringing growth and prosperity to Lewes[5]. The Poyning’s manors served a similar, smaller scale purpose for their tenants. William, his descendants and their wives needed a wide range of knowledge and skills to run the manors efficiently and effectively.

The most documented generation is that of Adam I, his wife Beatrice and their offspring Adam II, John, William and Albreda[6] [7]. Naming children after grandparents demonstrated familial relationships. Their daughter Albreda, linked with Beatrice’s marriage portion, the manor of Sutton, indicates that she was a granddaughter of a prominent Sussex magnate Rainald de Sutton and his wife Albreda[8]. There are no records of births or marriages. A charter confirming the grant of lands and the advowson of churches to St Pancras Priory, Lewes c1138, includes their eldest son and heir, Adam II, He would have been at least eight years old. As the probable eldest child, he was of age when he inherited in 1147[9], meaning Adam I and Beatrice married before 1126[10].

They had a peripatetic lifestyle moving between their manors and following the Earl and his court. Their Sussex manors were within close proximity, and likely directly managed by Adam and Beatrice. The East Anglian holdings were probably managed by relatives, stewards or bailiffs. Adam was likely to be frequently absent serving the Earls, leaving Beatrice was responsible for running their estate. Additionally she provided her children’s early education. Teaching them reading, basic religious instruction, manners and social skills. Adam would have taught the boys military, agricultural and political skills. Albreda would have learned to spin, weave, sew and run a household from her mother[11].

As knight training evolved medieval children would have moved to families of similar rank to complete their education and live with the families of potential marriage partners. Although this may not have been as formalized for Adam I and Beatrice’s offspring. Albreda may have joined her future husband, William de Chesney’s family, learning to run a household and manage his future inheritance. Adam II might have gone to his future wife’s family to complete his education. John possibly went into William III Earl Warenne’s household. The Earl made donations for a benediction at Castle Acre Priory after John’s death in 1147. The surviving charter John witnessed applies to lands in East Anglia[12]. As a second son John might have become a landless, household knight. Alternatively marriage to an heiress would have provided him with lands. Apart from his name appearing on a charter we know nothing of William, the third son.

The Poynings experienced a series of deaths in 1147. John, Adam I, and Albreda’s husband William all died within a few months of each other. A series of benedictions were made in their memories. John died first, so Adam I, Beatrice, Albreda, Adam II and William made an offering to the altar of St James, at Lewes. Beatrice, Adam II, and his surviving siblings made similar gifts in Adam’s memory. Adam II made further gifts when Beatrice died in 1165. These benedictions paid for the monks to say prayers for the memory of the deceased, reducing the time their soul remained in purgatory. These grants would also improve their standing with the Warennes, as founders of Lewes Priory.

Albreda was possibly very young during her first marriage to William de Cainseto or Chesney[13], as it was childless. Her second marriage to King Stephen’s constable, Roger de Fraxineto, produced one child. Their daughter Beatrice, mother of the d’Avranches’ matriarch Cecily, who inherited Sutton as her marriage portion (REF). Albreda was evidently an educated, capable woman, who took a great deal of interest in the management of her lands and those of her husbands. She regularly appears in charters and land transactions, even during her widowhood. There is no evidence that her second marriage was advantageous to the Poynings family, despite Roger’s proximity to the king.

As the Priory of St Pancras, Lewes was founded by the 1^st Earl and his Countess, Gundreda, it featured in the lives of their tenants. Grants to the priory, would curry the incumbent Earl’s favour. There was definitely a relationship between the priory and the Poynings, through the Earls. Either Adam I or Adam II were one of thirteen lay witnesses to the rededication after William, 3^rd Earl, and his brother Reginald remodelled and extended the church. The ceremony took place on 12^th May 1146 or 1147[14], with no knowledge of the date of Adam I’s demise, it is impossible to decide whether father or son was present. The religious ceremonies were conducted by Theobald, Archbishop of Canterbury, assisted by Henry of Blois, Bishop of Winchester, Robert, Bishop of Bath and Asceline, Bishop of Rochester. The Bishop of Winchester cut Earl William’s and Reginald’s hair. This was presented to the priory as confirmation of the new charter they issued, granting additional lands[15]. The Earl departed on crusade soon after, dying in a skirmish enroute. His daughter, Isabella inherited the earldom, her husbands, William, son of King Stephen, and Hamelin half-brother of Henry II, both took the de Warenne name.

Adam II’s tenure as patriarch potentially spanned the life of both Countess Isabella’s husbands. His life is poorly documented. We have no record of wife or wives, or a date for a marriage. Genealogists believe he is the father of Michael and Hamelin. It is likely he married either before or around the time of Adam I’s death in 1147. Michael was born somewhere between 1160 and 1181[16]. Hamelin is said to have been born in 1195, based on the sole document bearing his name. The terms of the charter agreed between Adam II and St Pancras Priory suggests Hamelin was training as a priest and secured Hamelin an income from the living of three vacant churches in Lewes. As he is probably named after the 4^th Earl, Hamelin de Warenne, he was born after 1163. There are no further mentions of him in the records.

The many anomalies of Adam II’s generation, will be explored in more depth in a future post. There is no mention of his wife or sons in the 1164 grant to St Pancras, in memory of Beatrice. There is a significant gap between Adam II inheriting and Michael’s earliest suggested date of birth. Michael is not a familial name, the Poynings heirs to date being named Adam. There is also a Laurence Poynings who appears once in the records c1230, acting as Michael’s attorney, suggesting a familial relationship. Michael never appears as a witness for any of the Warenne grants during Adam II’s life time or beyond. This is despite the Warennes being loyal to their valued retainers. All these statements raise questions as to previous marriages, and whether there is potentially an older son, another Adam, making Adam II Michael and Hamelin’s grandfather.

According to the records an Adam Punnings served the fourth Earls Warenne, William of Blois and Hamelin, until his death in 1202[17]. He was appointed as attorney for the Earl of Arundel in 1194, which may explain the lands held by his grandson Thomas for one knight’s service. He witnessed his last charter for the Warennes shortly before his death. It appears the Poynings lands expanded during Adam II’s tenure. The manor of Crawley, Sussex had passed to the family before 1202, when King John granted Michael the right to hold a market there. Establishing markets would generate income via fees and additional opportunities to sell the estate produce.

The Poynings family took the opportunities available to establish themselves in service to the Earls Warenne. They appear to have been sufficiently well regarded for Adam I and his daughter, Albreda to have made good marriages. Adam II seems to have built on his father’s success, expanding his holdings to include the manor of Crawley. Yet it is with his generation that the wider family fade almost from sight and we are left with more questions than answers. Adam II’s son Michael, grandson Thomas and great-grandson Luke will continue the story in the next post, where the family fortunes fall and rise again.

Notes and References:

[1] Lower M.A. (1870) A Compendious History of Sussex. John Russel Smith. London p105

[2] Van Houts E (2003) The Warenne View of the Past 1066 – 1203 Ch6 in Gillingham J Ed (2003) Anglo-Norman Studies XXVI Proceedings of the Battle Conference. The Boydell Press.

[3] Hinde T (ed) (1985) The Domesday Book, England’s Heritage, Then and Now. Phoebe Phillips Editions. Pp189, 263, 277)

[4] Lower M. A. op cit

[5] Clark G.T. (1886) The Castle of Lewes. The Sussex Archaeological Collections Vol XXXIV. Sussex Archaeological Society Lewes. Pp 57- 68.

[6] Also known as Aubreye.

[7] Holland Rev T.A. Poynings. Sussex Archaeological Collections vol XV. Sussex Archaeological Society. Lewes. P 1 -56

[8] Soc. Genealogy Medieval. Family of Cecily, Mother of Simon d’Avrances c1230. [online] Accessed 16 /8/20 https://groups.google.com/forum/#!searchin/soc.genealogy.medieval/poynings%7Csort:date/soc.genealogy.medieval/DqkkIwr0Sso/i3nx9M67BgAJ

[9] Holland Rev T.A. Poynings Op cit

[10]Holland Rev T.A. Poynings, Op Cit

[11] Stenton op cit

[12] Farrer W, Clay C.T. (2013) Early Yorkshire Charters Vol 8, The Honour of Warenne. Cambridge University Press. Pp92-3.

[13] Not the William de Chesney who was Sheriff of Norfolk. Albreda’s husband was from a respected Sussex family

[14] Horsefield TW (18 ) The History and Antiquity of Lewes and its Vicinity vol 1 pp295 – 296.

[15] Blaauw W.H. (1848) On the Early History of Lewes Priory and its Seals. Sussex Archaeological Collections vol II p9. John Russell Smith. London.

[16] Genealogists give a range of dates from 1160 to 1190. The latest Michael could have been born and inherited of age in 1202 is 1181.

[17] Isabella de Warenne was Countess in her own right. Her husbands William of Blois and Hamelin, half-brother of Henry II are both styled the 4^th Earl as their title was suo jure.

For a quick overview of who’s who in the family, please visit:

The Poynings Family – An Introduction

The Poynings Family – An Introduction

The Poynings family story encompasses five hundred years of medieval and early Tudor history. First mentioned in the Domesday Book, the patriarch William son of Rainald held six manors, across three counties, of William de Warenne. His caput, Poynings providing the family surname. This provided a solid foundation for his descendants who rose to serve in royal households. Their lands and reputation provided a substantial marriage portion for Baroness Eleanor, who married Henry Percy, Earl of Northumberland. The end of the senior line did not prove to be the end of their story. A cadet branch stemming from Eleanor’s cousin Robert, went on to serve the early Tudor monarchs.

Their story is typical of many families of similar status who took their chances on the medieval wheel of fortune. They acquired lands through service, marriage and purchase. Each generation brought something new into the family. The majority were loyal to their lords, the Earls Warenne and later the Earls of Arundel and king. Others rebelled, leaving their sons to rebuild the family fortunes. Many enjoyed military and political prowess. Their many successes were interspersed with pestilence, warfare and murder.

The following five posts give a brief overview of three generations at a time. The aim is to familiarize readers with the key family members before more detailed posts are added.

Post 1 – Firm Foundations, introduces the first three generations of the family. Information is scant so there are many gaps and unanswered questions.

Post 2 – Rebellion and Recovery – focuses on the family during the thirteenth century. Michael I rebelled against King John, diminishing the family’s prospects. His heir Thomas and his son Luke turned things around, providing a firm foundation for their fourteenth century descendants.

Post 3 – Increasing Prominence –Michael II, Thomas II and Michael III were skilled politicians and soldiers, each enjoying success in royal service. Michael II and Thomas II both died in battle, Michael III possibly of plague. It was during this period the Barony of Poynings was created and made hereditary.

Post 4 – Rise and Demise – this section explores the slow demise of the family between 1369 and 1571. The untimely deaths of Thomas III, Richard I, and Richard II, ended the senior line. Robert 4^th Baron Poynings served Henry V and VI loyally. His granddaughter, Eleanor 5^th Baroness married Henry Percy 4^th Earl of Northumberland in 1446.

Post 5 – Cadets, Bastardy and Success – summarises the lives and fortunes of the cadet branch descended from Sir Robert, 2^nd son of Robert 4th Baron Poynings. This is a tale of family animosity, rebellions and favour as new men at the Tudor Court, until the line dies out in the mid sixteenth century.

My intention is to add one post per fortnight expanding on the topics outlined above. Post 1 will be live as of 12th September, each post will have a link back to the introduction so that things hopefully don’t become too confusing! At least after the initial run of Adam’s the family very kindly varied the names of the eldest son, an unusual occurrence in many medieval families.