Barony of Halton facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Barony of Halton
Creation date	1071
First holder	Nigel of Cotentin
Last holder	Henry Bolingbroke
Status	Extinct (merged in the Crown)
Extinction date	30 September 1399
Former seat(s)	Halton Castle
Arms
Mesne lord of the Earl of Chester

The Barony of Halton was an important title in Cheshire, England. It was held by 15 different barons. These barons were also the hereditary Constables of Chester. They served under the powerful Earl of Chester. This barony was special because it wasn't given directly by the king. Instead, it was a unique type of barony within the County Palatine of Chester.

How the Barony Started

After the Normans took over England, William the Conqueror wanted to protect his borders with Wales. So, he created three powerful earldoms. One of these was the Earldom of Chester.

In 1071, Hugh Lupus, the first Earl of Chester, gave his cousin, Nigel of Cotentin, the title of 1st Baron of Halton. Halton was a small village in Cheshire. Today, it's part of the town of Runcorn. At the heart of Halton was a rocky hill. This is where Halton Castle, the home of the Barons of Halton, was built.

Who Were the Barons?

Here's a list of the people who held the title of Baron of Halton:

Nigel of Cotentin

(c. 1071–1080)

Nigel was the first Baron of Halton. He was also the hereditary Constable of Chester. This meant he was in charge of the Earl's army. In 1077, he fought against the Welsh in a battle at Rhuddlan. It's very likely that he built an early type of castle, called a motte-and-bailey castle, on Halton Hill.

William fitz Nigel

(1080–1134)

William fitz Nigel was Nigel's son. He also held an important military role as marshal for the Earls. Besides his land in Halton, he owned land in other parts of Cheshire and in Normandy. He started a priory (a type of monastery) for the Augustinian Order in Runcorn in 1115. He was buried in Chester.

William fitz William

(1134–1150)

William was the son of William fitz Nigel. In 1134, he moved the priory from Runcorn to a new location east of Halton. This new place became known as Norton Priory. William died in Normandy and had no children.

Eustace fitz John

(1150–1157)

Eustace fitz John became Baron of Halton because he married William fitz William's older sister. He already owned other baronies, including Knaresborough and Alnwick. He was killed while fighting against the Welsh.

Richard fitz Eustace

(1157–1171)

Richard was Eustace fitz John's son. He married into the powerful de Lacy family. His grandson, Roger, later inherited the de Lacy family's lands.

John fitz Richard

(1171–1190)

John was Richard fitz Eustace's son. He was a governor in Ireland for King Henry II. He was interested in science and even had an astronomer at Halton Castle! He also started a Cistercian monastery at Stanlow. In 1190, he gave permission for a ferry service at Runcorn Gap. He joined Richard I in the Third Crusade and died during a battle in Acre.

Roger de Lacy

(1190–1211)

Roger was born Roger fitz John, the son of John fitz Richard. He later took the surname de Lacy. He was a famous soldier and was known as "Hell" Lacy because he was so brave in battle. In 1192, he also served with Richard I in the Third Crusade. Later, he worked for King John. He was made High Sheriff of Lancashire. He was buried at the abbey his father founded at Stanlow.

John de Lacy

(1211–1240)

John de Lacy was Roger's son. He disagreed with King John and was one of the barons who made sure the king followed the rules in the Magna Carta. Through marriage, he gained more important titles, including the Earldom of Lincoln. He also gained the manor and castle of Bolingbroke. He was also buried at Stanlow.

Edmund de Lacy

(1240–1258)

Edmund de Lacy was John's son. Not much is known about him, except that he was also buried at Stanlow.

Henry de Lacy

(1258–1311)

Henry de Lacy was Edmund's son. He grew up at court and became a chief advisor to King Edward I. When the king was fighting the Scots, Henry was put in charge of the kingdom as Protector of the Realm. He moved the monastery from Stanlow to Whalley. He died in London and was buried in the old St Paul's Cathedral.

Thomas, Earl of Lancaster

(1311–1322)

Thomas became Baron of Halton by marrying Alice, Henry's daughter. He rebelled against King Edward II in 1322. However, his rebellion failed. He was defeated in the Battle of Boroughbridge and then held prisoner in his own castle at Pontefract. A few days later, he was executed outside the city, and his titles were taken by the Crown. Later, some people saw him as a martyr.

Henry, 3rd Earl of Lancaster

(1322–1351)

Thomas was later pardoned by King Edward III. In 1327, Thomas's titles were given back to his brother, Henry, 3rd Earl of Lancaster.

Henry Grosmont

(1351–1361)

Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, who was the nephew of the 2nd Earl and son of the 3rd, became the next Baron of Halton. He was made the 1st Duke of Lancaster. He was also one of the first knights of the Order of the Garter. He served the king in France and sadly died from the plague. He was buried in Leicester.

John of Gaunt

(1361–1399)

John of Gaunt gained the Barony of Halton by marrying Blanche, who was the daughter and heir of the 13th baron. He was put in charge of the kingdom as regent when Richard II was a young child. He was also buried in St Paul's Cathedral.

Henry Bolingbroke

(1399–1413)

Henry Bolingbroke was John of Gaunt's oldest son. King Richard II sent him away from England. When his father died, Henry was in exile in France. When he came back to England to claim his lands, many people supported him. Richard II was removed from power, and Henry was crowned King Henry IV. Henry made a law that the Duchy of Lancaster would always belong to the reigning monarch. Because of this, the Barony of Halton is now part of that dukedom, meaning it belongs to the King or Queen of England.

Images for kids

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  The coat of arms of the Barons of Halton.