Bryan Stapleton facts for kids
Sir Bryan Stapleton (born around 1322 – died 1394) was a brave English knight from Yorkshire during the Middle Ages. He was known for his military service and loyalty to the English kings.
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Life of a Knight
Bryan Stapleton was the third son of Sir Gilbert Stapleton and Agnes Fitzalan. His mother came from an important family, and through her, he was distantly related to John Balliol, a former King of Scotland. His father's family also had connections to the famous Bruce family.
Early Military Service
Sir Bryan's first big adventure was with King Edward III in France in 1340. He took part in the siege of Tournai. He later said that he fought in almost all the major battles and expeditions during King Edward's time. This included famous battles like the battle of Crécy and the siege of Calais in 1346–47.
Important Roles and Battles
Sir Bryan served under important leaders like William Montagu, the Earl of Salisbury. In 1369, he joined a force sent to help Edward, the Black Prince, in Aquitaine, France. He also helped defend the town of Brest in Brittany in 1373.
Later, he was given important jobs. In 1380, he became the Captain of Calais Castle, a very important fortress in France. The next year, he became captain of Guînes, another key location.
Knight of the Garter
In 1382, Sir Bryan Stapleton was given a very special honor: he became a Knight of the Garter. This is one of the highest honors a knight can receive in England. The next year, he helped escort King Richard II's young wife, Anne of Bohemia, to Calais. He also helped organize troops for a campaign in Flanders.
Sir Bryan was involved in talks with France and Flanders, which led to a peace agreement called the truce of Leulinghen. He also served on the border with Scotland between 1386 and 1388. During this time, he was a witness in a disagreement about family symbols (a "heraldic dispute") involving his friend, Lord Scrope.
Sir Bryan Stapleton bought a place called Wighill in 1376. He died there on July 25, 1394. He wanted to be buried at Helaugh Priory, next to his wife, who had passed away before him.
Family
Sir Bryan Stapleton inherited lands in Carlton and Kentmere from a relative.
Before 1360, he married Alice, who was the widow of Sir Stephen Waleys. Alice was also the daughter of Sir John de St. Philibert. Sir Bryan had two sons. His older son, also named Brian, died before him. This younger Brian was the ancestor of the Stapleton family who lived at Carlton. His younger son, Sir Miles (who died in 1400), was the ancestor of the Stapleton family who lived at Wighill.
Sir Bryan's grandson, a young boy also named Brian Stapleton, inherited from him. Sadly, this grandson died in 1417 near Alençon, while fighting for Thomas Montagu, the Earl of Salisbury.
