Christopher Willoughby, 10th Baron Willoughby de Eresby facts for kids

Sir Christopher Willoughby, who was meant to be the 10th Baron Willoughby de Eresby, was born in 1453. He was also a Knight of the Bath (KB). He lived during a time of big changes in England, from 1453 until around 1499.

Christopher was the rightful heir to a noble title, Baron Willoughby de Eresby. This title belonged to his second cousin, Joan Welles. He was also the great-grandson of an earlier Baron, William Willoughby. Sadly, Christopher could not use his inherited title right away. This was because Joan Welles's father and brother had been declared traitors. This legal act, called an attainder, meant they lost their titles and lands.

Family Background

Christopher Willoughby was born in 1453. He was the second son of Sir Robert Willoughby. His mother was Cecily Welles. Cecily's father was Lionel de Welles, the 6th Baron Welles.

Christopher's grandmother was Joan Arundel. His great-grandfather was William Willoughby, the 5th Baron Willoughby de Eresby.

Christopher's mother, Cecily Welles, had a famous step-sister. This was Margaret Beaufort. Margaret Beaufort was the mother of King Henry VII. This meant Christopher Willoughby was related to the future king's mother!

Life and Challenges

Christopher Willoughby officially took control of his family lands in 1474. Around this time, his second cousin, Joan Welles, passed away. Joan's father and brother had been declared traitors by the government. This declaration, called an attainder, meant they lost all their titles and lands.

Because of these attainders, the titles they held were taken away. This included the Barony of Willoughby. This title should have gone to Christopher Willoughby after Joan's death. However, King Edward IV decided to give Joan's lands to her husband, Sir Richard Hastings, instead. Sir Richard Hastings was a trusted supporter of the king. He was even called Lord Hastings of Welles by some.

Becoming a Knight

Christopher Willoughby became a Knight of the Bath in 1483. This happened at the coronation of King Richard III. He often helped with official duties in Suffolk from 1483 to 1497.

Title Troubles

When Henry VII became king, some of the old attainders were reversed. This meant that Joan Welles's uncle, John Welles, got his title back. However, Sir Richard Hastings still called himself Lord Willoughby. This was even though Christopher Willoughby was the rightful heir to the title.

Christopher Willoughby attended the coronation of Elizabeth of York in 1487. He also became a co-heir to his uncle, John Welles, in 1499.

Christopher Willoughby passed away between late 1498 and mid-1499. He was buried next to his father in Campsey Priory, Suffolk.

Marriage and Children

Christopher Willoughby married Margaret Jenney before 1482. She was the daughter of Sir William Jenney. Together, they had many children. They had nine sons and three daughters.

• William Willoughby, who became the 11th Baron Willoughby de Eresby. His daughter, Katherine, later became the Duchess of Suffolk.
• Sir Christopher Willoughby
• Robert Willoughby, who became a cleric (a church official).
• George Willoughby
• Richard Willoughby
• Edmund Willoughby
• Hugh Willoughby
• Sir John Willoughby
• Sir Thomas Willoughby, who became a very important judge.
• Katherine Willoughby
• Margaret Willoughby
• Elizabeth Willoughby