Edward Dalyngrigge facts for kids
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Sir Edward Dalyngrigge (born around 1346 – died 1393/94) was a famous knight in the 1300s. He was also a Member of Parliament. He is best known for building the amazing Bodiam Castle in Sussex, England. He became a knight by 1367.
Early Life and Family
Edward Dalyngrigge was born around the year 1346. His parents were Roger Dalyngrigge and Alice Radingden. His family first got land in Sussex, an area called Bolebrook. This happened when his grandfather, John Dalyngrigge, married Joan de la Lynde. The family continued to gain more land over time. The Dalyngrigge family originally came from an area called Dalling Ridge, near East Grinstead.
A Knight's Career
In 1367, Edward Dalyngrigge traveled to France. There, he joined a group of fighters called a "free company." He fought as a mercenary, which means he was a soldier who fought for money. He joined the company led by Sir Robert Knolles.
Sir Edward returned to England in 1377. He had become very wealthy and powerful during his time fighting.
When he came back to Sussex, he married Elizabeth. She was the heiress of the Wardedieu family. This family had owned the manor of Bodiam since before 1330. Through his marriage, Sir Edward gained a manor house with a moat. This house was located just north of Bodiam church. It's possible that Sir Edward and Elizabeth lived there. They might have stayed there until his new castle was finished. He also owned another house at his Bolebrook estate.
Serving the King and Country
Between 1379 and 1388, Sir Edward was a Knight of the Shire for Sussex. This meant he represented Sussex in ten different parliaments. He was one of the most important people in the county at that time.
In 1380, he joined a special group. This group looked at the state of the country. They also checked the royal household's money and spending. That same year, he was asked to inspect Winchelsea. He had to figure out how to protect the town from French attacks. His concern for coastal defense was clear. In 1384-85, he helped fortify Rye, East Sussex, another important port.
In 1384, the King's uncle, John of Gaunt, started a lawsuit against Sir Edward. John of Gaunt wanted to stop Sir Edward from interfering with his new lands in Sussex. Many people in Sussex were unhappy with John of Gaunt's power. Sir Edward was speaking up for their concerns.
Sir Edward was very determined in court. He saw the case as a matter of honor. He felt that John of Gaunt's actions threatened his local standing. John of Gaunt won the lawsuit. Sir Edward was fined a large amount of money. However, he never paid the fine. The 11th Earl of Arundel, who was Sir Edward's supporter, helped him. The Earl spoke to the King. Sir Edward was able to return to Parliament soon after.
England had been fighting France off and on since the 1330s. The French had attacked towns along the southern English coast many times. Because of this, there was a good reason to build a strong castle. This castle needed to be close to the south coast. The River Rother was still easy to travel by boat up to Bodiam. This meant French forces could easily sail there.
So, in October 1385, King Richard II gave Sir Edward a special permission. This was a royal licence to build a castle at Bodiam. The licence allowed him to "strengthen with a wall of stone and lime, and crenellate." To "crenellate" means to add battlements and defenses. This was for his manor house at Bodiam. The King said it was "for the defence of the adjacent country, and the resistance of our enemies."
Sir Edward also received permission to change a stream's path. This stream came from "Dalyngreggesbay." It was used to power a watermill at Bodiam. The mill was located near the new castle. It was fed by a large mill-pond.
In 1386-87, Sir Edward became Captain of Brest. This meant he had to spend time in France. So, he probably wasn't there to watch the first parts of his new castle being built.
By 1390, the threat of war with France had lessened. Sir Edward was appointed to several important groups. He helped make a truce with France. He also worked with leaders from Flanders, Ghent, Bruges, and Ypres. He also inspected castles and forts in Calais and Picardy.
In 1392, King Richard II made him Warden of London. This showed how important Sir Edward was in the country.
His castle at Bodiam was finished around 1390. Sir Edward did not get to enjoy it for very long. He died sometime between July 1393 and August 1394.
His son, Sir John Dalyngrigge, took over after him. Sir John was married to Alice. She was the daughter of Sir John Beauchamp.
In Fiction
A made-up version of Edward Dalyngrigge is the main character. He appears in a book series called The Scourge trilogy. These books were written by Roberto Calas.
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