Feudal barony of Appleby facts for kids
The feudal barony of Appleby was a large area of land in England. It was controlled by a powerful lord, known as a baron. The main castle and headquarters of this barony was Appleby Castle in Appleby, Westmorland.
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What was the Barony of Appleby?
A feudal barony was like a mini-kingdom within England during medieval times. The baron who controlled it was a very important lord. They held their land directly from the king. In return, they had to provide soldiers and other services to the king. The Appleby Barony was a significant area in Westmorland.
Who Ruled the Barony?
Early Rulers: Barons of Burgh-by-Sands
The Appleby Barony was first formed from lands that were part of another barony. These lands were controlled by the Barons of Burgh-by-Sands in Cumberland. Several families ruled these lands in the 12th century. These included the de Trevers, Engaine, de Morville, and de Lucy families.
The Vipont Family
- Robert de Vipont (died 1228) was a key figure. In 1203 or 1204, King John gave him control of Appleby and Brough in Westmorland. He also got the job of Sheriff of Westmorland, which would be passed down in his family. He held this land by promising to provide four knights to the king. Robert married Idonea de Builli. She was an heiress to a part of another barony called Old Wardon in Bedfordshire. This part of Old Wardon then became connected to the Appleby Barony.
- John de Vipont (around 1212 – 1241) was Robert's son and heir. He married Sibyl, whose brother was William de Ferrers, 5th Earl of Derby.
- Robert de Vipont (1233/4-1264) was John's son. He was hurt in the Battle of Lewes in 1264 and later died. He was fighting on the side of Simon de Montfort. After Montfort's side lost, King Henry III took Robert's lands. However, the lands were later returned. Robert died without any sons. His two daughters, Isabel and Idoine, shared his inheritance.
- Isabel de Vipont (died 1291) was one of the daughters. She married Roger de Clifford (died 1282). He was the lord of Clifford Castle in Herefordshire. Roger was killed in Wales in 1282. Their son, Robert de Clifford, 1st Baron de Clifford (1274–1314), inherited his mother's share of the barony in 1295. In 1299, King John made him a baron by a special royal order. He also became the feudal baron of Skipton in 1310. Robert was killed at the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314.
- Idoine de Vipont (died 1333) was the other daughter. She married twice but had no children. Her first husband was Roger de Leyburne (died 1284). Her second was John de Cromwell (died 1335). In 1308, she gave her share of the Appleby Barony to her nephew, Robert de Clifford, 1st Baron de Clifford. This meant Robert now owned the entire barony.
The Clifford Family
After Robert de Clifford, 1st Baron de Clifford (1274–1314) gained full control of the Appleby Barony, it stayed in the Clifford family. It was passed down through generations along with the Skipton Barony and the title of de Clifford.
