Geoffrey le Scrope facts for kids

Sir Geoffrey le Scrope (born around 1285, died December 2, 1340) was an important English lawyer. He served as the Chief Justice of the King's Bench four times between 1324 and 1338. This was a very high position in the legal system of England.

Early Life and Family Connections

Geoffrey was the son of Sir William le Scrope. His father worked for the Earl of Richmond. Geoffrey's older brother, Henry, was also a lawyer. Henry even became Chief Justice twice, showing the family's legal talent.

Starting a Legal Career

Like his brother, Geoffrey chose to become a lawyer. By 1316, he was working as a "king's serjeant." This meant he was a senior lawyer who represented the king in court. He was also called 'valettus regis,' which means a servant of the king.

Loyalty to the Crown

Geoffrey was often called to important meetings and parliaments. He also served on special legal committees. During the difficult times of King Edward II's reign, Geoffrey was always loyal to the king. He was involved in legal actions against powerful nobles who opposed the king.

Becoming Chief Justice

In 1323, Geoffrey was knighted. On March 21, 1324, he became Chief Justice for the first time. This was a very important role. He managed to keep his position even when King Edward II was overthrown in 1326. He also survived the fall of Roger Mortimer in 1330, who had taken control after Edward II.

Beyond the Courtroom

Geoffrey le Scrope was not just a lawyer. He was also a soldier and a diplomat. His skills in these areas were often needed by the king.

Military Service

After stepping down as a judge, Geoffrey joined King Edward III on military campaigns in Flanders. He proved himself to be a brave soldier. He also played a role in the king's actions against Archbishop Stratford in 1340.

Diplomatic Missions

King Edward III found Geoffrey very useful for diplomatic work. In 1329, he took Geoffrey to France for important talks. Geoffrey was sent on major missions to other countries in 1331 and 1333. He also dealt with Scottish affairs in 1335 and 1337.

Just before Edward III went to Flanders in 1338, he sent Geoffrey to meet with the emperor, an important ally. Later that year, Geoffrey was involved in talks with Philip VI of France. He even took part in a military campaign in 1339.

King's Secretary

Geoffrey was later given the official title of "king's secretary." He spent the winter of 1339–40 working on a marriage agreement for the heir of Flanders and King Edward's daughter, Isabella. When he returned to England, he was given money to support his new high rank as a "banneret."

Later Life and Legacy

In June 1340, Geoffrey returned to Flanders. He took part in the siege of Tournay. He died around Christmas in Ghent, Belgium.

Burial and Generosity

His body was brought back to Coverham Abbey in England. He had been very generous to this abbey, giving them control of churches. He also supported other monasteries.

Family and Estates

Geoffrey owned land in Yorkshire and Northumberland, as well as in five other counties. He and his brother were unusual because they founded two important noble families in the same area of Yorkshire.

Family Life

Geoffrey and his wife, Ivette de Ros, had five sons and three daughters. Ivette was likely the daughter of Sir William de Ros of Ingmanthorpe.

Children of Geoffrey and Ivette

• Henry: He became the first Baron Scrope of Masham.
• Thomas: He passed away before his father.
• William (around 1325–1367): He was a soldier who fought in famous battles like Crécy, Poitiers, and Najara. He died in Spain.
• Stephen: He also fought at the Battle of Crécy.
• Geoffrey (died 1383): He was a highly educated man, likely from Oxford University, and held important church positions.
• Beatrice: She married Sir Andrew Luttrell.
• Constance: She married Sir Geoffrey Luttrell.
• Ivetta: She was the wife of John de Hothom.

Sources

• E.L.G. Stones, 'Sir Geoffrey le Scrope (c. 1285–1340), chief justice of the king's bench', English Historical Review, 69 (1954), pp. 1–17.