Henry Ferrers, 2nd Baron Ferrers of Groby facts for kids
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Henry Ferrers, 2nd Baron Ferrers (born around 1303, died September 15, 1343), was an important English nobleman in the 1300s. He was the son of William Ferrers, 1st Baron Ferrers of Groby, and his wife Ellen. One historian called Henry "arguably the most successful member of his family." This is because he was the only one in six generations to take control of his family's lands and wealth as an adult. This meant he didn't have to go through "wardship," which was when the king or another powerful lord managed a young heir's property until they were old enough.
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A Life of Service and Action
Henry Ferrers started working for the king very early in his life. By 1325, he was in France with the Prince of Wales, who later became King Edward III. At that time, England was facing big changes. King Edward II was removed from power by his wife, Queen Isabella, and her ally, Roger Mortimer.
Joining the Opposition
However, Queen Isabella and Mortimer's rule soon became unpopular. Many powerful nobles, including Henry, Earl of Lancaster, began to oppose them. From 1329, Henry Ferrers joined the Earl of Lancaster's side. He even helped in a military action at Bedford in January of that year against Isabella and Mortimer. Because of this, his lands were taken away for a short time, but they were given back to him quickly. He also avoided paying a huge fine. Henry Ferrers played a part in the capture of Roger Mortimer, who was later punished for his actions. For his role in this event, Henry Ferrers received a special pardon.
Important Roles and Campaigns
Soon after, Henry Ferrers became a member of the Earl of Lancaster's important council. He received a yearly payment for this work. He was also supposed to join a military campaign in Ireland in 1332, but it didn't happen. However, he did fight in Scotland later that year with a group called the 'Disinherited,' supporting Edward Balliol.
Henry Ferrers held many important positions:
- In 1333, he became the Keeper of the Channel Islands.
- Two years later, he was made the Constable of Berwick-on-Tweed, a key fortress.
- He returned to military service in Scotland in 1336.
- He also served as a Justice of Chester off and on between 1336 and 1342.
Helping the King
As a royal advisor and the King's Chamberlain (a high-ranking official), Henry Ferrers was very important in King Edward III's military plans in the 1330s. He didn't just fight in battles; he also helped the King by arranging alliances with other rulers, like the Count of Flanders. He also helped secure loans for the King, often promising his own wealth as a guarantee.
In return for his loyal service, Henry Ferrers received many benefits. He gained profitable deals from the wine trade. He was also given the right to hold weekly markets and fairs in his towns of Groby, Woodham, and Stebbing. In 1337, he received land grants in Buckinghamshire, Derbyshire, and Essex, which brought him a good yearly income. King Edward III also promised him a large sum of money each year because Henry served him almost constantly. In 1341, he traveled abroad for the King again, this time to Brittany.
Family and Lands
When Henry Ferrers' father passed away in 1325, Henry was at least 22 years old. This meant he was old enough to take control of his family's lands right away, after showing his loyalty to King Edward II.
Marriage and New Property
By 1331, Henry Ferrers married Isabel de Verdun. Isabel was one of the heirs to a wealthy nobleman, Theobald de Verdun. Through his marriage to Isabel, Henry gained control of many properties in Ireland and across central England, from Gloucestershire to Derbyshire. He also was set to inherit more of his mother-in-law's estates later on.
Henry and Isabel had two sons and two daughters who survived him.
- His oldest son, William, became the 3rd Baron Ferrers of Groby (1333-1371). William married Margaret de Ufford.
- Ralph de Ferrers married Joan de Grey.
- Elizabeth de Ferrers (died 1375) married David de Strathbogie, Earl of Atholl, and later John Malewayn.
- Philippa de Ferrers (died 1384) married Guy de Beauchamp, son of the Earl of Warwick.
Later Life and Passing
In July 1342, official records described Henry Ferrers as being "sick and weak." His health did not get better, and he passed away at Groby on September 15, 1343. He was buried at Ulverscroft Priory. His wife, Isabel, lived for four more years after him.
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