Henry Scrope, 4th Baron Scrope of Bolton facts for kids

Henry Scrope, 4th Baron Scrope of Bolton (born 1418 – died 1459) was an important noble from Yorkshire, England, during the 15th century. He was part of a powerful family and played a role in the politics of his time.

Henry Scrope's Life and Role

Early Life and Inheritance

Henry Scrope was born on June 4, 1418. His parents were Richard Scrope, 3rd Baron Scrope of Bolton and Margaret Neville. Sadly, his father died in 1420 when Henry was very young. Because he was still a child (too young to manage his own affairs), his lands and the decision of who he would marry were looked after by his uncle, Richard Neville, 5th Earl of Salisbury. This arrangement lasted until Henry turned 21.

Henry continued to live with his mother. She promised not to arrange his marriage without permission, even signing a bond for £1,000 to ensure this. There was a small disagreement over Henry's inheritance between his uncle Richard Neville and Marmaduke Lumley. However, Neville successfully protected Henry's claim. Henry officially took control of his family's lands on February 2, 1439. Two years later, he was called to join the parliament as a knight.

Working for the King

Much of Henry Scrope's work involved helping the king manage affairs in Yorkshire. This was also a way for him to earn money and gain influence. For example, in the 1440s, the City of York gave him gifts to gain his "friendship."

He served on important groups called commissions of the peace in 1448 and 1458. These groups helped keep law and order. In 1450, he was asked to collect a special tax called a subsidy. In 1449, he helped negotiate with Burgundy to sort out problems related to a truce (a peace agreement).

Henry was even part of a special group called the Commission of Oyer and terminer in 1453. The king appointed this group to investigate the violent Percy-Neville feud. This was a conflict between two powerful families, the Percy family and the Neville family. Interestingly, Henry Scrope was actually involved in this feud himself! He supported Salisbury's sons against the House of Percy in a confrontation at Topcliffe.

Later, Henry Scrope became a supporter of Neville in the West March, an area near the border with Scotland. He was also called to parliament in 1454, during the time when the Duke of York was protecting the king. Henry was part of a group of nobles who supported the Duke of York. He was called to parliament again in 1460, which also supported the Duke of York. He helped arrange for Salisbury's youngest son, George, to become the Chancellor, a very important government position.

Family and End of Life

Around 1435, Henry Scrope married Elizabeth Scrope, who was his fifth cousin and the daughter of John Scrope, 4th Baron Scrope of Masham. Henry Scrope passed away on January 14, 1459. His wife, Elizabeth, lived until at least 1498.

Their children included:

• John Scrope, 5th Baron Scrope of Bolton
• Richard Scrope of Bentley (died 1485), who married Eleanor Washbourne. They had nine daughters.
• Margaret Scrope (died 1496), who married John Bernard, a lord of the Manor of Abington, Northamptonshire.