Hugh de Audley, 1st Baron Audley of Stratton Audley facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Hugh de Audley
Arms of Audley of Stratton Audley: Gules, a fret Or
Died	1325 Wallingford Castle, Oxford, England
Title	1st Baron Audley of Stratton Audley

Hugh de Audley (born around 1276, died 1325) was an important English noble. He lived during the late 1200s and early 1300s. Hugh held many important jobs for the King. He was a Constable (like a castle manager) and a Sheriff (a top law officer). He also worked as a judge in North Wales.

Hugh de Audley was known for his role in a rebellion. This was a time when some powerful nobles disagreed with the King's friends. He was later held as a prisoner at Wallingford Castle until he passed away.

Hugh de Audley's Early Life and Career

Hugh de Audley was the youngest of five sons. His father was James Audley, and his mother was Ela de Longspee. When his father died in 1272, Hugh inherited Stratton Audley in Oxfordshire. This land was his mother's special gift.

Serving King Edward I

In 1294, Hugh joined King Edward I's army. They went to fight in a region called Gascony. During this fight, Hugh was captured by the French. He was a prisoner until April 1299.

After his release, Hugh continued to serve the King. From 1299 to 1302, he took part in battles in Scotland. In 1306, he became a judge in North Wales. Three years later, in 1309, he was made the Constable of Montgomery Castle. He was also present at the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314. This was a major battle against the Scots.

Becoming a Baron and Rebellion

In 1321, Hugh de Audley was given a special title. He became the first Baron Audley of Stratton Audley. This meant he was a very important noble.

Joining the Rebellion

Later that year, Hugh and his younger son, also named Hugh, joined a rebellion. This was a protest by powerful lords in Wales. They were unhappy with Hugh Despenser the Younger, a close friend of the King.

At first, the rebels had some success. But on February 6, 1322, Hugh de Audley surrendered. He was with his friend Maurice de Berkeley.

Imprisonment and Death

Hugh was sent to prison at Wallingford Castle. A few weeks later, his son Hugh joined him there. This happened after the Battle of Boroughbridge. In 1323, some people tried to free the prisoners from the castle. However, their attempt failed. Hugh de Audley remained imprisoned at Wallingford Castle. He died there in 1325.

Hugh de Audley's Family

Hugh de Audley married Isolde in 1288. She was the widow of Walter de Balun. Isolde was the daughter of Roger le Rous and Alianore de Avenbury.

Hugh and Isolde had three known children:

• James de Audley (died 1334)
• Hugh de Audley, Earl of Gloucester (died 1347). He married Margaret de Clare. They had a daughter named Margaret de Audley, 2nd Baroness Audley.
• Alice de Audley (died 1374). She married twice. First, she married Ralph de Greystoke, 1st Baron Greystoke. Later, she married Ralph Neville, 2nd Baron Neville de Raby. Alice had children with both of her husbands.