John Darcy, 1st Baron Darcy de Knayth facts for kids

John D'arcy (born around 1290, died May 30, 1347) was an important English nobleman. He became the first Baron D'arcy in 1317.

John D'arcy was born around 1290 in Knaith, Lincolnshire. His parents were Roger D'arcy and Isabel de Aton.

Working for the King

John D'arcy became a very trusted advisor to King Edward III. He held many important jobs for the king.

Early Roles

• In 1319, he became the top law enforcement officer (called a High Sheriff) for Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, and the Royal Forests.
• He was also High Sheriff of Lancashire in 1323.
• Later, in 1327, he became High Sheriff of Yorkshire.
• In 1320, he served as a Member of Parliament for Nottinghamshire.
• He was called to join Parliament in 1331, 1333, and 1341.

Chief Governor of Ireland

John D'arcy served as the main leader of Ireland several times:

• From 1323 to 1326.
• Again from 1332 to 1333.
• And finally from 1340 to 1344.

While in Ireland, he oversaw a famous trial in 1324. This was the trial of Alice Kyteler, who was accused of witchcraft in Kilkenny. Some people involved were given severe punishments. Alice Kyteler herself managed to escape from prison with help from her powerful friends.

Later Important Positions

• In 1336, John D'arcy was made a Knight Bachelor, which is a special honor given by the king.
• He was the king's steward (managing the royal household) from 1337 to 1340.
• Then he became the king's chamberlain (another high-ranking official) from 1342 to 1346.
• He tried to improve how Ireland was governed, but these efforts did not achieve much. This might have been because the task was given to his deputy, John Morice, who was a dedicated but not very effective civil servant.

Military Service and Honors

• In 1342, he joined the Earl of Northampton on a trip to Flanders.
• When he returned, he was made the Constable (in charge of the castle) of Nottingham Castle from 1343 to 1344.
• He also became the Constable of the Tower of London from 1345 to 1346.
• John D'arcy fought in several wars against the Scottish and French armies.
• He was part of the famous Battle of Crecy in 1346. After the English victory, the king sent him home to announce the good news to Parliament.
• He was given the title of the first Lord Darcy of Knayth in 1332.

Family Life

John D'arcy was married two times.

First Marriage

His first wife was Emmeline. She was the daughter of Sir Walter Heron and Alice de Hastings. John and Emmeline had one son named John. This son later became the 2nd Baron D'arcy de Knayth.

Second Marriage

His second wife was Joan. She was the widow of Thomas FitzJohn, the 2nd Earl of Kildare. Joan's parents were Richard Óg de Burgh, 2nd Earl of Ulster and Margaret de Burgh. John D'arcy and Joan had a daughter named Elizabeth. Elizabeth later married James Butler, 2nd Earl of Ormonde.

Death

John D'arcy passed away on May 30, 1347. His son, also named John, took over his title as Baron. John D'arcy was buried at Gisborough Priory.