John Giffard, 1st Baron Giffard facts for kids

John Giffard, who was also known as Baron Giffard of Brimsfield, lived from 1232 to 1299. He was an important English nobleman during a time of big changes in England and Wales. John Giffard played a key role in the Second Barons' War, a major conflict in England. He also gave land in Oxford, which helped start Gloucester College, Oxford, a part of the famous Oxford University.

John Giffard's Role in Wars

John Giffard was very active in military actions during his life. He fought in campaigns against Llywelyn ap Gruffudd, a powerful Welsh leader, in 1257–1258 and again in 1260–1261. These were important fights for control in Wales.

In 1263, John Giffard joined forces with others who supported Simon de Montfort. They attacked Gloucester Castle, where the local sheriff was staying.

A year later, in 1264, Giffard was in charge of Kenilworth Castle. He also successfully attacked Warwick Castle, which was held by William Maudit, 8th Earl of Warwick.

During the Battle of Lewes in 1264, Giffard was captured. However, he soon changed sides. He then fought for King Henry III at the Battle of Evesham in 1265. After the Battle of Lewes, Giffard joined the group of Gilbert de Clare, a very powerful earl. Being connected to this important Marcher Lord (a noble who guarded the border between England and Wales) brought Giffard more money and land.

After these events, John Giffard became a strong supporter of the King. He served both King Henry III and later his son, King Edward I. Giffard fought in the important Battle of Orewin Bridge in 1282. King Edward I rewarded him by giving him control of Welsh castles, including Carreg Cennen.

John Giffard's Family Life

John Giffard was born on January 19, 1232. His father was Elias Giffard IV, from Brimpsfield, a place in Gloucestershire. His mother was Alice, who was the sister of John Mautravers from Lytchett Matravers in Dorset.

John Giffard married his first wife, Maud de Clifford. She was the daughter of Walter III de Clifford from Clifford, Hertfordshire. Maud was also the widow of William III Longespée. They had a daughter named Katherine. Katherine later married Nicholas Audley (1258–1299). Another daughter, Eleanor, married Fulk le Strange, 1st Baron Strange of Blackmere.

In 1286, Giffard married his second wife, Margaret. She was the widow of John de Neville. Margaret was also the granddaughter of Ralph Belet and Sibyl de Cormeilles. John and Margaret had a son, also named John (1287–1322). This younger John was later executed by King Edward II because he was seen as a rebel. After this, Brimpsfield Castle was destroyed.

John Giffard passed away at his home in Boyton, Wiltshire, on May 29, 1299. He was buried at Malmesbury Abbey.

Sources

• Complete Peerage, Volume 5, pp. 639–44