John Scrope, 4th Baron Scrope of Masham facts for kids

John Scrope, 4th Baron Scrope of Masham (born around 1388 – died November 15, 1455) was an important English nobleman. He was a trusted advisor to the King and even served as the chief financial officer for England.

He was the fourth son of Stephen le Scrope, who was the 2nd Baron Scrope of Masham. John became the Baron in 1415 after his older brother, Henry Scrope, faced serious consequences for his actions. This meant John inherited the family title and responsibilities.

Early Life and Royal Service

John Scrope was born around 1388. His family, the Scropes of Masham, was well-known in England.

In 1424, John Scrope was honored as a knight. This meant he was a respected figure who could serve the King. He also became a Privy Councillor, which meant he was part of a special group of advisors to the King. He helped keep peace and order in several parts of England, including Essex and Yorkshire.

John Scrope also played a role in the government when King Henry VI was very young. He was part of the Council of Regency, a group that helped rule the country until the young King was old enough to do so himself.

In 1426, John worked hard to restore his family's good name and get back their lands. These lands had been taken away after his brother's actions. He successfully got the family title back and was officially recognized as a Baron in the House of Lords, which is part of the English Parliament.

Important Roles and Missions

John Scrope was a very busy and trusted person. He traveled a lot for England, acting as an ambassador. An ambassador is like a special messenger or representative from one country to another.

Diplomat for England

In 1428, he traveled far to meet with important leaders. He was an ambassador to the Pope, who was the head of the Catholic Church, and also to the King of Spain and the Holy Roman Emperor. These were very important missions to build good relationships between England and other powerful states. The next year, in 1429, he traveled closer to home, serving as an ambassador to Scotland.

England's Chief Treasurer

From 1432 to 1433, John Scrope held a very important job: Lord High Treasurer of England. This meant he was in charge of all the money for the King and the country. It was a challenging time for England's economy, but he managed the country's finances.

After his time as Treasurer, he continued his work as an ambassador. In 1435, he went to Rhodes to meet with the Grand Master of the Order of St John of Jerusalem. Later, in 1439, he traveled to meet the Archbishop of Cologne.

Family and Legacy

John Scrope passed away on November 15, 1455. He was buried in the Scrope Chapel, a special family chapel located in York Minster, a famous cathedral in England.

He was married twice. His first wife was Maud Greystoke, and his second wife was Elizabeth Chaworth. With Elizabeth, he had three sons and five daughters. His third son, Thomas, became the 5th Baron Scrope after his father's death.