John Scrope, 5th Baron Scrope of Bolton facts for kids
John Scrope, 5th Baron Scrope of Bolton (born July 22, 1437 – died August 17, 1498), was an important English nobleman. He lived during a time of big changes in England, known as the Wars of the Roses. He was a strong supporter of the House of York.
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Early Life
John Scrope was born at Bolton Castle in Yorkshire. He was the oldest son of Henry Scrope, 4th Baron Scrope of Bolton and Elizabeth Scrope. When his father passed away in 1459, John inherited his title and became the 5th Baron Scrope of Bolton.
A Life of Service
John Scrope became a knight before 1460. He also worked as a "Commissioner of the Peace" in York. This meant he helped keep law and order in the area.
Supporting the Yorkists
As a supporter of the Yorkist side in the Wars of the Roses, he fought in several important battles:
- He fought for the Earl of Warwick at the Battle of Northampton.
- He was injured at the Battle of Towton.
- He was also present at the Battle of Hexham.
In 1463, King Edward IV made him a Knight of the Garter. This was a very special honor.
Serving the King
John Scrope often helped the king with important tasks.
- In 1475, he joined King Edward IV with 20 men-at-arms and 200 archers to invade France.
- In 1482, he led the front part of the English army. This was during an invasion of Scotland under the Earl of Northumberland.
Changing Kings
In 1485, John Scrope supported the Yorkist king Richard III at the Battle of Bosworth. However, Richard III lost the battle. The new king, Henry VII, pardoned John Scrope. This might have been because Henry VII's mother was the half-sister of John Scrope's second wife.
After Henry VII became king, John Scrope supported a young man named Lambert Simnel. Simnel pretended to be a prince who should be king. In 1487, John Scrope and Thomas, 6th Baron Scrope of Masham tried to attack Bootham Bar in York. This attempt failed. Because of this, John Scrope had to pay a large fine. He also had to stay in the London area for a while.
In 1497, he fought against the Scots. He helped to end the siege of Norham Castle.
When John Scrope passed away in 1498, his son, Henry Scrope, 6th Baron Scrope of Bolton, inherited his title. His daughter, Mary Scrope, married William Conyers, 1st Baron Conyers.
Family Life
John Scrope was married three times.
First Marriage
Around 1457, he married Joan FitzHugh. She was the daughter of William FitzHugh, 4th Baron FitzHugh. Their son and heir was Henry Scrope.
Second Marriage
Before December 10, 1471, he married Elizabeth St John. She was the daughter of Sir Oliver St John. Elizabeth was also the grandmother of King Henry VII. She had been married before to William Zouche, 5th Baron Zouche.
In 1470, Elizabeth was the godmother to the future King Edward V. Even though Elizabeth was related to King Henry VII, John Scrope remained loyal to the Yorkist side for a long time. John and Elizabeth had a daughter named Mary Scrope. She later became Baroness Conyers when she married William Conyers, 1st Baron Conyers.
Third Marriage
After February 9, 1490/91, John Scrope married Anne Harling. She was the daughter of Sir Robert Harling. Anne was also the widow of Sir Robert Wingfield.
