John de Lacy, Earl of Lincoln facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John de Lacy
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| 2nd Earl of Lincoln, of the fourth creation | |
Arms of John de Lacy, as Lord of Pontefract Castle, and at the sealing of Magna Carta: Or, a lion rampant purpure
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| Predecessor | Hawise of Chester, 1st Countess of Lincoln (suo jure) |
| Successor | Margaret de Quincy, Countess of Lincoln (suo jure) |
| Born | c. 1192 |
| Died | 22 July 1240 |
| Buried | Cistercian Abbey of Stanlow, in County Chester |
| Nationality | English |
| Offices | Constable of Chester |
| Spouse(s) | Alice de L'Aigle Margaret de Quincy |
| Issue | Joan de Lacy Edmund de Lacy, Baron of Pontefract Maud de Lacy |
| Parents | Roger de Lacy Maud de Clere |
John de Lacy was an important English nobleman who lived a long time ago, from about 1192 to 1240. He held many important titles, like the 2nd Earl of Lincoln. He was also the Constable of Chester, which meant he was in charge of a castle and its soldiers. He was also a Baron of Pontefract, Halton, and Lord of Bowland.
Contents
Early Life and Family
John de Lacy was the oldest son of Roger de Lacy. Roger was also the Constable of Chester before John. His mother was Maud de Clere.
Serving the King
John de Lacy became the Constable of Chester, just like his father. In 1214, he made a deal with King John. He agreed to pay a large sum of money to the king. This payment was so he could take over his family's lands. He also promised to be loyal to the king. If he ever went against the king, he would lose everything. He even promised not to marry without the king's permission.
At first, King John kept control of Pontefract Castle and Dunnington Castle. John de Lacy had to pay money for these castles. But the next year, Dunnington Castle was given back to him.
Magna Carta and Beyond
John de Lacy was one of the first noblemen to stand up to King John. He played a big part in creating the Magna Carta. This was a very important document that limited the king's power. In 1215, John de Lacy was chosen as one of the twenty-five barons. Their job was to make sure the king followed the rules of the Magna Carta.
Because he went against the king, the Pope removed him from the church. But when King Henry III became king in 1216, things changed. John de Lacy joined other noblemen on a journey to the Holy Land. He fought bravely in a battle called the Siege of Damietta in 1218-1219.
In 1232, John de Lacy was given the title of Earl of Lincoln. In 1240, he became the Governor of Chester and Beeston Castles. He also became the Sheriff of Cheshire. This meant he was in charge of law and order in that area.
Marriages and Children
John de Lacy married twice during his life.
His first marriage was in 1214 to Alice. She was the daughter of Gilbert, Lord of L'Aigle. They had one daughter named Joan de Lacy. Alice passed away in 1216.
His second marriage was in 1221 to Margaret de Quincy. Margaret was the only daughter of Robert de Quincy. Her mother was Hawyse de Blondeville. Margaret's uncle, Ranulph de Blondeville, was also an Earl of Chester and Lincoln. Ranulph gave the Earldom of Lincoln to his sister Hawyse. She wanted John de Lacy to become the Earl. So, in 1232, King Henry III made John de Lacy the Earl of Lincoln.
With Margaret, John de Lacy had one son and two daughters. His son and heir was Edmund de Lacy, Baron of Pontefract. One of his daughters was Maud de Lacy. She later married Richard de Clare, 6th Earl of Gloucester. Margaret lived longer than John and married two more times.
Death and Legacy
John de Lacy passed away on July 22, 1240. He had been sick for a while. He was buried at Stanlow Abbey in County Chester. A monk named Matthew Paris wrote about his death. He noted that John, the Earl of Lincoln, "went the way of all flesh" on St. Magdalen's Day.
