Maurice de Berkeley, 2nd Baron Berkeley facts for kids
Maurice de Berkeley, 2nd Baron Berkeley (born April 1271 – died May 1326) was an important English nobleman. He was known as "The Magnanimous," which means "the generous" or "great-souled." Maurice was the feudal baron of Berkeley, living at Berkeley Castle in Gloucestershire, England. He was a member of the peerage, a group of high-ranking nobles. He became famous for standing up against King Edward II and the powerful Despencer family. The nickname "The Magnanimous" was given to him and other family leaders by John Smyth of Nibley, who wrote about the Berkeley family's history.
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Who Was Maurice de Berkeley?
Maurice de Berkeley was born at Berkeley Castle in April 1271. He was the oldest son of Thomas de Berkeley, 1st Baron Berkeley (1245–1321). His father was known as "The Wise." Maurice's mother was Joan de Ferrers (1255–1309). Her father was William de Ferrers, 5th Earl of Derby.
Maurice de Berkeley's Life and Work
Maurice de Berkeley had an active life in medieval England. He was involved in many important events.
Military Service and Key Roles
From about 1295 to 1318, Maurice fought in the Scottish Wars. These were conflicts between England and Scotland. He held several important government positions:
- In 1312, he became the Governor of Gloucester. This meant he was in charge of the city.
- From 1314, he was the Governor of Berwick-on-Tweed. This was an important border town.
- In 1318, he lost Berwick to the Scots during the Capture of Berwick.
- In 1316, he served as the Justiciar of South Wales. This was a high legal and administrative role.
- By 1319, he was the Steward of the Duchy of Aquitaine. This area was an English territory in France.
Rebellion Against King Edward II
Maurice de Berkeley joined a rebellion against King Edward II. This rebellion was led by Thomas, 2nd Earl of Lancaster, who was the King's cousin. The rebels were unhappy with King Edward II and his close advisors, the Despencer family. Maurice supported this movement. Another person on the rebel side was Roger la Zouch, whose nephew was involved in a serious incident in 1326.
Family Life and Marriages
Maurice de Berkeley was married twice and had several children.
First Marriage to Eve Zouche
In 1289, Maurice married Eve Zouche (who died in 1314). Eve was the daughter of Eudo Zouche. Her mother was Millicent Cantilupe. Maurice and Eve had several children:
- Thomas Berkeley: He was Maurice's oldest son and became the 3rd Baron Berkeley after his father.
- Sir Maurice Berkeley: Born around 1298, he lived in Uley and Stoke Gifford. He married Margaret de Vere. Sadly, he was killed in 1347 during the Siege of Calais.
- Isabel Berkeley: She married Robert Clifford, 3rd Baron.
- Millicent Berkeley: She married John Maltravers, 1st Baron Maltravers.
Second Marriage to Isabel Clare
Around 1316, Maurice married for a second time. His second wife was Isabel Clare. She was the daughter of Gilbert de Clare, 6th Earl of Hertford and Alice de Lusignan.
Death and Who Came Next
Maurice de Berkeley faced a difficult end to his life. He was imprisoned by the Despencer family. He was held in Wallingford Castle in Berkshire (which is now in Oxfordshire). Maurice died in prison on May 31, 1326.
He was eventually buried in St Augustine's Abbey in Bristol. This abbey was founded by one of his ancestors. After his death, his oldest son, Thomas de Berkeley, 3rd Baron Berkeley (born around 1296), became the next Baron Berkeley.
