Mountford family facts for kids

The Mountford family (sometimes called "Mountfort" or "Montfort") was an important family of landowners in England during the late Middle Ages. They owned a lot of land in a place called Coleshill, Warwickshire. In 1452, they had a big disagreement about who should inherit their family's wealth and lands. This happened because the oldest son from the first marriage was supposed to be disinherited, and the sons from a second marriage were chosen instead.

The Mountford Family

Early Mountford History

The Mountford family's story begins with Sir John Mountford. He was the son of Peter Mountford, who was the third lord of the manor of Beaudesert, Warwickshire. Sir John received four important estates from his father. He gained even more land by marrying Joan Clinton. She was the heiress of another wealthy family from Coleshill.

Sir John Mountford's Story

The family crest of the Mountford family.

Sir John Mountford was a key figure in the family's history. He was the son of Peter Mountford, a powerful landowner. Sir John inherited several important estates from his father. He also married Joan Clinton, who brought even more land to the family. This made the Mountfords much wealthier and more influential.

Baldwin Mountford's Adventures

Baldwin Mountford (who died in 1386) was Sir John's son. He joined the service of John of Gaunt, 1st Duke of Lancaster. John of Gaunt was a very powerful duke and a son of the king. Baldwin went to Spain in 1386 to help the Duke try to claim the throne of Castile. Sadly, Baldwin died there. He left behind two young sons. A man named William Bagot looked after them. The older son, named John, passed away in 1394.

Sir William Mountford's Rise

Baldwin's second son was Sir William Mountford. He became very close to Richard Beauchamp, 13th Earl of Warwick. This Earl was a very important and powerful noble. Sir William was made a knight after fighting in the Hundred Years' War in France. He made a very good marriage to Margaret Peche. She was the daughter and heiress of Sir John Peche. This marriage brought a lot more land to the Mountford family in Warwickshire. By 1436, Sir William was the richest landowner in Warwickshire. Only the highest-ranking nobles were wealthier than him. Sir William later became connected to King Henry VI's royal court. He tried to use these connections to change who would inherit the family's lands. He wanted the children from his second wife to inherit, instead of the children from the older family line.