Nicholas Gaynesford facts for kids
Nicholas Gainsford (born around 1427, died 1498) was an important English official and landowner. He lived in Carshalton, Surrey, and came from a well-known family called Gainsford, who lived in Crowhurst. Nicholas held many important jobs during his life. He was a Justice of the Peace (like a local judge), a Member of Parliament several times, and even the High Sheriff of Surrey and Sussex. He also looked after Odiham Castle and its park in Hampshire for the King.
Nicholas worked for the royal family from about 1461 until he died in 1498. He started his career during the reign of King Henry VI. Later, he became an Usher (a kind of assistant) in the royal household of King Edward IV, and by 1476, he worked for Queen Elizabeth Woodville. He was very loyal to the Woodville family. When Edward V was king, Nicholas supported him. He even led a rebellion in Kent in 1483 against King Richard III. Because of this, he lost his titles and lands, but he was soon forgiven. After the Battle of Bosworth Field, when Henry VII became king, Nicholas got all his positions and lands back. He served as an Esquire (a knight's assistant) to King Henry VII and Queen Elizabeth of York. Nicholas Gainsford was important in setting up the Gainsford family branch in Carshalton.
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The Gainsford Family of Crowhurst
The Gainsford family was very old and important in Surrey. They owned large estates in Crowhurst, Surrey, starting in the 1330s. Their main home, Crowhurst Place, was bought in 1418, and its main hall was rebuilt later in the 1400s.
Over time, the Gainsford family grew even richer and owned more land through marriages. For example, John Gainsford married Margery, who came from the wealthy de la Poyle family. This marriage brought many valuable properties to the Gainsfords, including lands in Oxfordshire, Surrey, and Middlesex.
Nicholas's Family and Early Life
Nicholas Gainsford was born around 1427. His father, John Gainsford 'senior', died in 1450. Nicholas had two older brothers, John and William, and some sisters. His eldest brother, John (1419–1460), inherited the main family estates at Crowhurst.
Nicholas and his brother John studied law at Lincoln's Inn in 1452–53. This was a special honor for their family. In 1449, Nicholas got his first important job as Controller of customs in the Port of London. He was elected to Parliament for Bletchingley in 1452–53, and again in 1455–56.
Around this time, Nicholas married Margaret Sidney. Soon after, he bought a manor called Burghersh (also known as Stone Court) in Carshalton and made it his home. In 1457, he became the Escheator for Surrey and Sussex, a role that managed royal lands. In 1460, he became High Sheriff of Surrey and Sussex for the first time.
Serving King Edward IV
When Edward IV became king in 1461, Nicholas Gainsford continued to serve the Crown. He was appointed a King's Servitor and an Usher in the King's Chamber. He was given the important job of being the constable and porter of Odiham Castle in Hampshire for life. This castle was a royal hunting residence. In 1464, he also became the keeper of the park there. The King trusted Nicholas so much that he even sent wine to Nicholas's house for them to enjoy during hunting trips.
Nicholas also received more land from the King, including the manor of Shalford-Clifford and estates in the Isle of Axholme. These lands had belonged to people who had gone against the King.
Nicholas was High Sheriff of Surrey and Sussex again in 1468–69. In 1469, he and another official, Thomas St. Leger, were given the care of Robert White, a young heir whose father had died. Nicholas's daughter, Margaret, soon married Robert White.
Working for Queen Elizabeth Woodville
In 1476, Queen Elizabeth Woodville, King Edward's wife, renewed Nicholas's job at Odiham Castle. Nicholas became a servant and Usher to the Queen's Chamber, and his wife Margaret became one of the Queen's Gentlewomen. This shows how close Nicholas and his family were to the Queen. Nicholas continued to serve in important roles, including being a Member of Parliament for Southwark in 1478.
Nicholas and Margaret had four sons and four daughters. Their eldest son, John, married Joan Moresby around 1475. Their second son, Walter, became a chaplain in Carshalton. Besides Margaret White, another daughter, Elizabeth, married Thomas Ellingbridge, who was also a royal official.
Against King Richard III
Nicholas Gainsford was loyal to King Edward IV and his family. So, when Richard III took the throne in a difficult way, Nicholas and his son John joined a rebellion against him. In October 1483, Nicholas and John were among the leaders of a rising in Kent, near Maidstone. This rebellion was meant to happen at the same time as a larger one led by the Duke of Buckingham.
The rebellion failed, and Nicholas and John Gainsford were declared outlaws. They lost their lands and jobs. However, King Richard III pardoned them in July 1484, and they slowly began to regain some of their rights.
Serving King Henry VII
When Henry VII became king in 1485, Nicholas Gainsford was fully restored to his former position. He was re-appointed High Sheriff of Surrey and Sussex in September 1485. He also got back his roles at Odiham Castle and other lands.
Sadly, his son John died in 1486, leaving a 10-year-old son named Robert as his heir. Nicholas was given the care of Robert and his lands.
Nicholas continued to serve the royal family. In 1486, he was named 'Usher of the Chamber of the King's consort queen Elizabeth' (Henry VII's wife). His wife, Margaret Gainsford, was also one of Queen Elizabeth's Gentlewomen. Nicholas was even one of the two Esquires who rode with the Lord Mayor of London in the procession when Queen Elizabeth was crowned. Nicholas and Margaret remained in the Queen's service.
In his later years, Nicholas continued to hold important positions, including being a Justice of the Peace for Surrey. He was also a Member of Parliament again in 1491–92.
Death and Legacy
Nicholas Gainsford made his will in July 1497. He named his grandson Robert Gainsford as his main heir. He also left gifts to a monastery and asked them to remember him. Nicholas died in 1498, and his wife Margaret died in 1503.
Family Memorial
A tomb memorial for Nicholas and Margaret Gainsford was recorded. It showed them with their four sons and four daughters. The inscription on the tomb mentioned their service to the queens of Edward IV and Henry VII.
Children of Nicholas and Margaret Gainsford
Nicholas and Margaret had several children:
- John Gainsford: He died in 1486. He married Joan Moresby and they had two children.
- Walter Gainsford: He was a chaplain in Carshalton and died in 1493. He did not marry.
- Margaret Gainsford: She married Robert White of South Warnborough. They had six children.
- Elizabeth Gainsford: She died before 1497. She married Thomas Ellingbridge, and they had seven children.
- Nicholas and Margaret also had two other sons and two other daughters whose names are not known.
