Oliver Ingham facts for kids

Sir Oliver Ingham (born around 1287, died 1344) was an English knight and important official. He worked for King Edward II of England and later for King Edward III. Sir Oliver helped govern and defend the Duchy of Aquitaine in France. This was during a time of conflict called the War of Saint-Sardos and the start of the Hundred Years' War.

Early Life and Royal Service

Oliver Ingham was born about 1287. His father, Sir John Ingham, was also a knight who fought for King Edward I. In 1310, Oliver inherited his father's lands. These lands were in Norfolk, Suffolk, Wiltshire, and Hampshire.

King Edward II soon called Oliver to serve in wars against Scotland. He became a special knight for the king. This meant he received many important jobs and lands. He was in charge of Ellesmere Castle in Shropshire. He also oversaw the counties of Cheshire and Flintshire. Oliver was a brave knight who fought alongside the king in Scotland in 1322.

First Time in Aquitaine

In 1324, Sir Oliver was sent to Aquitaine. He was an adviser to the king's half-brother, Edmund. Aquitaine was a part of France that belonged to England. But war broke out with France, and England lost some areas like the Agenais.

Sir Oliver went to Aquitaine with soldiers from Spain and other places. He managed to win back some of the lost lands. After a peace agreement, Edmund returned to England. In 1326, Sir Oliver became the Seneschal of Gascony. This was the highest English position in Aquitaine. It gave him great power over law and money there. He earned the trust of many local nobles. However, a new agreement with France in 1327 led to his return to England.

Changes in England

When Sir Oliver returned, England was in political turmoil. King Edward II had been removed from power. His young son, Edward III, became king. But Edward III was too young to rule alone. His mother, Queen Isabella, and her friend Roger Mortimer, ruled for him.

These new rulers wanted peace with France. They agreed to give up the lands Sir Oliver had won back. Sir Oliver had been connected to the previous king's friends. But he mostly avoided punishment after they lost power. He then supported Mortimer. He was even a judge in a trial against people who tried to overthrow Mortimer.

In October 1330, King Edward III took full control. He removed Mortimer from power. Sir Oliver was captured at Nottingham and sent to London for trial. His lands and goods were taken away. But on December 8, 1330, the new king pardoned him. King Edward III remembered Sir Oliver's loyal service. His property was returned, except for gifts he had received from the crown.

Second Time in Aquitaine

After this, Sir Oliver mostly stayed in Aquitaine. He rarely returned to England. On June 29, 1331, he was again made Seneschal of Aquitaine. His job was to keep peace and defend the region. Relations between England and France were getting worse. This led to the start of the Hundred Years' War in 1337.

Many castles in Aquitaine had been lost in the previous war. Also, some local nobles were divided in their loyalty. They owned land on both the English and French sides. By 1336, Aquitaine was preparing for war again. Sir Oliver was ordered to make sure all strongholds were ready. They needed soldiers, equipment, and food.

On May 24, 1337, King Philip VI of France announced he was taking Aquitaine. French officials came to claim the land. Sir Oliver met them and refused to give up his territory. He then began military actions, mostly in the Agenais. England's main plan was to attack northern France. This meant Sir Oliver in the southwest received no troops or money from England. He had to rely only on local resources.

The duchy's money came from taxes on goods moved along rivers. But trade almost stopped when the war began. Most of the money left had to support the castle commanders. This made it hard for Sir Oliver's government in Bordeaux to defend the region. Even though he lost Penne-d'Agenais, he successfully defended Bonnegarde and other strongholds. He also fought off a French attack on Bordeaux in 1339. Despite money problems, he kept many Gascon nobles fighting for him. The king recognized his great service. All his and his ancestors' debts were forgiven.

Death and Burial

Sir Oliver left Aquitaine in 1343. He returned to England and died on January 29, 1344. He was likely at Ingham, where he owned a manor and the right to appoint the church's priest. He was buried in a tomb there, which still exists today.

His wife, Elizabeth, died on October 11, 1350. She was buried next to him. The inscription on their tomb, in old French, says: Mounsier Oliver de Ingham gist icy et Dame Elizabeth sa compagne que luy Dieux de les almes eit mercy (Sir Oliver Ingham lies here and Dame Elizabeth his wife; may God have mercy on their souls).

Family Life

Sir Oliver and his wife, Elizabeth Zouche, had four children: Oliver, John, Elizabeth, and Joan. Sadly, three of their children died before Sir Oliver.

His inheritance was split between his granddaughter Mary and his daughter Joan. Mary was the only child of his daughter Elizabeth. Joan was 24 years old. Joan married Sir Roger Le Strange first. Later, she married Sir Miles Stapleton of Bedale. In 1360, Joan and Miles started a special fund at Ingham church. This was to remember her parents and others. Joan died by 1365. Her son, Sir Miles Stapleton, inherited her share.

Coat of Arms

Sir Oliver Ingham's coat of arms was a shield divided into two colors, gold and green. It had a red cross with ends shaped like a mill wheel. His crest was an owl sitting on holly leaves, on a red cap lined with ermine fur.