Ralph Basset, 2nd Baron Basset of Drayton facts for kids
Ralph Basset, 2nd Baron Basset of Drayton (who died on February 25, 1343) was an important English nobleman. He lived in the late 1200s and early 1300s. Ralph Basset fought in wars against France and in the Scottish War of Independence.
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Early Life and Family
Ralph Basset was the son of Ralph Basset the First and Hawise de Grey. When his father passed away on December 31, 1299, Ralph became the new Baron. He was made a knight on May 22, 1306.
His Time as a Leader
Ralph Basset was a skilled leader. He served in France and was given an important job. On June 11, 1323, he became the Seneschal of Gascony. This meant he was the King's main representative in Gascony, a region in France. He also managed the Duchy of Aquitaine, another French territory belonging to the English King.
A Tricky Situation
Soon after Ralph Basset started his job in Gascony, a local nobleman named Raymond-Bernard de Montpezat caused trouble. He attacked a village called Saint-Sardos. He even harmed a royal officer of King Charles IV of France. Ralph Basset was nearby when this happened. He had even met de Montpezat just two days before.
The French King thought Ralph Basset might have been involved in the attack. King Edward II of England quickly sent an apology to the French King. Edward II said Ralph Basset was innocent. Ralph Basset was asked to come to a meeting in Bergerac. But he did not go, giving reasons that were not very convincing.
King Charles IV was willing to accept Edward II's apology. However, he still wanted to put Ralph Basset and de Montpezat on trial. Neither of them showed up in court. Because of this, they were declared outlaws. This meant they lost their official positions and their land in France. By March 15, 1324, Ralph Basset was called back to England. He was removed from his job in Gascony. He did briefly get the job back later that year, from July 21 to November 18, 1324.
Other Important Roles
Ralph Basset held other important positions in England. From March to September 1326, he was the Constable of Dover Castle. This was a very important castle that protected England's coast. During the same time, he was also the Warden of the Cinque Ports. This meant he was in charge of several important port towns. In 1341, Ralph was given the special title of Knight Banneret. He passed away in 1343.
Family Life
Ralph Basset married a woman named Joan. She was the daughter of John de Grey of Wilton and Matilda de Verdun. They got permission to marry on March 27, 1304.
They had two children:
- Margaret Basset: She married John de Bohun, 5th Earl of Hereford. They did not have any children.
- Ralph Basset (who died in 1335): He married Alice Audley. They had children.
Ralph Basset's son, also named Ralph, passed away before him in 1335. So, when the 2nd Baron Basset of Drayton died, his grandson became the next Baron. This was Ralph Basset the Third, who was the son of his deceased son.
