Ralph Greystoke, 5th Baron Greystoke facts for kids

The Greystoke family coat of arms.

Ralph Greystoke, 5th Baron Greystoke (born 1406, died 1487), was an important English nobleman in the 1400s. He played a part in the Wars of the Roses, a series of battles for the English throne. His marriage to Elizabeth FitzHugh helped strengthen the friendship between their two powerful families.

Ralph Greystoke: A Life of Service

Ralph was the oldest son of John de Greystoke, 4th Baron Greystoke. His mother was Elizabeth Ferrers. When his father passed away in 1436, Ralph was 29 years old. He then became the new Baron Greystoke.

His Home and Duties

Ralph lived at Greystoke Castle in a region called Cumberland. Because of his important position, the king often asked for his help. Ralph was especially involved in matters concerning the border between England and Scotland. He was called to attend meetings of Parliament in 1436, 1439, 1441, and 1485.

In 1444, Ralph had a special job. He was part of a group that brought Margaret d'Anjou, the new queen, back to England. She was marrying Henry VI of England, the king.

The Wars of the Roses

The Wars of the Roses were a big conflict in England. It was a fight between two noble families, the House of York and the House of Lancaster, over who should be king.

Choosing Sides

In 1447, Ralph Greystoke made an agreement with Richard Neville, 5th Earl of Salisbury. He promised to support the Earl in both peaceful and wartime situations. When the Earl of Salisbury joined forces with Richard of York, 3rd Duke of York, Ralph helped them. He assisted Richard of York in getting permission to open Parliament. Richard of York then became a special leader called the "Protector."

Later that year, Ralph helped investigate problems caused by the House of Percy family. He was also asked to gather soldiers in Yorkshire. These soldiers were needed to help stop trouble in a nearby area called Lancashire.

Changing Loyalties

However, things changed quickly in those times. In 1459, the Earl of Salisbury and Richard of York lost a battle and had to leave England. Ralph Greystoke then seemed to switch his support to the Lancastrian side. He swore an oath of loyalty to them.

It is thought that he might have fought for King Henry VI at the Battle of Wakefield in 1460. This battle resulted in the deaths of York and Salisbury. He may also have fought for the winning Lancastrian side at the Second Battle of St Albans in 1461.

However, some people believe Ralph was playing a "double game." He might have secretly still supported the Yorkists. This is because he was likely not at the important Battle of Towton two months later. This battle led to the Yorkist side winning and Edward IV of England becoming king.

Ralph's Family

A stone carving of Elizabeth Talbot, Ralph's granddaughter, who died in 1490.

Ralph Greystoke married Elizabeth FitzHugh. She was the daughter of the fourth Baron FitzHugh. Ralph and Elizabeth had several children:

• Elizabeth (died 1490): She married two times. First to Thomas Scrope, and then to Sir Gilbert Talbot.
• Sir Robert Greystoke (born around 1443, died 1483): He married Elizabeth Grey. Sir Robert had one daughter, also named Elizabeth. This younger Elizabeth became the 6th Baroness Greystoke after her grandfather Ralph died. She married Thomas Dacre, and this brought the Greystoke family titles and lands into the Dacre family.
• Margaret (or Margery): She married Sir Thomas Grey. Their daughter, Anne, married three times.