Ralph Lumley, 1st Baron Lumley facts for kids

Painting at Leeds Castle showing King Richard II and Ralph Lumley

Ralph Lumley, 1st Baron Lumley was an English nobleman and soldier. He lived during a time when England had two different kings, Richard II and Henry IV. Ralph Lumley was a loyal supporter of King Richard II.

However, when King Henry IV took the throne, Ralph Lumley joined a plot against the new king. Because of this, he lost his lands and titles. He was also put to death in January 1400.

Early Life and Family

Ralph Lumley was born around the year 1360. His father was Sir Marmaduke Lumley, who owned land in Northumberland. Ralph was the second son in his family.

When his father passed away in 1365, Ralph was still very young. His older brother, Robert, also died in 1374. This meant that Ralph became the main heir to his family's lands. John Nevill became his guardian, helping to look after him and his property.

A Soldier's Career

In 1383, Ralph Lumley officially took control of his family's lands. By this time, he had already started a career as a soldier. He was made a knight, which was a special honor. He also captured French soldiers during battles and held them for ransom. This was a common way for knights to earn money back then.

Fighting for England

In 1384, Ralph Lumley was asked to join the Parliament as a baron. This meant he was an important noble. The next year, in 1385, he fought against the Scots. He was under the command of Henry Percy, 1st Earl of Northumberland, defending the town of Berwick-upon-Tweed.

During the Battle of Otterburn in August 1388, Ralph Lumley was captured by the Scots. He was held prisoner for over a year. He was finally set free in October 1389 after a large ransom was paid. Both King Richard and the Bishop of Durham helped to pay for his release.

Building and Serving

In 1391, Ralph Lumley was made the Captain of Berwick. This was an important role in defending the border. In 1392, he received special permission from the king. This allowed him to rebuild and add defenses to his family home, which is now known as Lumley Castle.

He also served as a judge in the North Riding of Yorkshire in 1394 and 1397. In 1397, he attended a special Parliament. At this meeting, all members had to promise their loyalty to King Richard.

The Rebellion and Its End

In September 1399, King Henry IV took power from King Richard II. Ralph Lumley accepted this change at first. However, in December, he joined a secret plan. This plan was called the Epiphany Rising. Ralph and his cousin, Thomas Holland, 1st Duke of Surrey, wanted to kill King Henry. Their goal was to put King Richard back on the throne.

The plot failed, and Ralph Lumley was captured. He was put to death in Cirencester in January 1400. After his death, all his movable belongings were given to the King's half-brother, John Beaufort, 1st Earl of Somerset. Most of his lands were taken by the crown. However, some land was set aside to support his wife and their twelve children.

Ralph Lumley's Family

Ralph Lumley married a woman named Eleanor. She was the third daughter of his guardian, John Nevill. Ralph and Eleanor had many children, including:

• Thomas: He was also involved in his father's rebellion and died in 1400.
• Sir John: Born in 1383, he died in 1421. His son, Thomas, later managed to get his grandfather's titles and lands restored in 1461.
• Marmaduke: He studied at the University of Cambridge. He became an important bishop and served as the Lord High Treasurer of England from 1446 to 1449.
• Catherine: She married Sir John Chideock before 1425.
• Elizabeth: She married Adam Tyrwhitt.