Richard Grey, 4th Baron Grey of Codnor facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Lord Grey of Codnor
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| Chamberlain of the Household | |
| In office 1404–1413 |
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| Monarch | Henry IV |
| Preceded by | Sir Thomas Erpingham |
| Succeeded by | The Lord FitzHugh |
| Personal details | |
| Born | c. 1371 |
| Died | 1 August 1418 |
| Resting place | Aylesford Priory, Kent, England |
| Nationality | English |
| Occupation | Soldier and diplomat |
Richard Grey (born around 1371, died 1418) was an important English soldier and diplomat. He was also known as the 1st or 4th Baron Grey of Codnor. He served the king as a high-ranking official, like the Chamberlain, and was in charge of Roxburgh Castle.
Contents
Richard Grey: Soldier and Diplomat
Richard Grey had a busy career serving the King of England. He was involved in many important military and diplomatic jobs.
Early Military Roles
- In 1400, Richard Grey became the 'Admiral of the North'. This meant he was in charge of the king's ships from the River Thames all the way up to the northern parts of England.
- In the same year, he became the Governor of Roxburgh Castle. This was an important fortress.
- In 1402, he was part of a group sent to talk with Owain Glyndŵr. They wanted to arrange the release of Reginald Grey, 3rd Baron Grey de Ruthyn.
- From 1403 to 1407, he was a judge in South Wales.
- From 1404 to 1413, he held the important role of Chamberlain of the Household. This meant he was a chief officer in the king's royal household.
Key Positions and Duties
- In 1405, Grey gave the king and his council ideas on how to manage Wales.
- He was made Lieutenant of South Wales in December 1405. He held this post until February 1406.
- Also in 1405, Richard Grey had a disagreement with another baron, Henry Beaumont, 5th Baron Beaumont. They argued about who should be considered more important. This was one of the first recorded arguments like this between barons.
- He also acted as the Marshal when the usual Marshal was away.
- In 1406, he helped collect fines from Welsh rebels.
- In 1407, he became the Constable of Nottingham Castle. He was also made the Ranger of Sherwood Forest.
- In 1413, he became the Governor of Fronsac in Aquitaine, a region in France.
Diplomatic Missions
From 1412 onwards, Richard Grey was often sent on important diplomatic missions. This meant he represented the king in talks with other countries.
- In 1413, he was one of the ambassadors sent to arrange a marriage. They were trying to set up a wedding between Henry, Prince of Wales, and Anne, the daughter of the Duke of Burgundy.
- The next year, he helped to extend a peace agreement with France.
- He was also one of the ambassadors trying to arrange a marriage between King Henry V and Catherine of France.
- In August 1415, he worked to create a peace agreement with the ruler of Scotland. Soon after, he became the Warden of the Eastern Marches, which was a border area.
- In 1418, he was the Governor of the Castle of Argentan in Normandy, France.
Richard Grey was called to attend Parliament in 1397. Around 1404, he was made a Knight of the Garter. This is a very special award given by the King.
He passed away on August 1, 1418. He might have died in France. He was buried at Aylesford Priory in Kent, England.
Richard Grey's Family
Richard Grey was the son of Henry de Grey, who died in 1379. Richard took over the title of Baron Grey of Codnor after his grandfather, John de Grey, passed away in 1392.
Marriage and Children
In 1387, Richard Grey married Elizabeth Basset. She lived until after 1446. They had five children together:
- John (born around 1396, died 1430), who became the fifth baron after his father.
- Henry (born around 1405, died 1443), who became the sixth baron after his brother John.
- Elizabeth, who married John la Zouche.
- Eleanor, who married Thomas Newport.
- Lucy, who married Rowland Lenthall.
After the seventh baron died, the barony's title was put on hold among the three sisters. In 1989, the title was given to a person who was a descendant of Lucy.
