Richard Stafford, 1st Baron Stafford of Clifton facts for kids

Arms of Baron Stafford of Clifton: Or, a chevron gules, a crescent for difference.

Richard Stafford, 1st Baron Stafford of Clifton (who passed away on August 13, 1380), was an important English soldier and diplomat. He lived during a long conflict called the Hundred Years' War. Richard was the second son of Edmund Stafford, 1st Baron Stafford and Margaret Basset. His older brother was Ralph Stafford, 1st Earl of Stafford. Richard started a new branch of the Stafford family known as the Staffords of Clifton.

Early Life and Family

Richard Stafford was the second son of Edmund Stafford, 1st Baron Stafford and Margaret Basset. His mother, Margaret, was the daughter of Ralph Basset, 1st Lord Basset of Drayton. Richard's older brother was Ralph Stafford, 1st Earl of Stafford.

Richard Stafford's Military and Diplomatic Career

Richard Stafford played a key role in the French campaigns of King Edward III of England. These events happened during the Hundred Years' War, a long series of conflicts. Sometimes, historians like Jean Froissart mixed up Richard with his brother Ralph. This makes some of Richard's actions a bit unclear.

In 1337, Richard was sent on an important diplomatic mission. He traveled to the courts of William II, Count of Hainaut, Reginald II, Count of Guelders, and Louis IV, Holy Roman Emperor.

Early Battles and Campaigns

In November 1337, Richard helped achieve a victory at the Battle of Cadzand. He was also part of the king's army in October 1339. This army met the French forces at Vironfosse, but no actual fighting happened.

Richard's brother led the English forces during the Gascon campaign of 1345. Richard was one of the important leaders in this campaign. During this time, he took part in the siege of Bergerac. He also commanded the soldiers protecting Libourne. Richard helped in the relief of Auberoche and the attack on La Réole.

Key Victories and Later Service

Stafford also fought in the famous Battle of Crécy in 1346. After this battle, Richard and Reginald de Cobham, 1st Baron Cobham were given the job of counting the fallen soldiers. He was also present at the Siege of Calais between 1346 and 1347.

In 1355, Stafford joined Edward the Black Prince in Gascony. He participated in the prince's military journey into France that year. In December, he was sent back to England with important letters. However, he soon rejoined the prince's army. Richard fought at the Battle of Poitiers on September 19, 1356.

Richard and his brother went with King Edward III on another trip to France in October 1359. In 1361, Richard was appointed as the Seneschal of Gascony. This was a high-ranking official position in the region. He served in this role until June 8, 1362.

In 1366, Richard was chosen for another diplomatic mission. He traveled to the papal court with his son, also named Richard. He was called to join Parliament as Baron Stafford of Clifton on January 8, 1371. He continued to be summoned regularly until 1379. Richard Stafford passed away on August 13, 1380. He was buried at the St Andrew's Church, Clifton Campville in Staffordshire. A special memorial brass for him can be found in St Peter's Church, Elford, Staffordshire.

Family Life and Children

Richard Stafford was married twice.

His first marriage was to Isabel. She was the heiress of Clifton-Camville and the daughter of Richard de Vernon and Maud de Camville. Richard and Isabel had the following children:

• Sir Richard Stafford, a knight. He married Alice Blount but passed away before his father without having any children.
• Edmund Stafford (1344 – 1419). He became the Bishop of Exeter, Chancellor of England, and Keeper of the Privy Seal.
• Sir Thomas Stafford, a knight and Marshal of Ireland. He passed away around 1397. He married Alice Sulney and had one son named Thomas.
• Maud Stafford. She was supposed to marry Thomas de Arderne but passed away before she turned 11.
• Katherine Stafford. She married Sir Thomas de Arderne, a knight from Elford, Staffordshire, and they had children.

Richard's second marriage was to a woman named Maud. They did not have any children together.

Richard Stafford also had two children outside of his marriages:

• Sir Nicholas Stafford, a knight from Throwley, Staffordshire. He passed away in 1394. He married Elizabeth Meverell but did not have any children.
• John Stafford