Robert Corbet (died 1420) facts for kids
Robert Corbet (1383–1420) lived at Moreton Corbet in Shropshire, England. He was a soldier, a politician, and a landowner. He was chosen twice to represent Shropshire in the English Parliament. Robert worked for Thomas FitzAlan, 12th Earl of Arundel, a powerful noble. He went with the Earl to the Siege of Harfleur during a war.
Contents
Early Life and Family History
Robert Corbet was born on December 8, 1383, at Moreton Corbet. His parents were:
- Sir Roger Corbet of Moreton Corbet. The Corbet family was very important in the Welsh Marches (the border lands between England and Wales) since the Norman Conquest. The main Corbet family line at Caus Castle ended in 1347. This made the Corbets of Moreton Corbet Castle the most important branch of the family in Shropshire.
- Margaret Erdington, whose father was Sir Giles Erdington from Warwickshire. Robert's parents died in 1395 when he was not yet 12 years old. This was before he was old enough to legally manage his own property.
Becoming an Adult and Managing Land
When Robert's parents died, he was too young to take control of his family's land. Usually, a powerful noble would become his guardian. Richard FitzAlan, 11th Earl of Arundel was the most powerful noble in the area. However, the King, Richard II, was against Arundel. So, the King gave Robert's care and marriage rights to Thomas Percy, 1st Earl of Worcester.
Later, King Henry IV took the throne. He was supported by the Arundel family. So, the King made Worcester give Robert's care to John Burley, a local Member of Parliament who worked for the young Earl of Arundel. Robert was on the winning side when the Earl of Worcester rebelled against the King in 1403.
In 1405, Robert Corbet became old enough to manage his own family estates. He officially promised his loyalty to King Henry IV.
Family Estates
In 1406, a record was made of the lands Robert inherited from his mother. These included:
- Shawbury Manor
- Moreton Corbet Manor
- Upton Waters Manor
- Lands near Shiffenhale and Hynstok
- Villages like Blecheleye and Booley upon Hine Heath
Robert often worked with the Earl of Arundel's group on land deals. In 1407, he and his brother, Roger, along with other allies of Arundel, were allowed to give a property in Shrewsbury called Ireland Hall to Shrewsbury Abbey. This gift was likely made on behalf of the Earl.
In 1413, Robert worked with William Burley (who would later become a Speaker of Parliament) to make sure the manor of Shawbury would stay in his family. He got permission from the King to set up the estate so it would pass to him, his wife Margaret, and their children. In 1419, he bought more land in Shropshire from Roger Thornes, a well-known lawyer.
Public Service and Military Role
In 1405, Robert Corbet and his younger brother, Roger, began working for the Earl of Arundel. For about ten years, most of their public actions were closely linked to the Earl's plans.
Political Life
Robert Corbet became a Justice of the Peace (a local judge) for Shropshire in 1410. In the same year, he was present when the Earl of Arundel's supporters were elected as Members of Parliament for the county.
In March 1413, Henry V became King. The Earl of Arundel was promoted to a high position in the government. Robert Corbet was then elected to Parliament for the first time. This showed how strong Arundel's influence was in Shropshire.
Challenges and Disputes
Soon after, a powerful noble named John Talbot challenged Arundel's power. Talbot was so upset that he was even sent to the Tower of London for a short time.
Robert Corbet was mentioned in many complaints against Arundel's rule in Shropshire. For example, it was claimed that taxes could not be collected because Robert and another Member of Parliament had argued with the tax collectors. It was said that Robert's servants attacked the collectors at Moreton Corbet. When the collectors were in Oldbury, a large group of armed people came after them.
The King himself heard these complaints in Shrewsbury. Arundel's men faced many charges. The most serious was that they had organized a raid on Much Wenlock in May 1413, using a large armed group. The local religious leader complained that these were armed Welshmen who had destroyed a mill. Robert Corbet argued that he was at Parliament when these events happened. The accused said they were just doing their job as Justices of the Peace. Arundel used his influence to get pardons for his men.
Military Service and Later Career
In August 1415, Robert Corbet went with Arundel to Normandy as part of the King's war efforts. Arundel became sick during the Siege of Harfleur and returned to England. Robert was also allowed to return on October 4. However, Arundel died on October 13, leaving Robert without his powerful protector.
In 1415, Robert was again accused of attacking tax collectors and causing trouble, along with his brother. He was removed from his position as a Justice of the Peace in Shropshire in 1416. In 1419, he was ordered to appear before the King's council if needed, or face a large fine. But he was never called.
Robert Corbet slowly regained favor. The reasons are not fully known, but perhaps his past issues were forgotten. He was elected to Parliament again later in 1419. He was then chosen to be High Sheriff of Shropshire, which was a great honor from the King. This showed that he was fully accepted back into good standing. However, he died while serving as Sheriff.
Death and Family
Robert Corbet died on August 12, 1420.
Marriage and Children
Robert Corbet's wife was named Margaret. Her original family name is not known for sure.
Robert and Margaret Corbet had two sons:
- Thomas Corbet
- Roger Corbet
Both Thomas and Roger later became Members of Parliament for Shropshire. Thomas, the older son, died without having children. So, the Corbet family line at Moreton continued through Roger. Robert also had three daughters: Elizabeth, Dorothea, and Mary.
After Robert's death, his wife Margaret married Sir William Mallory. They had another son named Thomas. Some historians have wondered if this Thomas Mallory might be the famous writer Thomas Malory, who wrote the book Le Morte d'Arthur.
