Robert Ufford, 1st Earl of Suffolk facts for kids
Robert Ufford (born August 9, 1298 – died November 4, 1369) was an important English nobleman. He was given the title of Earl of Suffolk in 1337. He was also a Knight of the Order of the Garter, a special group of knights.
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Robert Ufford's Early Life
Robert Ufford was born on August 9, 1298. He was the eldest living son of Robert Ufford, who was the first Baron Ufford. His father was a lord of the manor in Ufford, Suffolk. Robert's mother was Cecily de Valoignes. He also had a younger brother, Sir Ralph Ufford. Ralph later became a leader in Ireland.
In 1318, Robert took over his father's lands in Suffolk. He became a knight and started working for the king. For example, in 1326, he helped gather ships for the king in Suffolk. He also helped keep the peace in eastern England in 1327. In 1329, he traveled with the young King Edward III to Amiens.
Serving the King
Robert Ufford continued to work for the government. In 1330, he was given Orford Castle in Suffolk for life. His father had held this castle before him. He also received other lands. He was asked to gather and lead soldiers from Norfolk and Suffolk. These soldiers were meant to fight against "the king's rebels."
However, in October 1330, Robert joined William de Montacute. They planned to capture Roger Mortimer at Nottingham Castle. Robert helped capture Mortimer. He received a special pardon in 1331 for an incident that happened during the capture. As a reward, he was given lands in Norfolk and some houses in London. He became one of King Edward III's most trusted warriors, advisors, and diplomats.
Becoming the Earl of Suffolk
In 1335, Robert Ufford was part of a group sent to talk with the Scots. He then fought in a campaign against them. He was made the warden of Bothwell Castle. In January 1337, he became the Admiral of the North, a leader of the northern fleet. He held this job for part of that year.
In March 1337, Robert Ufford was given the title of Earl of Suffolk. This meant he became a very important nobleman. He was also granted more lands. While he was away, the Scots took back Bothwell Castle.
Fighting in the Hundred Years' War
The Hundred Years' War began with England and France. In 1337, Suffolk was sent to France to try and make peace or a truce. He also had powers to talk with other leaders, including the Holy Roman Emperor. The next year, in 1338, Suffolk went on another important trip to France. He traveled with King Edward III in Brabant. In 1339, he helped surround the city of Cambrai. He also served in the army that was ready to fight a big battle at Buironfosse.
Captured and Released
After King Edward returned to England, Suffolk stayed behind in Ypres. In 1340, he and the Earl of Salisbury attacked the French near Lille. They chased the enemy into the town but were captured. They were then sent to Paris as prisoners. The King of France, Philip VI, was said to be very angry. Suffolk and Salisbury were only spared because another important person, John of Bohemia, helped them.
A truce in 1340 allowed for prisoners to be released. But Suffolk was only freed after a large ransom was paid. King Edward III helped pay for his release.
Tournaments and Honors
After his release, Suffolk took part in several tournaments. These were like medieval sports events. He participated in a tournament at Dunstable in 1342. He also took part in big jousting events in London. He was one of the first members of King Edward's special group called the Round Table at Windsor Castle. He also became an early member of the famous Order of the Garter.
Battles and Diplomacy
Suffolk served in the English army during the Breton War of Succession in 1342. He was also at the siege of Rennes. In 1343, he was an ambassador to Pope Clement VI in Avignon. In 1344, he was again made admiral of the northern fleet. He held this position until 1347.
On July 11, 1346, Suffolk sailed with the king from Portsmouth. This was for the invasion of France that led to the famous battle of Crécy. During the retreat, Suffolk and Sir Hugh le Despenser defeated a French force. Suffolk was one of the advisors who told Edward to choose the field of Crécy for the battle. He fought bravely on the left side of the English army. The next morning, he helped in a scouting mission that led to another fight with the French.
Suffolk continued his diplomatic work. He was part of groups sent to negotiate with France and Flanders in 1348. These talks happened in Calais. He had similar jobs in 1349 and 1350. In August 1350, he fought in a naval victory called the Battle of Winchelsea. In 1351 and 1352, he was a chief leader for gathering soldiers in Norfolk and Suffolk.
The Poitiers Campaign
In September 1355, Suffolk sailed to Aquitaine with The Black Prince. From October to December, he was part of the Prince's raid through Languedoc. He commanded the rear-guard of the army. After returning, he stayed in Saint-Emilion. In January 1356, he led another raid.
Suffolk also joined the Black Prince's northern raid in 1356. This led to the battle of Poitiers. In this battle, he commanded the third part of the army, called the "rearward," along with Salisbury. The Prince tried to retreat, which meant Suffolk's group faced the first attacks. On the march back to Bordeaux, Suffolk led the front of the army.
Robert Ufford's Later Years
By 1359, Suffolk was 58 years old. He took part in an expedition into the County of Champagne. After that, he mostly worked as an ambassador. His last job was in 1362. He helped negotiate a possible marriage for Edmund of Langley.
In his older years, Suffolk focused on moving Leiston Abbey to a new location. In 1363, the abbey was moved. Some ruins of the new site still remain today.
Death
Robert Ufford died on November 4, 1369. He asked to be buried in the church of Campsey Priory. His wife was also buried there.
Family Life
In 1324, Robert Ufford married Margaret de Norwich (died 1368). She was the daughter of Sir Walter de Norwich, who was a Treasurer of the Exchequer. Robert and Margaret had a large family, including:
- Robert Ufford, who died before his father and had no children.
- William Ufford, 2nd Earl of Suffolk (died 1382), their second son. He married Joan Montagu and had four sons and a daughter.
- Walter Ufford (born 1343), their third son. He married Elizabeth de Montagu but had no children.
- Joan Ufford, their eldest daughter. She was supposed to marry John de St Philibert, but the marriage did not happen.
- Katherine Ufford (born around 1317). She married Robert de Scales, 3rd Baron Scales.
- Cecily Ufford (died before 1372). She married William, Lord Willoughby of Eresby. Their son and grandson later used the Ufford family's coat of arms.
- Margaret Ufford (died before 1368). She married Sir William Ferrers, 3rd Baron Ferrers of Groby.
- Maud Ufford, who became a nun at the priory in Campsea Ashe, Suffolk.
