Robert de Ashton facts for kids
Sir Robert de Ashton (died 1385) was a very important person in England during the time of King Edward III. He was known for being a leader in government, the army, and even the navy! He was skilled in many areas, both working for the king and fighting in battles.
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Sir Robert's Family History
Sir Robert came from a famous family called Ashton or Assheton. They were from a place called Ashton-under-Lyne in Lancashire, England.
He was married twice. With his first wife, Elizabeth de Gorges, he had a son named Thomas and a daughter named Eleanor. His second wife was a widow when they married. After Sir Robert passed away, she married another knight. She died in 1417.
Sir Robert's Busy Career
Sir Robert de Ashton started his public life in 1324 as a member of the English Parliament in Westminster. After that, he held many important and trusted jobs for the king.
Important Roles and Castles
- In 1359, he was the governor of Guynes, a town near Calais.
- In 1362, he became the Lord Treasurer of England. This meant he was in charge of the country's money.
- By 1368, he was in charge of Sandgate Castle near Calais, along with its lands and income.
- In 1369, he became an admiral of the Narrow Seas, leading the navy in the waters between England and France.
- In 1372, he was made Justiciar of Ireland, which meant he was the chief judge and administrator for Ireland.
- He returned to England in 1373 to be the Lord Treasurer again and also the King's Chamberlain, a high-ranking official in the royal household.
- From 1375 until King Edward III died in 1377, Sir Robert was the Chancellor of the Exchequer, another key role in managing the country's money.
Constable of Castles
From 1376 to 1381, Sir Robert was the Constable of Portchester Castle. He even helped make the castle stronger by building a part of it known as "Ashton's Tower."
When a new king came to power, King Richard II, he still trusted Sir Robert. In 1380, Sir Robert was given the important job of constable of Dover Castle and warden of the Cinque Ports. The Cinque Ports were a group of important coastal towns that helped defend England.
Sir Robert de Ashton passed away at Dover Castle on January 9, 1385. He was buried in the church there, a church he had previously given a large bell to.
