Roger d'Amory facts for kids

Roger Damory (died before 14 March 1322) was an important nobleman and a key figure in England during the reign of King Edward II of England. He held the title of Lord d'Amory and was also in charge of Corfe Castle as its Constable.

Early Life and Family

Roger Damory was the younger son of Sir Robert D'Amory, a knight from Bucknell and Woodperry in Oxfordshire. Roger inherited or gained control of several important estates and castles. These included the manors of Bletchington and Holton, Oxfordshire in Oxfordshire, Standon in Hertfordshire, and Caythorpe in Lincolnshire. He also held the castles of Knaresborough and St. Briavels.

Rise to Power

Roger Damory was a skilled fighter and served King Edward II well. He fought bravely at the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314, where he provided "good services" to the King. Because of his loyalty and efforts, he was rewarded in 1317 with the manors of Sandal in Yorkshire and Vauxhall in Surrey.

His importance grew, and he was called to join the English Parliament several times. He was summoned on 20 November 1317, and then again in 1318, 1319, 1320, and 1321. Being called to Parliament meant he was recognized as a powerful lord, and this is how he became known as Lord d'Amory.

A Royal Favorite and Conflict

For a time, Roger Damory was a close friend and trusted advisor to King Edward II. However, his position as a royal favorite changed when Hugh Despenser the Younger gained more influence with the King. This led to a major conflict known as the Despenser War, which took place between 1321 and 1322.

Roger Damory played a very active role in this war. He was one of the main leaders against the King's new favorite, Hugh Despenser. During the conflict, Damory's forces captured the town of Gloucester and burned parts of Bridgnorth. He was also involved in the siege of Tickhill and fought in the battle at Burton-on-Trent.

Capture and Death

Because of his actions in the Despenser War, Roger Damory was declared an enemy of the King. His lands and properties were taken away, and orders were given for his arrest. As the King's forces advanced, Damory and his allies had to retreat.

Roger Damory was either sick or wounded during this time. He was left behind at Tutbury Castle in Staffordshire, where he was captured on 11 March 1322. He was quickly put on trial and sentenced to death. However, it seems his illness was severe, as he died just two days later, on 13 March 1322, at Tutbury Castle. He was buried at St. Mary's Church in Ware, Hertfordshire.

Marriage and Children

Roger Damory married Elizabeth de Clare shortly before 3 May 1317. Elizabeth was a very wealthy and important woman, and Roger was her third husband. They had two children together:

• Elizabeth d'Amory (died before her father). She married John Bardolf, 3rd Lord Bardolf (1311–1363). Their son was William 4th Lord Bardolf (1349–1386).
• Eleanor (1319–1360). She married John de Raleigh around 1338. From Eleanor's family line, a famous explorer and writer named Sir Walter Raleigh later descended.