Roper family facts for kids

The House of Roper is a very old and important English family. Their story goes all the way back to the year 1066, right after the Normans came to England. They lived in a place called Derbyshire. Over many years, members of the Roper family have held special noble titles like Baron of Teynham, Baron Dacre of Glanton, and Viscount of Baltinglass.

One important member was Thomas Roper, who became the first Viscount Baltinglass. He was a brave soldier and a nobleman. He served in the English Royal Army during the time of King James I. He became a knight on September 16, 1603. Later, in 1627, he was given the title Viscount Baltinglass.

The title Baron Dacre was first created in England in 1321. Lord Hugh Redwald Trevor Roper was a well-known Baron Dacre. He married Lady Alexandra Henrietta Louisa Howard-Johnston. In 1979, Margaret Thatcher, who was the British Prime Minister at the time, suggested that Lord Trevor Roper should receive a "life peer" title. This means he would be a baron for his lifetime, but the title wouldn't pass to his children. He was introduced as Baron Dacre of Glanton to the House of Lords in Northumberland on September 27, 1979.

The title Baron of Teynham was created in England in 1616. It was given to Sir John Roper. His son, Christopher Roper, became the second person to hold this title. Sir John Roper is remembered for being the first nobleman to publicly support James I as king. He was knighted in 1616, though some records suggest it might have been earlier, in 1587.

Notable Family Members

Lord William Roper

Lord William Roper was a very important member of the family. He was a lawyer and a representative in the House of Lords. He was also a writer, a thinker, and served as a chancellor (a high-ranking official) to King Henry VII. Lord William Roper was connected to Sir Thomas More because William married Thomas's daughter, Margaret More.

Lord William Roper had a close relationship with Sir Thomas More. Sir Thomas More was executed by King Henry VIII because he refused to accept the King as the head of the Church of England. King Henry VIII offered Lord William Roper a high noble title, but he politely refused it because of what happened to his father-in-law. In 1616, Lord William Roper and his nephew, John Roper, were both knighted for their services to the country.

Margaret Roper

Margaret More, also known as Margaret Roper, was the daughter of Thomas More. She was born around 1505 and passed away in 1544. She was a talented English translator and writer. Margaret was one of the best-educated women in the 16th century. She was known for her academic achievements and her strong family devotion.

Family History and Estates

The Roper family has owned many properties across the United Kingdom. Some of these include Candelwick, Trimdon Estates, Galway Estates, Pylewell Park, Bradford, Hyde, and Charlton. Lord John Roper acquired the Kent estates in the 15th century. Later, Sir Henry Roper gained the Galway estates in the 19th century. Other estates linked to the family include Chestfeild, Modingham, Brambiltighe, Cheselherst, and Saint Dunstans.

Modern Roper Family

Henry Francis Roper was the 14th Baron of Teynham. In 1788, he inherited the estate and wealth of his cousin, John Barnewall Curzon, at Water Perry, Northamptonshire. To honor this, Henry Francis added Curzon to his name, becoming Henry Francis Roper-Curzon. Today, some of his descendants still use the combined name, such as Harry Roper-Curzon, David Roper-Curzon, and John Roper-Curzon.

Roper Family Today

Many places are named after the Roper family. For example, there's Roper Street in Greenwich, London. There's also Roper Avenue in Heanor, Amber Valley, and Roper Road in Canterbury, England. The Roper family is connected to several properties in England. There is even a park in Chelsea called Roper Park, named in their honor.

Family Motto

The Roper family has a special motto that also served as their coat of arms. It says, "Light to the English, across to the French."