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House of Savage
Noble family
Arms of Arnold Savage (d.1375).svg
Coat of arms of Savage: Argent, six lions rampant, sable
Country Kingdom of England, Kingdom of Great Britain, United Kingdom
Place of origin Normandy
Founded 11th century
Founder Thomas Le Sauvage
Titles
  • Earl Rivers
  • Viscount Colchester
  • Viscount Savage
  • Baron Darcy of Chiche
  • Savage baronets of Rocksavage
Motto A te pro te ('From thee, for thee')
Estate(s) Rocksavage
Clifton Hall
Halton Castle
Frodsham Castle
Beeston Castle
Melford Hall
Stainsby

The Savage family is an old and important English noble family. They were founded by Thomas Le Sauvage (Savage). He came to England with William the Conqueror's army in 1066. After the conquest, he settled in Derbyshire. His name is on a list of Normans who survived the Battle of Hastings. Later, a part of the family moved to Cheshire in the 14th century. This is where they became very famous and powerful. Many family members became important leaders, like the Archbishop of York. The Cheshire branch built their main home, Rocksavage. This house was one of the most amazing Elizabethan homes in the county. There were also other parts of the family in different areas like Dorset, Gloucestershire, and Kent. One branch even went to Ireland. Many family members are buried in special tombs at St Michael's Church, Macclesfield.

Rocksavage c1818
The ruins of Rocksavage, the main home of the Savage family

The Savage Family: A Journey Through History

From Normandy to England

The Savage family began with Thomas Le Sauvage (Savage). He arrived in England with William the Conqueror's army in 1066. After the conquest, he received land in Derbyshire and made his home in Scarcliffe. The Savages became important members of the landed gentry. This means they owned a lot of land and were well-respected.

In the 14th century, a part of the family moved to Cheshire. This happened when Sir John Savage (1343–1386) married Margaret d'Anyers. She was the heir to lands around what became Rocksavage. This area became the most important place for the family.

Knights and Commanders

One of the first famous Savages in Cheshire was Sir John Savage (died 1450). He fought for Henry V of England in his wars in France. The King made him a knight after the Battle of Agincourt. He became very influential in the County Palatine, especially in Macclesfield. The Savage family chapel was later built in St Michael's Church there. This part of the family also built their main home, Rocksavage. It was a short distance from their earlier home, Clifton Hall.

The Savages often married into other important noble families. These included the Stanleys and the Morleys. Eventually, they gained their own noble titles. First, they became Viscounts Savage. Later, they became Earls Rivers.

Many Johns in the Family

For almost 200 years, the main heir in the Savage family was always named John. This sometimes made it confusing! There could be as many as four John Savages at one time.

One Sir John Savage was made a knight by Henry V. This was for his bravery at the Battle of Agincourt. Another Sir John Savage (1444–1492) was a key leader in Henry VII's army. He helped win the Battle of Bosworth Field. He led the left side of the army to victory that day. It is said he even defeated the Duke of Norfolk in a one-on-one fight. He was already a Knight of the Bath. After Henry became King, he was made a Knight of the Garter. This is the highest award for a knight in England.

Sir John also fought in other battles. These included the Battle of Barnet and the Battle of Tewkesbury in 1471. He also took part in the invasion of Scotland in 1482. After his victory at Bosworth, King Henry VII sent Sir John to arrest some rebels. Sir John led 60 armed men to get them. He died during the Siege of Boulogne when he refused to surrender.

What Happened to the Titles?

The family's main noble titles ended in 1737. This happened when the 5th Earl Rivers died. He was a Catholic priest and had no children. He had inherited the title from his cousin, Richard Savage, 4th Earl Rivers. Richard was a General in the British Army. He also had no legal male heir.

The family's main home, Rocksavage, stayed in the family until the late 1700s. Then, the last female heir married into the Cholmondeley family. The estate then passed to them. The Cholmondeley family already had a large home. So, Rocksavage was not needed and quickly fell apart. Today, only parts of the house's garden and orchard walls remain.

Famous Savages Through Time

Many members of the Savage family became important figures in history. Here are some of them:

Arms of the Savage Family

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