Stephen Longespée facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Stephen Longespée
|
|
|---|---|
| Seneschal of Gascony Justiciar of Ireland |
|
.svg)
Arms of Stephen Longespée:Azure, six lions rampant or, a label of three gules
|
|
| Born | c. 1216 |
| Died | 1260 |
| Buried | Lacock Abbey, Wiltshire, England |
| Noble family | Plantagenet |
| Spouse(s) | Emmeline de Riddlesford |
| Issue | Emeline Longespée Ela Longespée |
| Father | William Longespée, Earl of Salisbury |
| Mother | Ela, Countess of Salisbury |
Stephen Longespée (born around 1216 – died 1260) was an important English knight. He served as a high-ranking official in different parts of the kingdom. He was like a governor or chief administrator for Gascony (a region in France that belonged to England) and later for Ireland.
Life and Work
Stephen Longespée was the son of William Longespée and Ela of Salisbury. His mother, Ela, was a very important countess in her own right. Stephen was also a cousin to King Henry III of England. This connection meant he was part of the royal family and had a good position in society.
Stephen married a woman named Emmeline de Riddlesford. She inherited lands in Ireland, in areas like Connacht and Leinster. This made Stephen even more influential.
In 1255, Stephen was chosen to be the Seneschal of Gascony. This was a very important job, like being the King's main representative and governor in that region. While he was in Gascony, he had some disagreements with Lord Edward, who would later become king.
Lord Edward returned to England in 1255. Stephen stayed in Gascony as Seneschal until 1257. After that, he also returned to England.
In 1258, a new plan for how the country should be run was created. It was called the Provisions of Oxford. Lord Edward agreed to this plan, and Stephen Longespée was one of four advisors chosen to help make sure the new rules were followed.
In 1259, Stephen Longespée was given another very important role. He was appointed Justiciar of Ireland. This meant he was the chief governor, or the King's main representative, in Ireland. He died the next year, in 1260.
Family and Children
Stephen Longespée married Emmeline de Riddlesford. She was a distant cousin and had been married before. Emmeline was the daughter of Walter de Riddlesford.
Stephen and Emmeline had two known daughters:
- Emeline Longespée (died 1291). She married Maurice FitzGerald. They had children.
- Ela Longespée (died 1276). She married Roger la Zouche. They also had children.
