Stephen Scrope, 2nd Baron Scrope of Masham facts for kids

Stephen Scrope, 2nd Baron Scrope of Masham (born 1345, died 1406) was an important English nobleman. He was the second son of Henry Scrope, 1st Baron Scrope of Masham and his wife Joan. Stephen had a brother named John and a sister named Joan. His sister Joan married Hugh FitzHugh, 2nd Baron FitzHugh.

Stephen Scrope's Life and Work

Stephen Scrope spent much of his early life serving the King. He fought in the Hundred Years' War, a long conflict between England and France, under King Edward III. He also helped manage local legal matters in the West Riding area of England.

Adventures and Knighthood

Stephen Scrope also traveled far from home. He went on a pilgrimage to the Middle East. During this journey, he was made a knight in Alexandria in 1365. Two years later, he fought in the Battle of Nájera. This battle was part of England's involvement in the Castilian Civil War in Spain.

Inheriting Estates and Serving Kings

In 1391, when Stephen was about 40 years old, he inherited his father's lands. These included important estates like Masham, Upsall, and Eccleshall. In 1399, he joined King Richard II on a trip to Wales.

Later, from 1399 until his death in 1406, Stephen Scrope was called to attend the English Parliament every year. This shows he was a trusted and important figure in the government.

A Rare Personal Letter

Stephen Scrope left behind something very special: one of the few letters from a 15th-century nobleman written in his own handwriting. This letter, from 1401, was written while he was working for Henry of Monmouth (who later became King Henry V). In the letter, Stephen apologized for how it was written. He explained that he had to write it himself because he didn't have a clerk to do it for him. This gives us a rare glimpse into his personal life.

Stephen Scrope's Family Life

Around 1376, Stephen Scrope married Margery. She was the daughter of John de Welles, 4th Baron Welles. Margery had been married before to John de Huntingfield, 1st Baron Huntingfield. Stephen and Margery had several children together.

His Children and Their Paths

Their oldest son, also named Henry, inherited his father's title. Sadly, this Henry was involved in a plan against King Henry V in 1415, known as the Southampton Plot. As a result, he faced severe consequences.

Stephen Scrope's younger son, also named Stephen, chose a different path. He became an important church official, the Archdeacon of Richmond, in 1400. He also served as the Chancellor of the University of Cambridge in 1414.

Stephen Scrope passed away on January 25, 1406. He was buried in his family's special chapel inside York Minster. His wife, Margery, died many years later in 1422.