Thomas de Multon, 1st Baron Multon of Gilsland facts for kids
Thomas de Moulton (born February 21, 1276 – died November 26, 1313) was an important person in English history. He was the very first person to hold the title of Baron Multon of Gilsland. A baron was a powerful noble who held land directly from the king.
Who Was Thomas de Moulton?
Thomas de Moulton was a nobleman who lived in England during the 13th and 14th centuries. He was born in 1276. His family had a long history. Thomas was the great-great-grandson of another important person also named Thomas de Moulton, who died in 1240.
A Baron's Life
On August 26, 1307, Thomas de Moulton was called to join the Parliament. This meant he became a Baron, specifically the Baron Moulton of Gilsland. This was the only time this specific title was created in the history of English nobles. Being a Baron meant he had a special role in advising the king and helping to make laws.
Thomas de Moulton was also involved in many wars against Scotland. Because of his service, the King gave him special rights. These rights included permission to hold fairs and markets on his many lands, called manors. This helped him and the people living on his lands.
His Family and Legacy
Thomas de Moulton passed away on November 26, 1313. He had only one child, a daughter named Margaret. She inherited his title and all his lands. Margaret was later known as the "Flower of Gillesland."
The Dacre Connection
Margaret married a man named Ranulph (Ralph) de Dacre. She chose him because she thought he was very brave and honorable. At first, her father, Thomas, did not want them to marry. But he changed his mind when he learned that the Dacre family was just as wealthy and powerful as his own. This story is told in old family records called the Moulton Annals.
Ranulph de Dacre also became a Baron in 1321. After Margaret died in 1361, the Multon title and all the family lands were passed on to the Dacre family.
