Walter Blount, 1st Baron Mountjoy facts for kids
Walter Blount, 1st Baron Mountjoy (born around 1416, died August 1, 1474) was an important English politician. He was also a Knight of the Garter, which was a very high honor.
Contents
Early Life and Family
Walter Blount was born around the year 1416. He was the oldest son of Sir Thomas Blount. His mother was Margery Gresley. His grandfather was also named Sir Walter Blount.
Walter Blount's Important Roles
Walter Blount had a long and active career in English politics. He held many important positions.
Starting Out in Derbyshire
Walter Blount became the Steward of the High Peak in Derbyshire. This was an important local job. He had strong disagreements with the Vernon and Longford families in the area. He often represented Derbyshire in Parliament. He was a Knight of the Shire for many years, starting in 1447.
Serving the King
In 1460, Walter Blount took over from his father as the Treasurer of Calais. Calais was an important English town in France at that time. A year later, he became the governor of Calais. This was a reward for his help to King Edward IV. He helped the King during the Battle of Towton.
In 1467, King Edward IV gave him large estates in Devon. These lands had been taken from the Earl of Devon.
Becoming Baron Mountjoy
In 1465, Walter Blount was made the Lord High Treasurer. This was a very important job in charge of the country's money. At the same time, he was given the title of Baron Mountjoy.
This was special because it was one of the first times a baron's title was not tied to a specific piece of land. It also wasn't a title that already existed. The name "Mountjoy" was chosen to remember his great-grandfather's marriage. His great-grandfather had married Isolda, who was the daughter of Sir Thomas de Mountjoy.
A Knight of the Garter
In 1472, Walter Blount received another high honor. He was made a Knight of the Garter. This is one of the most important awards in England.
Walter Blount died on August 1, 1474, in London. His grandson, Edward Blount, 2nd Baron Mountjoy, inherited his title. Walter's oldest son, Sir William Blount, had died earlier. William was killed in 1471 at the Battle of Barnet.
Walter Blount's Family
Walter Blount was married twice and had several children.
His Children
His first wife was Helena Byron. She was the daughter of John Byron (died 1450) from Lancashire. Walter and Helena had four sons and two daughters:
- William Blount: He was the oldest son and would have inherited the title. Sadly, he died in 1471 from injuries he got at the Battle of Barnet.
- John Blount, 3rd Baron Mountjoy: He was the second son.
- James Blount: The third son.
- Edward Blount.
- Anne Blount.
- Elizabeth Blount.
By November 1467, Walter Blount married for the second time. His second wife was Anne Neville. She was the widow of Humphrey Stafford, 1st Duke of Buckingham. Anne was also the daughter of Ralph de Neville, 1st Earl of Westmorland.
