Walter Manny, 1st Baron Manny facts for kids

Arms of Sir Walter Manny, 1st Baron Manny, KG

Walter Manny (also spelled Mauny) was a famous knight and soldier from the 1300s. He was known for his bravery and skill in battles. Walter was born around 1310 in a place called Masny, in Hainault (which is now part of Belgium and France). He became a trusted friend and advisor to King Edward III of England.

Walter Manny was also the person who started the Charterhouse in London. This was a special place for monks. His adventures are written about in the famous books by Froissart, a historian of that time.

Early Life and Royal Service

Walter Manny was born around 1310. He was one of five sons. His father, Jean de Masny, was killed in battle in 1324. Years later, in 1346, Walter found his father's body and sent it home for a proper burial.

Walter started working for the Count of Hainault. In December 1327, he came to England. He was a page in the household of Philippa of Hainault, who was marrying King Edward III. Philippa was the Count's daughter. Walter was even known as the Queen's "esquire carver" and looked after her special greyhounds.

A Brave Military Leader

Walter Manny was a very important soldier for King Edward III. He fought in many battles and helped England win.

Fighting in Scotland

Walter played a big part in the wars against Scotland. He was at the Battle of Dupplin Moor and the Siege of Berwick. He even captured a pirate named John Crabbe. This pirate later used his sea knowledge to help the king.

Naval Commander

In 1337, Walter was put in charge of the ships in the Northern Seas. This important job was called "Admiral of the Northern Seas." The next year, he went with King Edward to Europe. He showed himself to be one of the bravest and smartest commanders. He was especially good at the Battle of Sluys, a big sea battle.

The Breton War

Walter Manny was also a hero in the Breton War of Succession. He helped defend a town called Brest. Later, when Hennebont was under attack, the people inside were thinking of giving up. But then, Joanna of Flanders, a brave leader, saw Walter Manny's ships arriving. With Walter and his small group, they managed to hold out and not surrender.

The Siege of Calais

In 1346, Walter was captured even though he was promised safe passage. But he quickly escaped from prison! He then joined the Siege of Calais. He spoke with the city's leader and asked King Edward to be kind to the people of Calais. King Edward only agreed when Queen Philippa also asked him.

Walter also helped defend Calais again in 1349. During a French attack, King Edward III and his son secretly fought alongside Walter's soldiers.

Later Campaigns and Honors

Walter Manny also fought in other important campaigns. He was at the battles of Bergerac and Auberoche.

He became a "baron" in 1347, which meant he was a very important noble. In 1359, he was made a Knight of the Garter. This is one of the highest honors a knight can receive in England. King Edward often sent Walter on important diplomatic missions, not just military ones. He even helped guard the French king, John II, when he was a prisoner in 1360.

Helping Others: The Charterhouse

Walter Manny is well-remembered for helping to start the Charterhouse in London. In 1349, he bought land near Smithfield, London. This land was used as a burial place for many people who died during the terrible Black Death plague.

He built a small chapel there, which was called "Newchurchhaw." Later, the Bishop of London, Michael Northburgh, bought the land from Walter. The Bishop wanted to build a Carthusian convent (a place for monks) there.

In 1371, Walter Manny got permission from King Edward III to build a Carthusian monastery on the same site. It was called "La Salutation Mere Dieu." The monks there would pray for both Bishop Northburgh and Walter Manny. Walter died in early 1372. He asked to be buried in the church of the monastery he helped found.

In 1947, during an archaeological dig, a skeleton was found in a lead coffin. It was almost certainly Walter Manny's. They knew this because a special lead seal from Pope Clement VI was found in the coffin. This seal was given to Walter in 1351.

Walter Manny's Family

In 1354, Walter Manny married Margaret. She was the daughter of Thomas of Brotherton, who was a younger son of King Edward I. Margaret was a very important noble in her own right. She was the Countess of Norfolk and later became the Duchess of Norfolk.

Walter and Margaret had one son, Thomas Manny, who died when he was young. They also had a daughter named Anne. Anne later married John Hastings, 2nd Earl of Pembroke. When Anne's only son died without children in 1389, the title of Baron Manny ended.