William Atte Wode facts for kids

Sir William Atte Wode was an important knight who lived a long time ago, from before 1300 to about 1346. He worked for King Edward III of England. His main job was being the Captain of the King's Guard at the Palace of Westminster.

Early Life and Family

William Atte Wode was probably born before the year 1300. His birthplace was Coulsdon in Surrey, England. He married a woman named Juliana. They had at least three children together. Their children were Geoffrey, Richard, and another son named William. William's wife, Juliana, was the daughter of Peter and Alice Atte Wode. Her parents owned two important homes in Surrey: Hooley House and Wood Place.

Working for the King

We don't know exactly when William Atte Wode became a knight. But by 1341, people called him Sir William. This means he was already a knight by then. At this time, he became the Captain of the King's Guard. This guard protected King Edward III at the Palace of Westminster. The Palace of Westminster was the King's home in London. It was also where the parliament met.

As a Sergeant at Arms, Sir William was part of the King's special bodyguards. There were about thirty men in this group. We don't know how Sir William got this important job. He must have been a good friend or had family connections to the King.

A Story About Sir William

An interesting story about Sir William is written in a book from 1341. The book is called Memorials of London by John Heneage Jesse.

The story tells us that in 1341, John de Stratford, who was the Archbishop of Canterbury, came to Westminster Palace. He brought many bishops, clergy, and soldiers with him. They wanted to enter the room where Parliament was meeting.

But Sir William Atte Wode stopped them at the gate. He told them they could not enter in the King's name. The Archbishop was allowed to go in because he was a member of Parliament. But his followers were not. So, Sir William stopped them. The King was very happy with Sir William for doing his job well.

Family Land and Influence

The Atte Wode family had a long history. Their family name was first recorded around 1204. Back then, they were known as de Wyckhurst. Peter de Wyckhurst bought 'Hooley House' from the Abbot of Chertsey Abbey. Over the next 100 years, the family bought more land in Surrey. Sir William's father, Peter Atte Wode, bought a large estate called 'Wood Place' in 1279. This estate was about 220 acres (0.89 square kilometers).

The Atte Wodes became an important family. They were part of a new group of landowners called yeomen. In 1318, Sir William and Juliana also bought another estate. It was called 'Beckenham' and was in Kent. This added to the family's wealth.

Sons in Service and War

Two of Sir William's sons, Geoffrey and Richard, also became Sergeants at Arms for the King. This meant they also served as royal bodyguards.

Richard Atte Wode is mentioned in the London Letter Books. He helped move the King's ships down the River Thames. These ships were going to invade France in 1346. This was during the Hundred Years' War.

One historian, E. F. Atwood, believes Sir William and both his sons went to France with the army. We don't know his source for this information. But it makes sense since they were the King's bodyguards. It seems that Sir William and his son Geoffrey might have died during this war in 1346. They may have been killed at the Battle of Crecy. However, this is not completely certain.

Continuing the Family Legacy

Sir William's grandson, Peter Atte Wode, continued to make the family more important. He bought more land. He was also appointed a Justice in Eyre. This was a special judge who traveled around the country. Peter Atte Wode was also connected to William of Wykeham. William of Wykeham became the Bishop of Winchester and the Chancellor of England. These connections helped the Atte Wode family become even more influential.

The Evolving Family Name

The Atte Wode family name changed over many centuries. There were many different spellings.

• In the oldest records, they were called de Wyckhurst.
• By about 1300, they were commonly known as Atte Wode.
• This name slowly changed into the modern version, Atwood.
• Finally, in the 1500s, some family members started using the surname Wood.