William Harrington (knight) facts for kids
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Sir William Harrington (sometimes spelled Harington or Haryngton) was an important English knight who lived a long time ago, from 1373 to 1440. He was born and died at Hornby Castle, Lancashire. William was the son of Sir Nicholas Harrington and Isabel de Engleys.
He was a brave knight from the North of England who fought in the Hundred Years' War against France. He also served the King in England and held a very special job: the official Standard Bearer of England. This meant he carried the King's personal flag into battle!
William's mother, Isabel, was born around 1345. She was the only child of Sir William de Engleys. Through his mother, William inherited land and connections that were important for his family.
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A Knight's Life: Serving the King
William Harrington followed in his father's footsteps by supporting the royal family. He served Henry V when Henry was still a prince. When Henry became King in 1413, William was made a "king's knight." This showed how much the King trusted him.
The King's Standard Bearer
One of William's most important roles was being the Standard Bearer of England. Imagine being on a battlefield with thousands of soldiers! The standard-bearer was a mounted knight who carried the King's own flag. This flag helped soldiers know where their King was and where to rally. It was a very brave and important job, especially when the King himself was fighting.
Fighting in France
William Harrington was a key figure in the wars against France.
- In 1415, he fought in the famous Battle of Agincourt, where he proudly carried the King's standard. Before that, he was also at the Siege of Harfleur.
- In 1416, he helped in a campaign to rescue Harfleur.
- Later, during another of King Henry V's campaigns in France, William was badly hurt at the Siege of Rouen (1418–1419). He was still carrying the standard even then!
Becoming a Knight of the Garter
Because of his loyalty and bravery at Agincourt, William received a great honor. In 1416 or 1417, he was chosen to join the Order of the Garter. This is one of the oldest and most important groups of knights in England. Only a select few are chosen.
William was one of fourteen knights from Agincourt to join this special order. Their special plates, showing their coats of arms, can still be seen in St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle. William's personal number in the Order of the Garter was 123. His shield even had the special Harrington knot on it!
Family and Hornby Castle
Sir William Harrington married Margaret Neville of Hornby, Lancashire. Her father was Sir Robert Neville, an important official. Margaret's family was well-known and powerful.
At first, Margaret was not expected to inherit much land. However, after some family members passed away, she became a co-heiress. This meant that William, through his marriage, eventually gained Hornby Castle in 1433. This castle became a very important family home.
William and Margaret had one son and four daughters. Around 1420, William arranged for his son, Thomas, to marry Elizabeth Dacre. This marriage brought even more land and wealth to the Harrington family. Sir William Harrington passed away in 1440.
Royal Duties and Diplomacy
Besides fighting, Sir William Harrington also held many important jobs for the King in England.
- He was the High Sheriff of Yorkshire four times, starting in 1408. A sheriff was like a chief law enforcement officer for a county.
- He also held various royal positions in Lancashire, including the important role of chief-steward of the north in 1428. This meant he managed the King's lands and affairs in that region.
Negotiating with Scotland
William was also involved in important talks with other countries.
- In 1423, he was part of a group that negotiated with the Scots. They were discussing the release of James I, who had been captured by the English many years earlier.
- Four years later, William led a special trip, called an embassy, to meet James I. His goal was to get James to pay the rest of his ransom money.
