William Plumpton facts for kids
Sir William Plumpton (born 1404, died 1480) was an important English nobleman and landowner in the 1400s. He was also a skilled administrator, helping to manage large estates and government roles. We know a lot about his life from his letters, which are collected in something called the Plumpton Correspondence.
Sir William Plumpton's Life
Sir William was the grandson of another Sir William Plumpton. His grandfather died in 1405 during a difficult time with King Henry IV. Sir William's father was Sir Robert Plumpton. When his father died in 1421, young William became a "ward" of Henry Percy, 2nd Earl of Northumberland. This meant the Earl was responsible for taking care of him and his lands until William was old enough.
Sir William fought in the war against France between 1427 and 1430. After his service, he was made a knight. When he came back to England, the Earl of Northumberland appointed him to important jobs. He became the "seneschal" of Knaresborough Castle, which meant he was in charge of the castle and its surrounding area. He also became the "steward" for the Earl's lands in Spofforth.
Sir William owned several large estates himself. These included Plumpton Hall in Yorkshire, Mansfield Woodhouse in Nottinghamshire, and Hassop Hall in Derbyshire. He was chosen to represent Nottinghamshire in the English Parliament in 1436. He also served as the top law enforcement officer, known as the High Sheriff of Yorkshire, in 1447, and the High Sheriff of Derbyshire in 1453.
During the War of the Roses, a series of wars fought in England, Sir William supported the Lancastrian side. He fought in the Battle of Towton in 1461. Sadly, his son William and his friend and supporter, Henry Percy, 3rd Earl of Northumberland, were killed in this battle. Sir William was captured, but later King Edward IV gave him a pardon. This meant he was forgiven, and he was able to get his important jobs back in 1471.
Sir William's Family
Sir William Plumpton was married two times. His first wife was Elizabeth Stapleton, whom he married in 1430. They had seven daughters, all of whom grew up and got married. They also had two sons named Robert and William.
After Elizabeth passed away, Sir William married his second wife, Joan Winteringham, in 1451. With Joan, he had another son, also named Robert. This younger Robert became the main heir to Sir William's estates, because his older son Robert had died in 1450, and his son William had been killed at the Battle of Towton.
