William Scrope, 1st Earl of Wiltshire facts for kids
Quick facts for kids William III of Mann |
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| Earl of Wiltshire | |
Arms of William Scrope
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| King of Mann | |
| Reign | 3 June 1397 - 29 July 1399 |
| Predecessor | William de Montagu, 2nd Earl of Salisbury |
| Successor | Henry Percy, 1st Earl of Northumberland |
| Born | c. 1350 |
| Died | 29 July 1399 Bristol Castle |
| Spouse | Isabel Russell (m. 1396) |
| Father | Richard le Scrope, 1st Baron Scrope of Bolton |
William le Scrope (born around 1350, died 1399) was an important person in England during the time of King Richard II of England. He was a strong supporter and friend of the King. William was the second son of Richard le Scrope, 1st Baron Scrope of Bolton.
William's Early Life and Career
William le Scrope was a brave soldier and adventurer. He traveled to many places like Lithuania, Italy, and France. In France, he worked with a very powerful man named John of Gaunt. John of Gaunt made William a special officer called a seneschal in a region of France called Aquitaine in 1383. A seneschal was like a governor or a chief officer.
In 1393, William became an important helper to King Richard II. He was given control of Marlborough Castle and its lands. In the same year, his father bought the Isle of Man for him. This made William the Lord of Man, which was like being the King of Mann. In 1394, he was made a Knight of the Garter, which is a very special award for knights.
Rising to Power
William became even more powerful in 1397 when he was made the Earl of Wiltshire. The next year, in 1398, he became the Lord High Treasurer. This meant he was in charge of all the King's money and finances.
When King Richard II was away, William became the main leader of the government. He gained a lot of wealth and control over many important castles. He even received money from King Richard's will in 1399.
William was also involved in King Richard's second marriage to Isabella of Valois in 1396. Isabella was only six years old at the time. William was made her guardian and looked after her at Wallingford Castle.
The End of William's Life
In 1399, King Richard II went to Ireland. William le Scrope, along with Sir John Bussy and Sir Henry Green, was left in charge of protecting England. But while the King was away, Henry Bolingbroke, who was exiled, came back to England and tried to take over the throne.
William and his friends were captured when Bristol Castle surrendered to Henry on July 28, 1399. William le Scrope, John Bussy, and Henry Green were put to death at Bristol Castle. After Henry Bolingbroke became King Henry IV, he took all of William's lands and titles.
Family Life
In 1396, William le Scrope married Isabel Russell. She was the daughter of Sir Maurice Russell, knight.
