William Trussell facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Sir William Trussell
Arms William Trussel bore at Boroughbridge: argent, a cross fleury gules
King's Secretary
In office 1327–1347
Monarch	Edward III
Procurator of the House of Commons
In office 7 January 1327 – 28 April 1343
Monarch	Edward II Edward III
Sheriff of Warwickshire and Leicestershire
In office 1314–1315
Monarch	Edward II
Member of Parliament for Northamptonshire
In office 6 May 1319 – 25 May 1319
Monarch	Edward II
Member of Parliament for Leicestershire
In office 9 September 1314 – 28 September 1314
Monarch	Edward II
Personal details
Died	1347
Children	William Trussell

Sir William Trussell was an important English politician and a key leader in the rebellion against King Edward II. This rebellion was led by Queen Isabella and Roger Mortimer, 1st Earl of March. William Trussell served as Speaker of the House of Commons. He famously announced that England no longer supported Edward II, which led to the king giving up his throne. Later, William Trussell became King Edward III's Secretary.

Who Was William Trussell?

William Trussell was born in Billesley, Warwickshire. His father was also named William Trussell.

He held several important roles early in his career. From 1314 to 1315, he was the Sheriff of Warwickshire and Leicestershire. He also represented Leicestershire in Parliament in 1314 and Northamptonshire in 1319. He was a strong supporter of the House of Lancaster. He received a pardon in 1318 for his involvement in the events surrounding Piers Gaveston.

Standing Up to King Edward II

As King Edward II slowly regained power, he rewarded his favorite, Hugh le Despenser, 1st Earl of Winchester, with lands taken from other powerful nobles. This caused many nobles to rebel, and William Trussell joined them.

The Battle of Boroughbridge

In March 1322, an arrest warrant was issued for Trussell, calling him "the King's enemy." Just four days later, Trussell and his son fought with the rebels at the Battle of Boroughbridge. King Edward and Despenser won the battle. The rebels' leader, Thomas, 2nd Earl of Lancaster, who was the king's cousin, was executed. Many other rebels were forced to leave the country.

Even after the battle, people were unhappy. The effects of the Great Famine were still felt, and Despenser continued to gain more land and power.

Leading the Rebels

In May 1322, Trussell led a group of rebels who reportedly raided Despenser's estate in Loughborough. Trussell was later captured and held at Scarborough Castle in July. However, he managed to escape. He then traveled south, causing trouble in Somerset and Dorset in August.

In 1323, warrants were issued for the arrest of Trussell, his son William, and his brother Ralph. They were accused of taking animals from Despenser's parks in Leicestershire. Trussell eventually fled to France to escape the king's anger.

Supporting King Edward III

While in France, William Trussell joined forces with Queen Isabella and Roger Mortimer. They moved to Flanders, where Trussell was said to have helped build an army for an invasion of England.

The Invasion of England

On September 24, 1326, Trussell returned to England with Queen Isabella and Mortimer. Their invasion force included about 1500 soldiers, many of whom were mercenaries from Flanders and English exiles. They faced very little resistance. Many nobles, sheriffs, and knights joined their side, and they quickly gained control of the country within two months.

Both Despenser and his son, Hugh Despenser the Younger, were captured. William Trussell oversaw the trial of the elder Despenser, who was found guilty and executed. His son was also executed.

A New King and New Role

William Trussell was then appointed Speaker of the House of Commons. On January 21, 1327, acting on behalf of the entire Parliament, he officially announced that England no longer supported King Edward II. This led to Edward II giving up his throne.

Edward III was crowned king on February 1, 1327. William Trussell became the new king's Secretary. He also went on many important diplomatic missions, especially to France and Spain.

Sir William Trussell passed away in 1347 and was buried in St Michael's chapel in Westminster Abbey.

Family Life

William Trussell was married to Maud, the daughter of Warin Mainwaring. They had at least three sons and one daughter:

• John: He inherited his father's estates.
• William: He served as Constable of Odiham Castle for over 25 years and was Treasurer of the Chamber from 1333 to 1335.
• Warin
• Isabelle: She married John de St Pierre.

After William Trussell's death, his widow, Maud, married Oliver de Bordeaux.