William de Botreaux, 1st Baron Botreaux facts for kids
William de Botreaux (born 1337, died 1391) was an important noble, called a baron, in the west of England. He lived during the time of King Edward III (1327-1377) and King Richard II (1377-1399).
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Early Life and Family
William de Botreaux was born on September 1, 1337, in a place called Botelet in Cornwall, England. This was about 20 miles south of his family's main home, Boscastle, which was once known as "Bottreaux Castle."
His father was also named William de Botreaux, who was a Sheriff of Cornwall. His mother was Isabel de Moels. The Botreaux family is thought to have come from a place called Les Bottereaux in France.
His Career
William officially took control of his family's lands on September 27, 1359. He was involved in important events during his life. In 1359, he joined a trip to Saxony, a region in Germany. Later, in 1380, he went on an expedition to help Portugal in its fight against Spain.
Becoming a Baron
During the reign of King Edward III, William de Botreaux was called to join the English Parliament on February 24, 1368. Being called to Parliament this way meant he became the 1st Baron Botreaux. He was called to Parliament many more times, with the last time being on September 12, 1390.
Family Symbol
The family symbol, or coat of arms, for the de Botreaux family was a red griffin (a mythical creature with the body of a lion and the head and wings of an eagle) on a silver shield. The griffin had blue claws.
Marriage and Children
In February 1370, William de Botreaux married Elizabeth Daubeny. She was the daughter of Ralph Daubeny, who was also a baron.
William and Elizabeth had two sons:
- William de Botreaux, 2nd Baron Botreaux (1367–1395)
- John de Botreaux
Death
William de Botreaux passed away on August 10, 1391. His wife, Elizabeth, later became a nun (a woman who dedicates her life to religious service) at Tarrant Abbey in Dorset.
