William de Leybourne facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Admiral Sir William (Leybourne) de Leybourne
|
|
|---|---|
| Born | 1242 Leybourne Castle, Leybourne, Kent, England |
| Died | 18 March 1310 Preston, near Wingham, Kent. |
| Allegiance |  England |
| Service/ |
 Royal Navy |
| Years of service | 1265–1306 |
| Rank | Admiral |
| Commands held | Admiral of the English Sea's Admiral of the South Admiral of the West Admiral of the Irish Sea |
| Battles/wars | Battle off Bruges Siege of Bayonne Siege of Caerlaverock Siege of Winchelsea |
Sir William de Leybourne (born around 1242, died 1310) was an important English knight and a top military leader. He became an Admiral and served two English kings.
Contents
About William de Leybourne
William de Leybourne was the first Lord Leybourne. He was the oldest son of Roger de Leybourne and Eleanor Ferrers. In 1265, he married Juliana de Sandwich. She was the daughter of Sir Henry de Sandwich. Juliana inherited many lands and money in Kent.
William and Juliana had three sons: Thomas de Leybourne, Henry de Leybourne, and John de Leybourne. They also had three daughters: Idonea, Katherine, and Joan. After his marriage, William lived at his wife's home in Preston-next-Wingham, Kent.
William's first son, Thomas, died in 1307. William gave the Manor of Leybourne to Thomas and his wife, Alice. William de Leybourne passed away in 1310. His granddaughter, Juliana Leybourne (1303-1367), became his heir.
Sir William de Leybourne was a military commander for King Edward I and King Edward II of England. In 1265, he received land for helping the king during the Second Barons' War. In 1266, he helped with the Siege of Winchelsea.
He also served in Wales in 1277. In 1282, he became the Constable of Pevensey Castle. This meant he was in charge of the castle.
Admiral of the English Seas
William de Leybourne's first naval job was in 1287. King Edward I made him "Admirallus Maris Angliae." This title meant "Admiral of the English Seas." He was the Commander-in-Chief of the English Navy. This was a very important role, possibly like the later Lord High Admiral of England.
In 1294, he became the captain of the King's fleet at Portsmouth. He was called the Admiral of the South. This fleet helped Prince Edmund during the siege of Bayonne in France. In the same year, he also became Admiral of the West and Admiral of the Irish Sea. He held these titles until 1306.
In 1299, he served in Scotland with many knights. In 1300, he was present at the Siege of Caerlaverock.
Important Jobs Held
- Constable of Pevensey Castle, from 1282 to 1287.
- Admiral of the English Seas, from 1286 to 1298.
- Admiral of the South, from 1294 to 1306.
- Admiral of the West, from 1294 to 1306.
- Admiral of the Irish Sea, from 1294 to 1306.
See also
- Admiral of the North
- Admiral of the West
- Admiral of England
- Admiral of the Fleet
