William Ros, 1st Baron Ros facts for kids
William Ros or Roos, 1st Baron Ros of Helmsley (born around 1255 – died August 6 or 8, 1316), was an important English noble. He was one of the people who claimed the throne of Scotland in 1292, during the time when King Edward I ruled England.
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Who Was William Ros?
William Ros was the oldest son of Robert de Ros (who died in 1285). His family lived in a place called Helmsley in Yorkshire, England. His mother was Isabel d'Aubigny (who died in 1301). She was the daughter of William D'Aubigny from Belvoir, Leicestershire.
William had several brothers and sisters:
- Sir Robert Ros, who lived in Gedney, Lincolnshire.
- John Ros.
- Nicholas Ros, who was a church leader.
- Peter Ros, who was also a church leader.
- Isabel Ros, who married Walter Fauconberg.
- Joan Ros, who married John Lovel, 1st Baron Lovel.
- Mary Ros, who married William de Braose, 1st Baron Braose.
Becoming a Baron
William Ros became the head of his family and took over their lands after his mother passed away. He was officially called to join the English Parliament starting in 1299. This is how he became known as the 1st Baron Ros. The title "Baron" meant he was an important noble with a special place in the government.
Claiming the Scottish Throne
In 1292, William Ros was one of many nobles who tried to become the King of Scotland. His claim came from his great-grandmother, Isabel. She was a daughter of an earlier Scottish king, William I of Scotland. However, William Ros was not successful in his attempt to become king.
Life and Battles
William Ros was involved in many important events during his life. He took part in wars in Gascony (a region in France) and in Scotland.
One interesting story about William happened when he found out that a relative, Robert de Ros, Lord of Werke, planned to give his castle to the Scottish army. William quickly told the king about this. The king then sent William with a thousand soldiers to protect the castle. Because of Robert de Ros's disloyalty, the castle was taken away from him, and William Ros took control of it.
Later, William was given an important job: he was made the warden of the west Marches of Scotland. This meant he was in charge of protecting the border areas between England and Scotland.
Family Life
William Ros married Maud de Vaux before 1287. Maud was born around 1261. Together, they had four sons and four daughters:
- William Ros, 2nd Baron Ros, who became the next Baron.
- Sir John Ros (who died before 1338).
- Thomas Ros.
- George Ros.
- Agnes Ros, who married Sir Pain de Tibetot and later Sir Thomas de Vere.
- Alice Ros, who married Sir Nicholas de Meinill. Their daughter, Elizabeth, married Sir John Darcy.
- Margaret Ros.
- Lucy Ros.
William Ros was buried at Kirkham Priory, a religious house in England.
