John de Uvedale was a household knight of Edward I, the “Hammer of the Scots”.  John de Uvedale’s family had been living in Tacolneston, Norfolk since at least 1166 when his great-great-grandfather Hugh de Uvedale, son of Hameline, owed[1] Dover castle guard to Richard de Lucy. Richard de Lucy was Justiciar for King Henry II at that time.

There are various records that say that the family had come “out of the north” of England in early time. Since the family were retainers of Richard de Lucy there is a possibility that they may have served earlier in Cumbria with the de Lucy family. That family had built Egrement Castle in 1120 and there is a Yewdale and a Udale beck in that district that may have been named after the family.

The list of knights who accompanied William the Conqueror to England includes a person called “Ansgot”. The Book of Normans[2] includes Ansgot de Ouvedale in Normandy about one hundred years later. Is there a connection?

There is considerable uncertainty in the family lineage from this early period of history, although there are a considerable number of records concerning the family. In his “Notices of the Uvedale family of Titsey, Surrey and Wickham, Hampshire, published in 1865, Granville Leveson Gower speculated that not only was Sir John Uvedale’s father named Hugh, but also his grandfather. In 2020 I came across a record of a court case[3] where in 1422 John Uvedale, Kt. son of Sir John Uvedale, Kt. and Sibilla Scures, sued William Wode and William Bassett for lands and rents in Camberwell and Peckham, Surrey. In that record it is stated that John Uvedale, Kt., grandfather of Sir John Uvedale, Kt., gave to Hugh Uvedale, his son and Thomas, brother of Hugh, and the heirs of the body of Hugh Uvedale the land subject of the lawsuit. It also listed a pedigree starting with Sir John Uvedale, Kt, his two sons Hugh and Thomas and the descendants of Hugh being Sir John de Uvedale, Kt. Bannaret, Sir Thomas de Uvedale, Kt., John Uvedale, Kt., and himself John Uvedale the plaintiff.

In trying to make sense of the records, which I have attached to this report, there would appear to me to be at least three possibilities. The first possibility is that Hugh, son of Hameline, who held the Dovedale Manor in Tacolneston in 1166, lived to be approximately 95. This would seem to be consistent with most of the narratives for example the Blomefield’s History of Norfolk, in that Hugh, son of Hameline, is generally understood to be the father of John and Reginald. The problem I have with this scenario is that this would require the first Hugh to have at least five sons over a period of about 25 years, he would be about 60 or 70 years old when the last son was born. This would likely mean he had more than one wife, also possible.

The second scenario is that Hugh, son of Hameline, had a son named Hugh who followed his father. This scenario would seem to fit the existing records quite well.

The third is the “Le Neve, College of Arms, Hampshire Pedigrees” references on page 5 of Granville Leveson Gower’s book. The problem I have with that scenario is that it records Benedicta as a son of Hugh Uvedale, son of William Uvedale, whereas the records confirm that Benedicta was a son of Reginald. That scenario also says that Amicia de Malhelbe was the wife of William de Uvedale not John son of Hugh. There is no doubt that there was a William de Uvedale living in the early thirteenth century, which will be mentioned later. So even if the third generation was led by a William Uvedale, you still need a Hugh de Uvedale, based on the activity recorded at the time.

I have concluded by suggesting that Hugh de Uvedale, son of Hameline, had at least three sons, Hugh, William and Richard, born circa 1180. His son Hugh was married[4] to Alice Godwine, daughter of Roger fil Godwine. It must be recognized that there is uncertainty whether the head of the family in this generation was named Hugh or William, but after this uncertainty the picture becomes relatively clear. They had at least two sons John and Reginald. Their son John de Uvedale is the father of Hugh de Uvedale, married to Estarnia de Malherbe, and grandfather of Sir John Uvedale, Kt., born about 1270, as articulated in the pedigree from 1422 referred to earlier.  

Hugh de Uvedale served[5] on a Grand Assize in 1201, during the reign of King John.

In 1208 Richard Uvedale clerk, is recorded[6] as entitled to receive 50 pounds from William de St. Michael, in part payment for the Chamberlainship of the City of London, of which William had a grant from King John.

On the 23^rd of April 1215, just a couple months before the signing of Magna Carta, William de Uvedale was to be released [7] from captivity at Carrickfergus Castle in Ireland. In 1220 William held land in Thrwaite, Norfolk, just a few kilometers from where the family were living in Tacolneston. This William was likely a brother of Richard and Hugh Uvedale, sons of Hugh, son of Hameline. I do not know why William was in captivity at Carrickfergus or why he was released. I do know that King John visited Carrickfergus in 1210 to retake control of the castle from Hugh de Lacy, earl of Ulster.  Some have suggested that a branch of the Uvedale family lived in Ireland and were the originators of the Dowdell family who were Sheriffs of Louth.

Hugh and Alice fil Godwine had at least two sons John and Reginald. Hugh de Uvedale’s son John married Amicia de Malherbe and had at least two sons Hugh born circa 1230 and Thomas. Their son Hugh [8] married Estarnia de Malherbe, sister and co-heiress of Ralph de Malherbe. This Hugh and Estarnia were the parents [9] of John de Uvedale born circa 1270. He also had a brother Thomas. This Thomas is reported by Granville Leveson Gower as marrying Margaret, daughter of Roger de la Warre in the reign of Henry III and is confirmed in the pedigree from 1422 mentioned above.

Reign of King Henry III

Richard de Lucy’s successor was Robert FitzWalter who was married to de Lucy’s daughter Maud. Robert led the Barons revolt against King John that resulted in Magna Carta being signed at Runnymede in 1215. King John of England was in dispute with the Barons due to the harshness of his regime and his expectations that they would support his military adventures on the mainland of Europe. This rebellion led to Prince Louis of France landing in Kent in May of 1216 in support of the Barons. As a retainer of Robert FitzWalter, and so part of the Barons’ revolt, Hugh de Uvedale was “out of grace” with King John. Towards the end of 1216 Prince Louis and his associates controlled London and most of southeast England up to East Anglia, including Norwich and nearby Tacolneston where the family resided. East Anglia had been a centre for the rebellion. King John died in September of 1216, leaving his nine-year-old son Henry III as his heir. 

In September 1217 the Baron’s war ran out of steam and Prince Louis returned to France. 

One of the greatest knights of the age, Sir William Marshall, had been faithful to King John and to his son Henry III. Sir William Marshall was lenient to the rebels on behalf of the young king in order to swing the nobles and their retainers support to the young king. Hugh de Uvedale was accepted into King Henry III graces[10] and was to be restored to his lands, as having “come into the King’s faith and service” on 28th of October 1217. 

Hugh de Uvedale acquired[11] land in Tacolneston from Thomas fil Clement in 1219.

In 1234 Benedict and Richard de Uvedale granted[12] land in Tacolneston to Hugh de Uvedale for his life with reversion to themselves. Also in the same year Reginald de Uvedale held[13] ½ a fee in Tacolneston to Hugh de Uvedale with reversion to himself and his heirs. This would seem to affirm that Hugh de Uvedale was the elder branch of the family.

In 1242/3 John de Uvedale held[14] a quarter of a knight’s fee in Tacolneston of Walter Fitz Robert. A year later in 1244 John, there stated as John son of Reginald, pleads[15] versus Reginald de Bedingham, parson of Cestreford for warranty of 1 carucate of land in Bedingham, Norfolk. In 1244 John de Uvedale’s wife, Margery, is identified as a daughter[16] of Roger de Norwico.

In 1250 John de Uvedale and Margery his wife acquire[17] 2 marks rent in Tacolneston from Elias, son of Peter de Pakeleston and Felicia his wife.

In 1257 John de Uvedale held[18] 1 knights fee in Lodden Hundred (Bedingham?) and “is of full age”.

Reign of King Edward I

Margery, wife of John de Uvedale, son of Reginald, was in a dispute[19] with Maud le Nave concerning the burning of a grange in Bedingham. Margery, wife of Benedict de Uvedale, was still living[20] in in 1279 and 1281, as was Stephen de Uvedale, son of Benedict in 1281. At this same time there is a record[21] of Katherine, Margery and Alice, three daughters of John de Uvedale and Margery de Norwico.

Sometime around 1290 John de Uvedale married Mary de Campania, daughter and co-heir, with her sister Isabel, of Peter de Campania (Champaigne). Mary’s younger sister Isabel was married to Gilbert de Briggeshalle, also a knight.  Peter de Campania was a prominent knight in his own right.

John and Mary had a son Peter. There are at least three records of the birth of Peter. The first is a 1296 inquisition[22] which states that Peter was born in 1293 in Saxilby, the home of his grandfather. The next is the inquisition post morteum[23] taken at his fathers’ death in 1322, which states that Peter was 26 years old at that time, making his birth year 1296. The Magna Carta Ancestry; by Douglas Richardson puts his birthdate as 9 August 1290, consistent with the inquisition of 27 July 1312 quoted below.

On the 27 July 1312 an inquisition[24] was held as to the age of Peter de Uvedale, son of Sir John de Uvedale and his wife Maria de Campania, daughter of Peter de Campania and Margery Pygot. From the record of the inquisition it would appear that this had something to do with Peter about to receive property which resulted in objections from William de Tytchewell.

The evidence presented at the inquisition is as follows:

• John son of Albert de Sudbrok, aged 50, says that the said Peter was born at Saxilby on the eve of St. Laurence, 18 Edw. I (9 August 1290), and baptized in the church there, and Peter de Campania his grandfather lifted him from the sacred font, and this he knows because at Christmas Day next before the said birth he married his wife Florence, and from that day to Christmas day last twenty-two years have elapsed.
• …… son of Bate de Refham, aged 42, says the same, and knows it because Robert …………., whose heir he is, died at the feast of St. Margaret before the said feast of St, Laurence, by which he was in the wardship of Sir H. de Lacy, earl of Lincoln, lately deceased, from the said feast of St. Margaret until the feast of All Saints next following, when the earl rendered him his inheritance as of full age.
• ….. Percival (?) of Torkesey, aged 50, says the same, and knows it because he had a son Robert born on the feast of All Saints next before the said birth, who died at the feast of the Epiphany 5 Edw. II, and he was 22 on the feast of All Saints preceding.
• Benedict de Refham, aged 55, says the same, and knows it by the death of Hugh his son, who died on the eve of the said day of St. Laurence, and was buried on that day, at whose burial his dearest friend Geoffrey de Foulestowe of Saxilby announced to him the birth of the said Peter.
• Lambert ad Ripam of Netelham, aged 55, says the same, and knows it because the men of the township of Netelham built a chapel in honour of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the year of the said Peter’s birth, and he with others went on the said day of St. Laurence to Saxilby to buy timber for the said chapel, and the men of Saxilby announced the birth of the said Peter to him.
• Thomas Faukener of Donham, aged 70, says the same, and knows it because he has a son Geoffrey who was born on the day the said Peter was baptized.
• Thomas son of Guy de Rysum, aged 56, says the same, and knows it because John By ………. of Rysum his kinsman married one Maud de Saxilby at Saxilby on the feast of St. Michael next before the birth of the said Peter, who has lived with her husband in Rysum nearly twenty-two years.
• John Luyght of Netelham, aged 45, says the same, and knows it because on the said day of St. Laurence he carried hay from Saxilby to Netelham which he bought of one William in the Croft, who announced to him the said Peter’s birth, and one of his horses fell and broke his neck.
• Robert le Clerk of Wyvelyngham, aged 75, says the same, and knows it because he had a wife Marjory who was required to be present at the churching of Mary the mother of the said Peter, before which she became ill so that she could not be present, and died at the feast of St. Michael following.
• John son of Roger le Clerk of Wyvelyngham, aged 42, agrees, and knows it because his father, whose heir he is, died at the feast of St. Laurence, 19 Edw. I, and the said Peter was born on the same feast next preceding.
• Nicholas de Newerk of Mardon, aged 70, agrees, and knows it because in that year he was bailiff of the earl of Lincoln of the liberty of Welt (?) wapentake, and Peter de Campania, grandfather of the said Peter, was the king’s justice and ordered him to attach Alan Brand (?) and Simon de Mardon (?) of Torkesey, indicted before him for arson done at the fair of Boston.
• Simon le Clerk of Streton, aged 60, agrees, and knows it because he has a son Hugh, born within the octave of St. Laurence, 18 Edw. I, who will be 22 within the said octave next.
• William de Tytchewell, though warned, came not nor propounded anything why the said Peter’s pourparty should not be rendered to him.

 Based on the evidence provided by all the witnesses I would take the date of 9 August 1290 as the most reliable birthday for Peter de Uvedale.

Hugh de Uvedale was a witness to a deed[25] dated 4 November 23 Edward I, 1295.

In 1298 Benedict, son of Reginald Uvedale, granted[26] Syleswode in Tacolneston to Sir John de Thorpe.

The 8 February 1296 inquisition[27] upon the death of Peter de Campania records that the Campania properties included Barrow and Saxilby Manors and lands at Scawby and North Clinton in Lincolnshire.

There is a record dated 8 January 1293 that John de Uvedale (Dovedale) was in debt in the amount of approximately 45 shillings to Rayner Sperry, a merchant from York.  This could be John de Uvedale or his grandfather’s brother John Uvedale both of whom were from Tacolneston.

In the late 13th century, because of the French king’s attempt to forfeit Gascony, King Edward I was preoccupied in building an alliance to fight the French. In order to build the alliance, he spent a considerable period of time in Flanders and elsewhere.  Meanwhile the French were re‐establishing their alliance with the Scots. In 1286 Alexander III, King of Scotland died. King Edward was asked for help by the Scots in settling the succession to the Scottish throne and he supported John Balliol. Afterwards John Balliol acknowledged Edward as his feudal overlord, however Balliol refused to support King Edward’s plans for invasion of Europe. As a result King Edward I summoned his forces to muster at Newcastle in 1296. The king and his army put Berwick under siege, and after the fall of the city many of the townsfolk were killed. Edward then marched a long way north through Scotland taking Roxburgh Castle on the way. Unfortunately, no payrolls exist for the army of 1296, so we cannot establish whether John de Uvedale was with the forces that year.  The Scottish regalia and the Stone of Scone were removed to England during this campaign.

There was concern in Scotland that King Edward I would insist the Scots fight against the French on the mainland of Europe and there was widespread rebellion in Scotland in 1297. Andrew Murray and William Wallace rebelled against the English and John Balliol was ineffective in dealing with them. This led to King Edward leading an army north in 1297 where he retook the castle of Berwick and marched through Scotland subduing the land. King Edward I deposed King John Balliol and took into his own hands the reign of Scotland. An English army, led by Hugh Cressingham, were defeated at the battle of Stirling Bridge by William Wallace and his forces, when Hugh Cressingham decided to lead his forces across Stirling Bridge to engage the Scottish forces gathered on the other side. The Scots attacked the English forces before they had all made it across the bridge and the English were defeated.

Mary de Campania, first wife of John de Uvedale, died in 1296. On 21 August 1297 John de Uvedale (Dovedale) was granted[28] the marriage of Joan, widow of Robert de Caunvill (or Camville). As a result of this second marriage in 1299 John held[29] Laughton Manor and the hundred of Shiplake in Sussex, as well as holding Pevensey Castle located close to the site of the Battle of Hastings. One year later it was recorded that the king had granted that if Joan died and John survived her that he might hold Laughton Manor for life. The king had recently granted Laughton Manor and the hundred of Shiplake to Joan in lieu of 50 pounds of her dower lands in Westerham Manor, Kent. Westerham is close to the Tychesey Estate. How was John aware of the Tychesey estate such that he purchased an interest in the property in 1304? He may have been aware of the estate, as it was held by the Dukes of Gloucester, or you may imagine John making a trip to Westerham Manor to visit his wife’s home and passing Tychesey Manor on his way.

Joan (Caunvill) de Uvedale requested[30] the aid of the King in 1297. When the King granted Joan the manor of Laughton in exchange for her manor of Westerham, the houses of Laughton were in poor condition. An inquisition before Humphrey de Waledene had confirmed the same.  Joan asked for use of wood from the forest to repair the houses. Her request was endorsed by the sheriff of Surrey and Sussex with the advice of the foresters of the woods of Broyle, Hawkhurst and Waldron. The petition was granted. John de Uvedale survived Joan and received Laughton Manor for life.

In 1297 William Wallace repeatedly attacked northern England. This necessitated a response from King Edward I. The king headed back from continental Europe to York in April 1298 and then to Roxburgh where the army had been asked to muster on 25 June 1298.

In those days’ knights owed military service to a Baron, Earl or Duke. They were allowed to pay a tax called a scutage to buy their way out of providing that service.   If they provided military service they were granted relief from the payment of debts, aids or fees. In such cases “letters of respite of aids” or “respite of debts” would be provided.  It was also necessary for a person travelling to obtain a letter of protection from the king. When a person was going on a campaign they may also issue letters of attorney appointing someone to act on their behalf while they were away. 

In May of 1298 John Uvedale was granted Letters of Protection[31] as he was “about to depart with the King” in the company of Hugh Despenser, Phillip de Verney, Robert de Clavering, Peter Adrian and Richard Siward, all on their way to the Battle of Falkirk. The army made its way to Falkirk where it encountered the Scots army under William Wallace drawn up in battle formation. The Duke of Norfolk attacked to some effect. King Edward had the cavalry back off and then the archers with their longbows had a more serious impact on the Scottish army, allowing the cavalry to defeat the Scottish defensive stance. William Wallace managed to escape the field to fight another day. King Edward I subsequently advanced with his army and took Perth, and Lochmaben Castle and then made his way to Carlisle.

In the year 1299 a muster, at Carlisle, was called for in summer, but no campaign took place. That same year the Scots besieged and recaptured Stirling Castle. In response in late 1299 King Edward I issued a summons to muster at Carlisle in July of 1300. On the 30^th of June 1300 John de Uvedale (Ouvedale) (no. 2236), along with John de Maundeville, Alexander de Balliol, Pagan Tybotot, John la Warre, Edmund de Wylington and Thomas de Verdun are recorded[32] as “with the king” on their way north into Scotland. In the same month William (Undele) is recorded[33] as “with Hugh le Despenser”. This is likely the same William Uvedale who is recorded as accompanying John Uvedale in some of the future expeditions to Scotland. From the likely expeditioning age I would surmise that this William is either a younger brother of John or a cousin.

King Edward I headed north to Carlisle and once more into Scotland, making his way to Caerlavorock Castle, which he put under siege and took. From Caerlavorock the army headed westward where they again defeated the Scots. By August increasing numbers of the English infantry were deserting the army, and so the King and his forces made their way back to Carlisle. They made another excursion westward in October returning to Carlisle in November at which time a truce was agreed, to last until June of 1301.

In February and March of 1301 summons were issued for a muster on 24 June with parts of the army to appear at Berwick with the King and parts at Carlisle with Prince Edward. On the 12th of May 1301, letters were issued to the sheriff of Norfolk for respite of debts[34] for John Uvedale (de Duvedale) (no. 2276), and he is “with the king” until 1 November. On the 28th of May letters of attorney[35] are issued at Kenilworth Castle for John Uvedale and it includes John de Pottou and William Uvedale (de Duvedale) as “under names”.

There is another record[36] dated the 28th of May 1301 listing Richard le Keu, Thomas de Tytteleye, Walter de Gilling, Adam le Wayte, John de Newenham, Richard Bygor, John Uvedale (de Duvedale), Gilbert Goldston, and John de Ferrariisas as “with the king”. On the 28th of October in 1301 letters of respite of debts[37] for John Uvedale are issued from Linlithgow and he is “with the king”. On 1 November 1301 Hugh le Despenser, William de Ros, Walter de Teye, Amauri de Sancto Amando, John Uvedale (de Duvedale), and Amaneus de la Brette are recorded[38] as “with the king”. During this period the King marched to Edinburgh and then by August to Glasgow. In September they took Bothwell Castle by siege and then headed to Linlithgow for the winter. Meanwhile Prince Edward took Turnberry Castle in September, returned to Carlisle and then proceeded to Linlithgow to the winter quarters with his father. The English armies had been unsuccessful in engaging the Scottish forces of William Wallace in open battle. On 26th of January a truce was established to last through November 1302. During the winter Robert Bruce joined the forces of King Edward I.

The Flemish defeated the French at Courtrai in the summer of 1302. This shifted the power balance between the French and English. The English maintained their garrisons at Berwick, Dumfries, Edinburgh, Linlithgow, Lochmaben and Roxburgh through 1302. In 1303 King Phillip of France and King Edward I came to terms. The French support for the Scots was not as forthcoming as before. However, John Comyn and Simon Fraser defeated John de Segrave and Ralph Manton in February 1303 in Scotland. King Edward I issued a summons for a muster in June of 1303.

At Westminster, on the 4th of March 1303, John de Uvedale, is “setting out with the king”, and letters of respite of the aid[39] in Surrey and Norfolk until Whitsuntide (the seventh Sunday after Easter) were issued. On the 11 of March John le Latimer, Nicholas Malemeyns, Andrew le Treur, Philip de Leghton, Gilbert Goldston, John de Uvedale, Philip de Beauveys and William de Saunford are “with the king”[40]. On April 6, 1303, at Lenton in Lincolnshire, letters of Attorney[41] for John Uvedale (no. 2410), with under name of William de Uvedale, are issued until September 29, 1303 (Michaelmas). On April 7 John de Uvedale (no. 2423) is issued letters of respite of debt[42] to sheriffs of Norfolk, Lincolnshire and North Hamptonshire until Michaelmas. One day later on the April 8 John de Uvedale and many others[43] are “by the king”. On April 10, 1303 John de Uvedale’s brother-in-law, Gilbert de Briddeshale, receives letters of respite of debt[44] and he was “with the Prince of Wales”.

While they were in Averham Nottinghamshire on April 13, 1303 the king granted a licence[45] to Joan, former wife of Roger de Tany, tenant in chief, to marry John de Uvedale (Douvedale), “if she will”. John’s second wife Joan died[46] prior to April 1303. This second Joan, and third wife of John, has not always been included in histories of the family records, probably because she is confused with John’s second wife Joan de Caunvill. As an aside, it is interesting that Joan de Tany was chosen by Edgar Rice Burroughs as one of the main characters in his novel “The Outlaw of Torn” published in 1927.   Joan de Tany’s husband Roger de Tany, son of Sir Richard de Tany, Sheriff of Hertfordshire, had been killed in 1301 in Selkirk forest. Bernard de Mohaut was sentenced to be drawn and hanged for this slaying, amongst other things.

On the 7th of May 1303 Peter de Pykering is with John de Uvedale[47]. On the 4th of September 1303 letters of respite of debt[48] are sent to the sheriffs of Norfolk, Hertfordshire and Surrey for John de Uvedale (no. 2467) and he is “staying with the king in Scotland until Easter”. On the same day William le Latimer, senior and junior, John de Uvedale, Eustace Dayvill, Robert de Plumpton, Thomas de Scalariis, John de Yukflet, Hugh Godard, Roger de Mortuo Mari, Richard de Welles, Richard de Burghope and John de Dunrige are “by the king himself”[49]. Also on the 4^th of September 1303 Letters of Attorney[50] are issued for John de Uvedale (no. 2467) who is “with the King until Easter” with the under name of William de Uvedale. On the 6th of November 1303 John de Benstede, Henry de Lancastre, Hugh de Corf, parson of Hynepudele church, John Uvedale and Henry de Segrave are “with the king”[51]. During this period King Edward crossed the Firth of Forth, took Urquhart Castle and marched to Brechin. He then headed northwards to Morey Forth, Aberdeen and beyond. He then headed south to Kildrummy and by early November was in Dunfermline in Fife. After Brechin the army met little resistance and in early 1304 the majority of the Scottish leaders surrendered to King Edward. However, William Wallace was still at liberty.

The year 1304 proved to be a good one for John Uvedale. This is the year that he was to become a Knight Banneret. It is also the year that John purchased Tycheseye as evidenced by two feet of fines[52] dated that year. The feet of fines indicate that William Uvedale was involved in the transaction for the purchase of Tychesey. The Uvedale family was to hold this property, approximately 20 km south of London Bridge in Surrey, until it was sold to the Gresham family in the 1530’s.

“John de Uvedale by William de Uvedale v. Gilbert de Eeton and his wife Alice by Eustace de Malevill and John de Westwyk and his wife Margery in Tycheseye”

and

“John de Uvedale by William de Uvedale v. Gilbert de Eeton and his wife Alice by Eustace de Malevill and John de Westwyk and his wife Margery in Camerwell (John de Horne son and heir of Roger de Horne a.s.c)”

On March 26, 1304 letters of respite of aid[53] until Midsummer by writ of privy seal are directed from St Andrews in Scotland to the sheriffs of Surrey, Hertfordshire and Norfolk for John de Uvedale (Dovedale) (no. 2526) who is “staying with the king in Scotland”. On May 10, 1304 letters of respite of debt[54] by writ of privy seal are issued until September 29, 1304 to the sheriffs of Norfolk, Surrey, Sussex and Hertfordshire again for John de Uvedale.

On May 15, 1304 letters[55] in favour of John de Uvedale are issued at Stirling to Robert de Retford and Henry Spigumel, justices in Norfolk. Sir John de Uvedale had a cousin John Uvedale, brother to his grandfather, whose wife was Margery, daughter of Roger de Norwico. They had several daughters[56] including Beatrix, Katherine, Margery and Alice. This John de Uvedale[57] was a son of Reginald, another son of Hugh de Uvedale and Alice Godwine of Tacolneston. His daughter Beatrix was married to John Plumstede. It seems that John de Plumstede and Beatrix were arguing that they had been kept out of possession of property that they believed they were entitled to by inheritance from Margery, mother of Beatrix and wife of John Uvedale.  The properties included tenements in Tacolneston, Bodingham, Wodeton, Topecroft and Hedingham in Norfolk. These letters[58] to the justices in Norfolk concerning the property dispute were re-issued again in June. The next month there is a record[59] whereby John de Plumstede acknowledged that he owed Sir John de Uvedale 200 shillings, which was to be levied, in default of payment, of his lands and chattels in Norfolk.

On May 16, 1304 John de Uvedale, Geoffrey de Hauvill, Thomas de Caunvill are “with the king until Michaelmas”. It is interesting to note that Thomas is likely related to John’s second wife Joan de Caunvill.  On June 6, 1304 John de Uvedale, “who is staying with the king”, has letters of respite of aid[60], issued at Stirling, in the counties of Hertfordshire and Surrey; two days later the same[61] are issued for Norfolk.

In 1297 King Edward had demanded that Roger Bigod, Earl of Norfolk and Marshall of England go to Gascony to fight against the French King. Earl Bigod would not agree to go and King Edward is quoted as saying “By God, Earl, you shall go or hang” to which Earl Bigod reportedly responded, “By the same oath, O King, I will neither go nor hang”. This led to the forfeiture of the Bigod lands. Some 7 years later in 1304 the King restored[62] to Earl Bigod in fee simple “all his castles, towns, manors, lands and tenements which he held in fee in England and Wales, with knights' fees, advowsons of religious houses and churches, liberties and appurtenances”, except for a couple of properties the King kept. The writ, dated May 1, 1304 at Stirling, is addressed in favour of Earl Bigod and is directed to a number of retainers who owed fealties and other services of knight’s fees to the Earl. The first of those persons mentioned in the writ is John Uvedale (Duvedale).

On May 16, 1304 King Edward I granted[63] John de Uvedale the right to hold a market on Wednesdays, as well as to celebrate Feasts on the Nativity of the John the Baptist (24 June), and on All Saints day (1 November), each of them to last for three day, at his manor at Tacolneston. This was a privilege that would have made a difference in the economy of the village. He was also granted[64] free warren in all his demesne lands in Titsey and Bodneste (Bedlested) in Surrey. In other words he was held harmless by the king for killing game, otherwise the property of the king, on these properties.

In July 1304 Edward I successfully besieged and retook Stirling Castle.

In 1304 King Edward made John de Uvedale a knight of the Bath[65] and a Bannaret. This implies that the king recognized John for a valorous act in that pivotal year of 1304, likely at the siege of Stirling Castle. The valorous act is recognized by the tail of the knight’s pennon being cut off, leaving a banner.  This was a step up from knighthood and would mean that in the future John would be expected to command a number of other knights and archers.

John Uvedale, son of Reginald de Uvedale, a cousin of Sir John de Uvedale, Kt., died[66] before 1304. His widow was still living[67] in 1307.

On 12 June 1305 the Mayor of London, John le Blund, advised the Sheriff of Norfolk that Roger Marchaud of Lynn, Norfolk was in debt to William Uvedale (Douvedale) and Robert Tailor in the amount of 115 shillings.

Thomas, son of John de Uvedale and Joan, was born circa 1305.

On the 25th of October 1305, the King granted[68] John de Uvedale the marriage of the heir of Niall Mac Cailein (Campbell), tenant in chief, and the lands held by Niall Mac Cailein during the minority of the heir. This included land in Camerwell in Southwark on the Thames and Peckham. Niall Campbell was a member of the Scottish nobility, and had sworn fealty to King Edward in 1296. He remained loyal through the battles until 1305 when he and a Robert Keith argued over rights and King Edward agreed with Robert Keith. This drove Niall to join Robert Bruce when the open rebellion against the King commenced in 1306. Niall married Mary Bruce, a sister of Robert Bruce.

In 1305 Gunnore, daughter of Hamon de Valores, sold[69] a manor at Litlington in Hertfordshire to John de Uvedale. Afterward this manor was called Dovedale Manor. The house of Gloucester had held the rights to Litlington since the time of King Henry I.

In February of 1306 Robert the Bruce had John Comyn, another person who along with Robert the Bruce had sworn allegiance to Edward I, killed and had himself crowned King of Scotland. On the 5th of April 1306 letters of respite of debt[70] are issued to the sheriff of Hertfordshire on behalf of John de Uvedale (Douvedale) who is “going to Scotland”. On the 24th of May 1306 William de Ludelowe, John de Uvedale (Duvedale), Edward Charles, Simon de Mancestre, John de Boclond, Roger de Sumervyll, Walter de Teye, John and Thomas de Ferariis, William de Elesfeld, Robert Sapy and Hamo de Illeye are recorded as “by the king himself”. King Edward I was sick but had his son Prince Edward lead the English forces back into Scotland where they defeated Robert the Bruce at the Battle of Methven and retook territory lost to him. On 6th of June 1306 John Uvedale had letters of attorney[71] issued, with under names of William de Uvedale and John de Potton.

On 28th of May 1306 an inquisition[72] was taken upon the death of Gilbert de Clare senior, Earl of Gloucester, in which John de Uvedale and John de Horne are shown as holding the manor of Tychesey and certain lands and rents in Camberwell, to the value of 30 pounds, from the Earl.

Eleanor, first wife of King Edward I, died in 1290. In 1299 the king married Margaret, sister of Phillip the king of France. Margaret had a son Thomas in 1300 and a son Edmund in 1301. In August of 1306 king Edward I fulfilled some of the terms[73] of the marriage treaty drawn up by Pope Boniface VIII, where he had committed to provide land in his realm to the value of 10,000 marks a year to male offspring of the marriage. Roger Bygod, earl of Norfolk and marshal of England, had quitclaimed land to a value of 6,000 marks a year if he died without an heir and which the king restored to him during his life. This land was to go to Thomas upon the Earl’s death as well as land to the value of 7,000 marks to Edmund as well as the remainder in other ways. John de Uvedale (Douuedale) and others witnessed this deed.

Richard de Tany, one time sheriff of Hertfordshire, was from Eastwick in that county. He held the manors of Elmstead, Stapleford Tawney and Eastwick, amongst other properties.  On January 1, at 1306 at Kingston-on-Thames, a grant[74] was made to Margaret, the queen consort, of the custody, during the minority of the heirs, of all the lands which Juliana de Tany, deceased, held in dower or otherwise for term of her life in Stapelford Tany and Elmstead, in Essex. These lands were the inheritance of Roger Tany, her former husband and a tenant in chief, which were in the king's hands by reason of the minority of the heir.   Margaret, the queen consort, sold[75] the custody of these lands to William de Estden and thence to John de Uvedale, for 120 marks.  This sale was confirmed[76] later that year at Lanercost; and in addition John was granted the advowsons of the churches of Stapelford Tany and Elmstead if they should fall vacant during the custody. This confirmation would have been discussed and agreed with the king in conjunction with the council held at Lanercost.

In October of 1306 John de Uvedale was with Edward I at the council[77] held at Lanercost to receive the homage of John Stewart of Scotland. Other persons at the Council included Aymer de Valence, Earl of Pembroke, John de Botetourt; John Hastings, knight; John Hastings, lord of Abergavenny; John of Sandale, chamberlain, treasurer and bishop of Winchester; John of Sulley, baron; Robert de la Warde, Steward of the Royal Household; Robert of Cottingham, clerk and William de Bevercotes, chancellor.

On December 23, 1306 King Edward I granted[78] John de Uvedale another Market to be held at his manor of Tacolneston on Mondays.

On June 28, 1307 John’s petition to the king and council for the marriage rights of his son Peter was granted[79] at Caldcoats. The parents of Mary Campania, his first wife, held those rights. The petition records that Mary’s father Peter had died and her father’s widow Alice had “lost her memory”. This petition is reported as the earliest known “common plea”[80].

In May of 1307 Robert Bruce and his army defeated an English army led by Aymer de Valence forces at the battle of Loudoun Hill. On the 10th of May 1307 letters of Attorney[81] by writ of privy seal are issued until September 29, 1307 at Carlisle for John Uvedale (Duvedale) (no. 2661). On the 7th of July 1307 King Edward I died at Burgh-by Sea while on his way north to battle the forces led by Robert the Bruce. On August 1, 1307 John de Uvedale is recorded[82] as “by the king himself”.

Reign of King Edward II

John Uvedale and his wife Joan, were invited[83] to attend the coronation of King Edward II and his wife the, 12-year-old Isabella of France, on the 6th of February 1308. The coronation wasn’t as well organized as it could have been. The nobles blamed Piers de Gavescon, who some said took a role above his station. King Edward II was to have problems in the distribution of patronage throughout his reign, with his nobles unhappy with how much property and privileges went to his “favorites” including Piers de Gavescon and the Despensers later in the reign.

In 1309 John de Uvedale (Unedale) was among the witnesses to a grant[84] by Sir John de Rivers of Essex of land in that county.

Bishop Walter Langeton was one of the most senior advisors and the treasurer to King Edward I, but it was otherwise with Edward II. Langeton soon fell out of favour once Edward II took the throne.  Sir John de Uvedale (Undele), appears in several of the records[85] of the trial of Bishop Walter Langeton in and around this period of time, where he is referred to as “former steward“.

 On June 19, 1308 instructions were issued[86] from Marlborough to the counties of Hertfordshire and Essex to deliver 200 quarts of wheat, 30 quarters of oats, 200 bacon‐hogs to William Uvedale, clerk, and hence to Berwick for an expedition to Scotland.

On the 12th of March 1311 letters[87] were issued for John de Uvedale nominating his son, Hugh de Uvedale, and Anketinus as his attorneys until the 29th of September (Michaelmas), as he was “going beyond seas”. The year 1311 would imply that Hugh was, as well as his brother John, were born close to the same time as their older brother Peter. Their father John was also granted letters of protection at the same time. These letters of attorney were issued at Berwick‐on‐Tweed. While it is uncertain where he was going, the next entry for Richard de Gereseye, who was also granted letters of protection by the Chancellor at Berwick‐on‐Tweed at the same time, was going on pilgrimage from Berwick‐on‐Tweed to Santiaga de Compostella, Spain.

On the 14^th of July 1314 at York a commission of oyer and terminer resulted in a fine of 40 shillings, made in the Chancery, to John de Foxle, William de Goldyngton, Henry de Lutegershale and William de Northho, on complaint by William Grodespais against John de Uvedale (Duvedale), John le Keu of Overton, Ralph le Ewer and John Aleyn of Tacolneston, who together with others, damaged his houses and dykes at Eghinton, Sussex, assaulted him, and felled and carried away his trees growing at Hodlegh, Sussex.

John Uvedale was summoned to Berwick on Tweed in 1314, which led to the Battle of Bannockburn. While the payrolls for Bannockburn are lost, there is little doubt that John attended the king at Berwick. The English army made their way north to Edinburgh. In approaching the area the army had to cross the Bannockburn (stream) and then cross an area of marshy ground before encountering the Scottish army led by Robert Bruce. The Earls of Gloucester and Hereford led the vanguard of the English army. Henry de Bohun, a nephew of the Earl of Hereford, was slain in single combat by Robert Bruce before the battle began. The young Gilbert de Clare, Earl of Gloucester, charged early and was killed in the battle. The Scottish army attacked before all the English army made its way across the stream, forcing them back against the stream and breaking their force. Edward II and his personal bodyguard fled and many in the army were killed.   This was a great defeat for Edward II. The defeat was followed by a couple of years of wet weather and bad crops resulting in significant duress in England and a broad popular dislike of the king.

On the 29th of September 1315 Peter de Uvedale, eldest son of Sir John de Uvedale, was at Berwick[88], along with John de Felton, Robert de Weston, Simon Warde, Nicholas de Whitton, Phillip de Montgomery, John de Woume, Andrew de Harclay and John de Segrave. Berwick was under siege by a Scottish army at the time.

Hugh le Despenser had married one of the daughters of Gilbert de Clare, as had Hugh de Audley and Roger Damory. Gilbert de Clare, Earl of Gloucester had died at Bannockburn. As a result each held a share of the Gloucester estates. Hugh de Audley, Roger Amory and others felt that the Despensers, as favorites of King Edward II, had undue influence and were taking control of Wales to the former’s detriment. 

On 30 August 1316 Peter de Uvedale and Hugh le Despenser entered into an agreement[89] where Peter was to do service to Hugh with ten men at arms, for the term of his life, in peace and in war in England, Scotland and Wales. Hugh was required to provide a notice of such a need for service and to provide food for Peter and his men. If Peter was in default of the service, or was opposed to Hugh on the matter, except in fealty to the king or his father Sir John (Duvedale), he would pay Hugh 400 pounds. In addition, Hugh was to assist and advise Peter “to his utmost” in pursuing a marriage for Peter with Isabella (Despenser), Lady Hastings, Hugh’s sister, and that if the marriage did come to pass Peter would pay Hugh 400 marks, as long as the marriage wasn’t opposed, saving the estate of the king and Hugh le Despenser senior. The marriage did not proceed as Isabel went on to marry Ralph Monthermer. Peter did go on to marry Margaret, the daughter of Sir Richard Hidon, of Clay Hidon in Devon. They did not have any children. Margaret had previously been married to Sir Josce Dinham. 

On the 5 March 1316 John de Uvedale is certified [90] as lord, or joint lord, of Litlington in Cambridge shire; Tacolneston, Galgaim and Forncett in Norfolk, Titsey in Surrey and Laughton Ripe, Chiddingley and Hoadley in Sussex.

Joan de Tany must have died some time before 1317 since it is reported that this is the approximate time that Sir John de Uvedale married his fourth wife Isabella. Most of the reports on the family have identified this person as Isabella, daughter of Gilbert de Etton and Alice his wife, sister and one of the heirs of Thomas de Tychesey. However, an article[91] clarifying the ancestry of Henry Uvedale of Dorset, one time constable of Corfe Castle and resident of Bagshot Park in the time of Henry VIII disputes that lineage. Fry alludes to his ability to prove that Isabel, the last wife of Sir John Uvedale, father of Peter, was not the daughter of Gilbert de Etton and Alice de Tychesey as commonly reported. Fry adds that since the issue did not concern Dorset he would not go further into it in the article. I believe he deposited his research material on this question in the Surrey archives. The argument in the archive states that “Isabel was the widow of Stephen de Coventry of London, and bore him a son Edmund de Coventry. Had she been the heiress of Gilbert de Etton and Alice his wife, and co‐heir of Thomas de Tycheseye, then Edmund, her son and heir, would have been the heir to the Tycheseye and Camberwell properties, and not the Uvedale's. Therefore, she was simply the widow of (first Stephen de Coventry) and second of John de Uvedale, and nothing to do with the Etton’s or Tycheseye’s, except to pay relief, which her second husband had not paid during his lifetime.” That said there is no doubt there was a long dispute between the descendants of John Uvedale and Edmund de Coventry, as already mentioned in this article. In the archive materials it mentioned John purchasing, rather than inherited, the Tychesey Estate [92], and likewise property in Camerwell in 1304, over 10 years prior to his marriage with Isabel.

On the 20th of October 1317 Sir John de Uvedale (Douvedale), knight, appeared [93] before John de Wengrave, Mayor of London, the Sheriffs and others, to provide surety to satisfy Edmund and Thomas, sons of Stephen de Coventry, as to certain rents bequeathed to them by their father. The full details of this issue are not known but it likely concerns certain disputed land rights that John’s fourth wife Isabella may have brought into the marriage.

In 1317 Sir John de Uvedale made a feoffment[94] to Thomas de Ellingham and Richard de Bernham of 640 acres of land and a moiety of 37 acres of meadow, 120 acres of pasture, 77 acres of wood, 4 pounds rent, and two messuages in Tichesey, Benstede, Crowhurst, Camerwell, Peckham, and the Advowson of the church at Tycheseye, intending to limit an estate for life to Isabel his wife. In 1318 he levied a fine to Ellingham and declared the uses to himself and Isabel for his life and that of his own heirs.

On 8 March 1318 Humphrey de Bohun, Earl of Hereford and Essex granted[95] to Peter de Uvedale (Ounedale), knight indented, that he would not have to pay 10 pounds sterling, half a rent from his manor of Stapleford Tawney, so long as Margaret, late the wife of Laurence de Tany, held one‐third of the manor. Four days later Peter Uvedale (Ouvedale) and Humphrey de Bohun, Earl of Hereford signed an indenture[96] where Peter agreed to serve the Earl. Peter was to serve him for life, and he was to receive robes (livery) for himself and his bachelor knights, as well as food for three persons at court, with hay and oats for four horses, and wages for four grooms in times of peace, whenever Peter was called to come to court. In times of war and for tournaments Peter was to receive hay and oats for eight horses and wages for eight grooms. Peter was also to be kept whole for any horses and arms lost in war.

In 1318 Peter de Duvedale is granted letters of protection[97] and accompanied the Earl of Hereford to Scotland until Easter. During that year the Scots devastated northern England and recaptured Berwick.

In 1319 Sir John de Uvedale had licence to grant his manor of Bedingham in Norfolk to the prior and convent of St. Mary of Walsingham[98] “to them and their successors forever, to appoint a priest to offer prayers daily for the wellbeing of the convent, and for the souls of himself and all the pious dead.” An inquisition had been held the previous year at Norwich to “inquire whether the king had granted him licence to alienate the manor, and whether any of the services due to the king would thereby be lost. It was then stated that John de Uvedale held lands in Tacolneston and Newton Floteman, which were amply sufficient to pay all the services due to the king, being of the yearly value of forty pounds.”[99]

In approximately 1320 Elizabeth de Uvedale[100] was born to Sir John de Uvedale and Isabella. So, the children of John and his wives were sons Peter, John, Hugh and Thomas, and daughter Elizabeth, although there could well have been additional children.

From the preceding we see that Peter switched his indenturement from Hugh Despenser the younger to Humphrey de Bohun, Earl of Herford. By this time in the reign of King Edward II the Barons were fed up with how the king was dealing with his latest “favorites”, the Despensers. This led to the “Despenser War” when the barons revolted against Edward II, led by Roger Mortimer and Humphrey de Bohun.  In January of 1322 the following men are recorded[101] at Shrewsbury as “going with Peter de Duvedale”: John, son of Phillip de Patemere; Robert de Norton; Philip Joce; John de Chaumpaigne and Gilbert son of Philip Destre.  The Earl of Hereford had attacked Despenser lands in Wales in 1321. King Edward responded by gathering his forces and heading to Wales. By late 1321 both King Edward II and his cousin Thomas Earl of Lancaster, who stood against him, and Hereford were gathering their opposing forces in anticipation of a conflict to come. King Edward II again advanced into Wales and took the surrender of Roger Mortimer, one of his leading opponents. He then headed north and engaged Thomas Earl of Lancaster and the Earl of Hereford and their forces at the Battle of Boroughbridge.  The Earl of Hereford was killed during the battle and afterwards Thomas Earl of Lancaster was executed.

Sir John de Uvedale died a few days before the Battle of Boroughbridge and a writ[102] confirming that fact was proclaimed at Pontefract Castle at the time of the battle of Boroughbridge. An order was issued[103] to take into the king’s hand John de Uvedale’s lands. A further order[104] noted that John held Litlington, Cambridge shire of Roger Damory, a son in law of Gilbert de Clare, and Ticheseye in Surrey of Hugh de Audley another son-in-law of Gilbert de Clare. The note also says that the king had taken possession of these lands because both Roger and Hugh had recently adhered to the king’s enemies and rebels.  The order goes on to say that Peter de Uvedale (Ovedale) was of age, that he was John’s son and his heir and that since he had “done fealty” to the king, John’s lands at these locations were to be “delivered” to Peter. Finally that John had held other lands of other lords and that Peter should “meddle no more” with those lands.

There is another story concerning John’s death and that he knowing his upcoming death went on a pilgrimage to St James de Compostello. On 4^th of January 1322 the King sent a note[105] to the constable of Dover Castle and warden of the Cinque directing him to permit John de Uvedale to cross the sea from Dover with his horses and household as he was going on pilgrimage to Santiago. In the end I am not certain where John died.

In addition to holding Titsey in Surrey Sir John de Uvedale held[106] 100 acres of land from Joan de Codestone by paying yearly rent of 6 shillings and suit at her court of Chelesham. He also held the manor of Camerwell of Stephen de Ockewelle by the yearly rent of 12 shillings 8d yearly rent to the prioress of Haliwell.

After the death of Phillip King of France in 1322 Charles IV, King of France demanded that Edward II pay him homage for Gascony. In 1324 King Charles, unhappy with Edward II’s homage, forfeited the duchy. In Gascony the French were meddling in Saint‐Sardos and in October of 1323 they erected a stake with an intention of building a fortified town to protect their interest there. The lord of Montpezat responded by burned the place at Saint‐Sardos and hanging the French official that had erected the stake. This led to the war of Saint‐Sardos in Gascony. Peter Uvedale went to Bordeaux the next year, landing there on 3 October 1324[107], in the company of Nicholas Hugate. There were approximately 200 men‐at‐arms in the party including John Segrave, John Segrave younger, Thomas Latimer, Fulk Fitzwarin, John Felton, John Haustede, Robert Swynburn, William Beauchamp, and Nicholas Kyriel. Peter is mentioned as Captain of Dax on 9 November 1324 and in the spring of 1325. On the 8^th of July 1325 letters of protection[108], “with clause volumus” are issued for a year to Peter de Uvedale, who “is going to the duchy of Aquitaine, by order of the king”. This would have given Peter more protection from pleas and suits and other legal matters while he was in Gascony.

In March 1325 Isabella, Queen of England, went to France on the pretext of negotiating with her brother Charles and her son Prince Edward followed her in September. That same month Isabella was successful in having the duchy returned to the family when Prince Edward did homage, in lieu of king Edward II, to King Charles for the duchy.

In October of 1325 Peter issued letters of attorney[109] nominating Walter de Pynho and William de Wyk’, clerk, in England for a year. Walter de Pynho had been appointed rector of Thurlestone, Devon on 16 August 1321. Given the reported range of the birth date of William of Wykeham if he is the named clerk he would be approximately one to five years of age. In Louth’s history book[110] Nicholas Uvedale is mentioned as “an officer of great note in those days” and as the first patron of William of Wykeham. It suggests that Nicholas was lord of the manor of Wykeham and Constable of Winchester Castle. I am not aware of any records of Nicholas Uvedale at this time, although there are a number of persons of this name in the family in future generations. Reportedly there was a Nicholas Uvedale who was constable of Windsor Castle.  However, the Uvedale’s did not become lords of the manor of Wykeham until a half century later when John Uvedale, son of Peter’s brother Thomas, married into the Scures family and his wife inherited Wykeham manor. Is it possible that it was Peter and not Nicholas, who was William’s first patron and this explains the association between the Uvedale’s and William of Wykeham? Or could this be William of Wykeham’s father? Peter was still in Gascony in October of 1325. 

In 1325 and 1326 Peter de Uvedale was appointed one of the captains and chief supervisors of array in Cornwall and Devon.

King Edward II and the Despensers were much out of favour in the land at this time. On the 24th of September 1326 Queen Isabella, Mortimer and others landed near Harwich and within a month King Edward and the Despensers were fleeing and Prince Edward took over the custody of the realm. Both of the Despensers were captured in flight and were hung, drawn and beheaded.

In January 1327 King Edward II was deposed and his son Edward took over the realm as King Edward III.

Reign of King Edward III

In July of the same year Bruce threatened the English and Edward III set out from York marching to Durham to confront Bruce and his forces. The English were unsuccessful in engaging the Scots, with the young king learning some hard lessons. In 1327 Peter de Uvedale accompanied[111] Thomas, earl of Norfolk and marshal of England, to Scotland, along with such persons as William Giffard, Richard de la Ryvere, Walter Bigod, William Howard, John de Felton, Henry de Longechamp, Robert Bottourt and others. The Scottish forces were led by James Douglas; the English by Roger Mortimer in company with the king.  While there was no pitched battle, the Scots attacked the English camp at night (Battle of Stanhope Park), almost capturing the young Edward III, a bitter experience for the young king.

In 1327 a commission[112] was given to Thomas, earl of Norfolk, marshal of England, and to Thomas Bardolf, Robert de Morle, Peter de Uvedale, John Howard and Robert de Walkefare, because the king had heard of dissensions between the abbot and convent of St. Edmund and the men of the town. Both parties had assembled armed men and engaged in conflict “causing terror to their neighbors”. The king prohibited them from such acts, and took the abbey and town into his control.

On the 24th of January 1328 King Edward III married Phillipa of Hanualt and in June went  to Amiens to perform homage to King Phillip of France for Aquitaine.

In 1328 another Richard de Uvedale of Tacolneston borrowed 42 shillings from Stephen Uvedale, as witnessed by William Butt of Norwich and John Sparrow, Clerk.

In 1330 Peter and his wife Margaret (Hydon) were given licence[114] to “assign one messuage, fifty acres of land, twelve acres of meadow, twelve acres of willowbed, and twenty-seven shillings rent, with their appurtenances of Hevyok and Staunton in Devon, to a chaplain, to pray daily for the souls of himself and Margaret his wife, and the souls of Richard and Joan, her father and mother, in the chapel of St. Katherine of Hevyok. By an inquisition taken in the same year, it appeared that he held, besides Hevyok and Stuanton, the manor of Lodewell and the castle of Touton, all in the county of Devon.”  

Margaret’s de Uvedale's Seal [113]

Queen Isabella and Roger Mortimer were making enemies in the land, and according to the nobility were exercising undue influence and power. This led to the capture of Mortimer by a group of knights at Nottingham Castle and in November of 1330 Mortimer was hanged at Tyburn and Edward III took full control of England.

In an inquisition held at Swedele, in the county of Sussex on 20 April 1330, Sir John de Uvedale is recorded to have held for the term of his life the manor of Laughton and the hundred of Sheplake, Sussex, the inheritance of Giles de Badlesmere. 

Peter Uvedale was created [115] a Peer and Baron by Parliamentary Writ in 1332. In 1333 Peter de Uvedale was King’s Justiciar of England. As such he would have opened parliament and would have had a great influence on that parliament. On July 24th Peter was among the barons summoned by writ to parliament. Finally, on 22 January and 1 April of 1335 he was again among the barons summoned to parliament.

Peter de Uvedale’s Seal

John and his son’s coat of arms were “Argent a Cross Moline Gules” and their motto was “Tant Qui Je Puis” or “As long as I can”.

In the mid 1330’s the English and Scots were again at loggerheads and the French were backing the Scots and talking about coming to Scotland with a significant force. In 1335 King Edward III called[116] Peter de Uvedale (Ovedale) to participate in this expedition to Scotland.  Peter brought Oliver de Denham and Robert de la Rokele with him. Oliver de Denham was a son of Peter’s wife Margaret from Devon. King Edward III was to bring part of his army north from Carlisle and Edward Balliol was to proceed with the rest of the army from Berwick. However, a truce was agreed to last until the spring of 1336. The English armies met in Glasgow. There they remained until joined by Henry of Lancaster in May of 1336. Peter died[117] in the north shortly before 2nd of May 1336 leaving no offspring. Thus, the leadership in the family passed to his younger brother John Uvedale and shortly after that to Thomas.

Article copyright held by: G.W. Udell

[1] Red Book of the Exchequer, 12 Henry II (1166) page 351.

[2] The Norman People and their descendants in the British dominions and the Unitied States of America; Originally published in London in 1874; Genealogical Publishinh Co.

[3] De Banco Trinity – 9 Henry V m318.

[4] Assize Roll No. 1244 m20 - 8 Edward I 1280.

[5] Curia Regis Roll No. 25 3 John 1201.

[6] History of the Exchequer, page 533, note F, referring to Mag. Rot. 5 Johnis Rot., 1b.

[7] Rot. Lit. Pat., p. 134; Curia Regis Rolls, vol. ix, pp. 70, 343; vol. x, p. 53. 

[8] Granville Leveson Gower, Notices of the Uvedale family of Titsey, Surrey and Wickham, Hampshire; published 1865; page 5 and 6.

[9] Cotton MSS Titus C viii folio 96.6

[10] George Edward Cokayne, The Complete Peerage XII/2:196-7.

[11] Feet of Fines, Norfolk 282/6. No 26.

[12] Feet of Fines 19 Henry III  No. 605.

[13] Feet of Fines Henry III 1234 No. 623.

[14] Book of Fees page 903; 27 Henry III.

[15] Curia Regis Rolls No. 132 and 133 28 Henry III.

[16] Feet of Fines No. 949; 33 Henry III; 1249.

[17] Norfolk Feet of Fines 157/77 No. 1081.

[18] Assize Roll 56817.18d 1257 - 41 Henry III.

[19] Mincell. Inquisition p.347 Edward I 1276 and Coram Rage Roll No 49 32d and 59 13 9 of the same date.

[20] Assize Roll No. 1244 20d and in 1281 Coram Rage ut supra.

[21] Assize Roll No. 1244 – 8/9 Edward I 1280/81 mm 16 and 30.

[22] Inquisition Post Morteum; 24 Edward I, Peter is listed as 3 years old at the time.

[23] Inquisition Post Morteum; 15 Edward II Number 12.

[24] Douglas Richardson, edited, Magna Carta Ancestry: A study in Colonial and Medieval families, 2nd edition.

[25] Duke of Norfolk’s Deeds in Historical MSS Volume VII p. 323.

[26] Duke of Norfolk’s Deeds in Historical MSS Report VII, page 232.

[27] Inquisition Post Morteum; 24 Edward 1. 360.

[28] Calendar of Patent Rolls 25 Edward I – Part II; membrane B issued at Aug 21, 1297 at Winchelsea.

[29] Assize Roll number 1244, membrane 20; 8 Edward I (1280).

[30] Petition dated 1297 CCR 1296‐1302, page 61.

[31] Henry Gough, Middle Temple, Barrister-at-Law Scotland in 1298. Documents relating to the Campaign of King Edward the first in that year, and especially to the Battle of Falkirk. Published 1888 by Alexander Gardner, Paisley, and 12 Paternoster. Page 29 and 163.

Row, London 1888. Printed by Nichols and Sons, 25 Parliament Street, Westminster.

[32] I have used the surname spellings out of the source documents in general in the paper.

[33] Rotuli Scotiae - Part 2, 1300, page 322 item 1285.

[34] Rotuli Scotiae – Part II: 1301, Page 326 number 1331.

[35] Rotuli Scotiae – Part II: 1301, page 327 Number 1341.

[36] Rotuli Scotiae – Part II: 1301, page 411 Number 2286.

[37] Rotuli Scotiae – Part II: 1301, page 331, number 1386.

[38] Rotuli Scotiae – Part II: 1301, page 416, number 2334.

[39] Calendar of Close Rolls.

[40] Rotuli Scotiae – Part II: 1303; page 419, item 2410.

[41] Rotuli Scotiae – Part II: 1303; page 334, item 1430.

[42] Rotuli Scotiae – Part II: 1303; page 334, item 1432.

[43] Ralph de Scales, William de Botreaus, Robert de Tateshale, William de Felton, Richard de Bolton, Alexander de Fryvill, Edmund de Cornubia, John Hayward, Henry de Buntesdon, Ralph de Stanford, chaplain, Nicholas le Acatur, William le Geytur, Phillip de Vernay, Robert Chyval, Walter de Rye, and William de Grandisone.

[44] Rotuli Scotiae – Part II: 1303; page 335, item 1438.

[45] Calendar of Patent Rolls, 1303, membrane 27, 13 April Averham.

[46] George Edward Cokayne, Complete Peerage of England Scotland Ireland Great Britain and the United Kingdom, Sutton Publishing Ltd. Page XII/2:198.

[47] Rotuli Scotiae – Part II: 1303; page 424, item 2438.

[48] Rotuli Scotiae – Part II: 1303; page 341, item 1489.

[49] Rotuli Scotiae – Part II: 1303; page 428, item 2467.

[50] Rotuli Scotiae – Part II: 1303, page 341, item 1490.

[51] Rotuli Scotiae – Part II: 1303, page 429, item 2484.

[52] Frank B. Lewis, Extracted and Edited, Fines Relating to the County of Surrey, Levied in the King’s Court. Printed for the Surrey Archaeological Society. 1894. Page 68 Numbers 109 and 110; 32 Edward I.

[53] Scutage Rolls, 1304.

[54] Rotuli Scotiae, 1304, page 347 item1550.

[55] Calendar of Close Rolls, 1304, Membrane 1.

[56] Assize Roll No. 1244 8 & 9 Edward I 1280/81 membrane 16 and 30.

[57] Assize Roll No. 1244 membrane 20d.

[58] Calendar of Close Rolls, Membrane 1.

[59] Calendar of Close Rolls: 32 Edward I, membrane Id.

[60] Scutage Rolls: 1304, membrane 1.

[61] Scutage Rolls: 1304 membrane 1.

[62] Calendar of Patent Rolls, Membrane 19; 32 Edward I, 1304, 1 May Sterling.

[63] Gazetteer of Markets and Fairs in England and Wales.

[64] Granville Leveson Gower, Notices of the family of Uvedale of Titsey, Surrey and Wickham, Hants, 1865, page 9.

[65] William Arthur Shaw, Knights of England: A Complete Record from the Earliest Times to the Present, page 111.

[66] Feet of Fines Norfolk; 32 Edward I.

[67] Coram Rage No. 192 m20; 1 Edward II, 1307/08.

[68] Calendar of Patent Rolls, Membrane 9, 33 Edward I, 1305, October 25 Westminster.

[69] P.R.O. CP 25(1) 26/49, no. 15. Also Victoria History of Cambridgeshire; 1982, pages 54-66.

[70] Rotuli Scotiae – Part II: 1306, page 349, item 1573.

[71] Rotuli Scotiae – Part II: 1306, page 353, item 1596.

[72] Granville Leveson Gower, Notices of the family of Uvedale of Titsey, Surrey and Wickham, Hants, 1865, page 10.

[73] Calendar of Patent Rolls, membrane 10; 31 August 1306, Newburgh-in-Tindale.

[74] Calendar of Patent Rolls; 34 Edward I, membrane 21, 1306, 6 June Westminster.

[75] Calendar of Patent Rolls, Membrane 21; 6 June 1306, Westminster; 34 Edward I.

[76] Calendar of Patent Rolls; 34 Edward I, 1306, 1 November 1306; Lanercost.

[77] Granville Leveson Gower, Notices of the Family of Uvedale of Titsey, Surrey and Wickham, Hants; 1865, page 10.

[78] Gazetteer of Markets and Fairs in England and Wales.

[79] Calendar of Patent Rolls, Membrane 4; 28 June Caldcoats, 35 Edward I.

[80] G.O Sayles, The Functions of the Medieval Parliament of England; Note on

bottom of page 46.

[81] Rotuli Scotiae – Part II: 1307, page 355, item 1623.

[82] Rotuli Scotiae – Part II: 1307, page 444, item 2661.

[83] Notices of the family of Uvedale of Titsey, Surrey, Wickham, Hants; by Granville Leveson Gower; 1865; Page 10.

[84] Eschequer 4 Edward III. Number 2.

[85] Alice Beardwood, Records of the Trial of Walter Langeton, Bishop of Coventry and Lichfield 1307- 1312; Camden Fourth Series Volume 6, published 1969. Pages 11, 24, 148 and 170.

[86] Calendar of Patent Rolls, 1308, membrane 3.

[87] Calendar of Patent Rolls, membrane 20; 12 March 1311, Berwick-on-Tweed.

[88] Rotuli Scotiae – Part II: 1315, page 466, item 3000.

[89] J.M.W. Bean, From Lord to Patron; Lordship in late medieval England, 1928, page 51.

[90] Writs tested at Clipston on 5 March 1316.

[91] E.A. Fry “The Uvedale Family of Dorset,” Number 44. Notes & Queries for Somerset and Dorset Volume XIX, Part CLIV, September 1927: Page 54.

[92] Feet of Fines File 237/28/ Numbers 21 and 22, 31 Edward I membrane 30.

[93] Folios 1xi – lxx: May 1317 – Calendar of letter books of the city of London: E: 1414 – 1337 (1903), page 75-84.

[94] Granville Leveson Gower, Notices of the Uvedale family of Titsey, Surrey and Wickham, Hants, page 11, 1865.

[95] Records of the Duchy of Lancaster.

[96] Juliet Barker, The Tournament in England 1000‐1400; page 27.

[97] Rotuli Scotiae – Part II: 1318, page 481, item 3181.

[98] Patent 13 Edward II. Number 40.

[99] Granville Leveson Gower, Notices of the Family of Uvedale of Titsey, Surrey and Wickham, Hants; 1865, page 11.

[100] Granville Leveson Gower, Notices of the Family of Uvedale of Titsey, Surrey and Wickham, Hants; 1865, page 16.

[101] Calendar of Patent Rolls, 1322, membrane 30.

[102] Granville Leveson Gower, Notices of the Family of Uvedale of Titsey, Surrey and Wickham, Hants; 1865, page 11.

[103] Calendar of Fine Rolls 1322, membrane 11.

[104] Calendar of Fine Rolls 1322, membrane 3.

[105] Close Rolls, Edward II, 4^th of January 1322, Worchester.

[106] Inquisition post mortem 15 Edward II. Rot 12.

[107] British Museum, Add. MS. 7967, folio 17d.

[108] Calendar of Patent Rolls, membrane 24, September 20, 1324; Porchester.

[109] Calendar of Patent Rolls, membrane 20; October 1325, Cippenham.

[110] Robert Lowth DD., The Life of William of Wykeham, Bishop of Winchester, 1759; Page 13.

[111] Rotuli Scotiae – Part II: 1327, page 489, item 3277.

[112] Calendar of Patent Rolls, membrane 13d. October 24 1327; Nottingham. I Edward III.

[113] Augustus A. Burt and J.R. Jobbins from Notices of the Family of Uvedale of Titsey, Surrey and Wickham Hants; 1865.

[114] Granville Leveson Gower, Notices of the Family of Uvedale of Titsey, Surrey and Wickham Hampshire, 1865, pages 13 and 14.

[115] James Bothwell, Edward III and the ‘New Nobility’; Largesse and Limitation in Fourteenth Century England; The English Historical Review Volume 112, No. 449 (November 1997) pages 111 to 1140.

[116] Rotuli Scotiae – Part II: 1335, page 500, item 3447.

[117] Douglas Richardson, Magna Carta ancestry: A study in Colonial and Medieval Families, 2nd edition, page 84.

Appendix 1

Some Uvedale Pedigrees touching on the 12 and 13^th century

1166    -           Hugh de Uvedale, son of Hameline, Held 1 fee in Tacolneston, Norfolk, of

                        Richard de Lucy for ward of Dover Castle. 12 Henry 1 1166.  Red Book of the

                        Exchequer, p.351

1201    -           Hugh de Uvedale to serve on grand Assize.  Curia Regis Roll No 25 3 John 1201

1208    -           Richard de Uvedale, clerk, entitled to receive 50 pounds sterling from William de

                         Saint Michael, in part payment for the Chamberlainship of the City of London;

                         History of the Exchequer, page 533, Note F, referring to Mag. Rot. 5 Johnis Rot.,1b                   

1215    -           William De Uvedale of Thraite, Norfolk was to be released from captivity at

                        Carrickfergus Castle in Ireland. Rot. Lit. Pat., page 134; Curia Regis Rolls,

                        volume ix, p. 70, 343; vol. x p. 53

1217    -           Hugh de Uvedale was accepted into King Henry III graces and was to be restored

                        to his lands, as having come into the King’s faith and service on 28 October 1217.

                        George Edward Cokayne, The Complete Peerage XII/2; 196-7

1219    -           Hugh de Uvedale Acquired land in Tacolneston from Thomas fil Clement 3

                        Henry III 1219.  Feat of Fines, Norfolk 282/6. No 26

1220-1270       Margaret de la Warre, daughter of Roger de la Warre, married Thomas de

                        Uvedale; temp. Henry III; Harl. MSS 1544

1234    -           Reginald de Uvedale held ½ a fee in Tacolneston to Hugh de Uvedale with

                         reversion to himself and his heirs. Feet of Fine Henry III 1234 No 623

1234    -           Benedict and Richard de Uvedale grant land in Tacolneston to Hugh de Uvedale

                        for his life, with reversion to themselves 19 Henry III 1234 Feet of Fines No 605

1242/3 -           John de Uvedale held a quarter knights fee in Tacolneston of Walter Fits Robert

                         in 27 H III 1242/3. Book of Fees p903

1244    -           John de Uvedale, son of Reginald pleads versus Reginald de Bedingham, parson

                         of Cestreford for warranty of 1 carucate land in Bedingham, Norfolk.  Curia Regis

                         Rolls Nos. 132.133 28 Henry III

1249    -           Margery, wife of John de Uvedale and daughter of Roger de Norwico Feet of

                         Fines No. 949; 33 Henry III 1249 re lands in Wodeton and Bedingham

1250    -           John de Uvedale and Margery his wife acquire 2 marks rent in Tacolneston from

                         Elias son of Peter de Pakeleston and Felicia his wife, Norfolk Feet of Fines

                         157/77 No. 1081

1257    -           John de Uvedale held 1 knights fee in Lodden Hundred (Bedingham?)

                         and is of full age in 1257.  41 Henry III 1257 Assize roll 56817.18d

1250- 1270      Hugh Uvedale “was John of John de Uvedale, brother of Reginald, by Amicia

                        daughter and heir of Roger de Malherbe, of Tacolneston, by which marriage

                        Malherbe’s part was united to Uvedale’s.” Page 6 of Granville Leveson Gower’s

Notices of the Uvedale family of Titsey, Surrey and Wickham, Hants; 1865

1276    -           Margery, wife of John de Uvedale in dispute with Maud le Nave as to burning a

                         grange in Bedingham.  See Mimcell.  Inquisition p347 Edward I 1276 and Coram

                         Rage Roll Nos. 49 32d and 59 13 9 of same date.

Bef 1277          John de Uvedale witnessed to a charter of Hugh Bigod, Earl of Norfolk (d 1177)

                         Cott. Mss Vitellus F. iv

1279                 Margery or Margaret wife of Benedict living 1279 Assize Roll No 1244 20d and

                         in 1281 Coram Rage ut supra

1279    -           Stephen Uvedale son of Benedict living in 1279 and 1281 references ut supra

1280    -           A Hugh married Alice daughter of Roger fil Godwin mentioned in Assize Roll

                        No. 1244  m20 8 Edward I 1280

1280    -           John de Uvedale was son of Reginald Assize Roll No. 1244 m20d

1281    -           Benedict was living in 1281 Coram Rage Roll 59 8d.28

1281    -           Estarnia was wife of Hugh de Uvedale Assize Roll No 1244 m30 9 Edward 1281,

                        and sister and co-heiress of Ralph de Malherbe  De Banco 312, Edward III 1338 m149

1281    -           Katherine, Margery and Alice three daughter of John de Uvedale and Margery

                        mentioned in Assize Roll No. 1244 8 & 9 Edward I 1280/81 mm 16 and 30

Abt. 1290        Grant by Benedict son of Reginald Uvedale to Robert son of John de

                        Assewellethjorp of Syleswode in Tacolneston late 13^th century, Duke of Norfolk's

                        Dees in Historical MSS Report VII page 232

1295    -           Hugh de Uvedale a witness to a deed of 4 Nov 23 Edward I 1295.  Historical 

                        Volume VII p 323 (Duke of Norfolk’s deeds)

1298    -           Grant by Benedict son of Reginald de Uvedale to Sir John de Thorpe of a wood

                        In Sylewode

1304    -           John Uvedale husband of Margery was dead by 1304 Feet of Fines Norfolk 32

                        Edward 1 No. 917

1307/08          Margery, wife of John de Uvedale, widowed before 1307/08. Coram Rage No.

                       192 m20; 1 Edward II 1307/08

In 1422 John de Uvedale, son of John, sued William Wode and William Basset for land and rents in Camberwell and Peckham, Surrey “which John Uvedale, Kt., gave to Hugh Uvedale, his son and Thomas brother of Hugh, and the heirs of the body of Hugh. Also a preigree is listed illustrating Hugh and John, sons of John Uvedale, Kt., with descendants of the body of Hugh de Uvedale listed as John, Thomas John and John Uvedale the plaintiff.” The defendants admitted the claim. De Banco Trinity 9 Henry V m318.