|
RBH Home
Maps & Travels
Articles
Legends
Towns & Villages
Castles & Houses
Churches
Biographies
Gentry
Family History
Odds & Ends
For Kids
Teacher's Page
Mail David
|
|
King Richard's Friend for Life
|
- Francis Lovell was only nine when his father died and he became Lord
Lovell.
- He inherited lots of land and was looked after by the Earl
of Warwick. He lived in Yorkshire and became friends with the
Earl's young cousin, Prince Richard, Earl of Gloucester.
- Francis grew up during the Wars of the
Roses. The Earl of Warwick was a very important soldier during the
Wars.
- Francis married the Earl's niece and helped him in a rebellion
against King Edward IV (Prince's Richard's brother). The Earl was
killed and Francis was forgiven.
- Francis eventually went to live at Minster Lovell Hall, near Witney,
in Oxfordshire. He inherited more titles, like Lord Grey of
Rotherfield (near Reading) and was made a
Viscount.
- He built himself a 'hunting lodge' at Ufton
Pole Manor (Ufton Court). His sister, Frideswide, married, Sir Edward Norreys from nearby Yattendon
Castle.
- In 1483, Prince Richard became King Richard III. He made Lord Lovell
his Chamberlain of the Household. So he was in charge of all the
palaces and servants.
- He was also made Constable of Wallingford
Castle. He probably stayed at Ufton & Wallingford
on his route between London & Minster Lovell. He could also visit
his sister.
- In 1485, the King's cousin, Henry Tudor, killed him at the Battle of
Bosworth and made himself King Henry VII.
- Francis fled abroad. He returned to take part in a rebellion against
the King, but disappeared after the Battle of Stoke.
- All his lands were confiscated by the King.
- Over two hundred years later, a secret underground room was discovered at Minster Lovell Hall.
Inside, sitting at a table was the skeleton of a man. It was Lord Lovell!
- Poor Francis had hidden away in a blocked up room, fed and watered by an old servant.
But the servant died and he was left to starve to death!
What happened next at Ufton Court?
|
|
