GIFFARD, Sir John

Other Events and Attributes:

• Web Address: https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Gifford-1068
• _MILT: 26 Mar 1338, Buckinghamshire, England; John was ordered to organize or "array" a group of soldiers in Buckinghamshire (co. Bucks) for the war against France. This group consisted of 10 men-at-arms (heavily armored soldiers), 20 armed men (likely less heavily armored), and 40 archers.
• Wars: 1346; John was a knight who joined King Edward III of England in his military campaign in France. He fought in the Battle of Crécy in 1346, one of the major battles of the Hundred Years' War, and was part of the division directly commanded by the King.
• Civil: Between 1349 and 1361, Buckinghamshire, England; John was a Commissioner of the Peace in Buckinghamshire. This role involved maintaining law and order, similar to a judge or magistrate today.
• _MILT: 14 Mar 1360, Buckinghamshire, England; John was again responsible for organizing military forces in Buckinghamshire for the ongoing war with France
• _MILT: 1368, Buckinghamshire, England; Along with Reynold de Grey (another nobleman), John was once more tasked with the duty of assembling military forces, indicating his continued involvement in military preparations and possibly the ongoing conflict with France.

Notes:

Sir John Gifford, born around 1301, was a prominent figure in 14th-century England. He was the son of Sir John Gifford of Twyford, Buckinghamshire, and his wife, Alexandra.

John Gifford's life was characterized by his active involvement in military and political affairs of the time. He inherited the family estates upon his father's death, which included Twyford in Buckinghamshire, amongst others. This inheritance not only brought wealth but also responsibilities and opportunities for greater involvement in the affairs of the realm.

In 1338, during the Hundred Years' War between England and France, Gifford was tasked with assembling a military contingent from Buckinghamshire. This contingent included 10 men-at-arms, 20 armed men, and 40 archers, a significant force indicating his standing and influence in the county. His military role continued as he accompanied King Edward III to France, participating in the King's division at the Battle of Crécy in 1346, a pivotal battle where the English longbowmen played a decisive role.

Gifford's service extended beyond the battlefield. He was appointed as a commissioner of the peace in Buckinghamshire in 1349, 1351, and 1361, a role that involved maintaining law and order in the county. His responsibilities grew as he was named one of the commissioners of array in Buckinghamshire for the French War on 14 March 1360. This position involved organizing and equipping troops for military service, a crucial task during the ongoing conflict with France.

In 1368, Gifford, alongside Reynold de Grey of Ruthyn, was again appointed as a commissioner of array. This repeated appointment underscores his continued importance in military matters and his reliability as a royal servant.

Sir John Gifford's life reflects the typical career of a knight in medieval England, where military service, land management, and local governance were intertwined. His involvement in key historical events like the Battle of Crécy and his various administrative roles highlight his significance in the political and military landscape of 14th-century England.

Family/Spouse: DE MORTEYN, Lucy. Lucy (daughter of DE MORTEYN, Sir John and DE ROTHWELL, Joan) was born about 1305 in Bedfordshire, England; died after 8 Mar 1361 in Twyford, Buckinghamshire, England. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Royalty & Nobility: Knight
• Web Address: https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Giffard-9

Notes:

Inquisitions Post Mortem:

Inquisition in Preston by Faversham, Kent (1394): An inquisition was held in Preston by Faversham, Kent, on the Thursday before November 20, 1394. The jurors reported that Sir Thomas Giffard, a knight, owned half of a property called Jardynes in Leisdon, Isle of Sheppey. This property was held directly from the King and was valued at 10 shillings annually. Sir Thomas Giffard passed away on September 25, 1394. His son and heir, Roger Giffard, was over 26 years old.

Inquisition in Burcestre, Oxford (1394): Another inquisition took place in Burcestre, Oxford, on the Monday before November 11, 1394. The jurors stated that Sir Thomas Giffard held half of the manor of Somerton from the King, valued at nearly 20 marks. He also jointly held with his wife Sybil (who was still alive) half of the manor of Firyngford, valued at 12 marks annually. Additionally, he owned properties in Bekbrok and Newenton Jewell, valued at 5 and 7 marks yearly, respectively. Sir Thomas died on September 29, 1394, and his son Roger was his next heir, aged over 27 years.

Inquisition in Hertaye by Faversham, Kent (1360): An inquisition in Hertaye by Faversham, Kent, on December 29, 1360, discussed a proposal for John Giffard to transfer a 5-mark rent in Leisdon to his son Thomas and Elizabeth de Musenden, with future rights to John's heirs. This rent was part of the barony of Arsyk and held from the King.

Inquisitions in Ixning, Suffolk, and Oxford (1360): Similar inquisitions in Ixning, Suffolk, and Oxford in December 1360, addressed John Giffard's assignments of the manor of Ixning and his properties in Somerton and Feringford, Oxfordshire, to his son Thomas and others, with various conditions for inheritance and rights.

Inquisition in Dadyngton, Oxford (1367/8): An inquisition in Dadyngton, Oxford, on January 4, 1367/8, discussed granting John Gifford permission to transfer lands in Feryngford and part of the manor of Feringford to Thomas Giffard and Margery his wife. These lands were held from the King and were part of a knight's fee. John Gifford also held other properties in Somerton.

These inquisitions provide a detailed account of the land holdings and familial relationships of the Giffard family in the 14th century, reflecting the complex system of land tenure and inheritance during that period.

Thomas married MISSENDEN, Elizabeth before 20 Dec 1360. Elizabeth was born about 1345 in Twyford, Buckinghamshire, England; died in 1367 in Twyford, Buckinghamshire, England. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Web Address: https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Giffard-7

Roger married STRETELE, Isabel in 1407. Isabel was born in 1365 in Kingstowe, Buckinghamshire, England; died in 1440 in Twyford, Buckinghamshire, England. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Web Address: https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Giffard-19

Family/Spouse: VAUX, Eleanor. Eleanor (daughter of VAUX, William and DRAKELOWE, Eleanor) was born in 1405; died in 1478 in Twyford, Buckinghamshire, England. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]