Biography of Thomas Plantagenet 2nd Earl of Leicester, 2nd Earl Lancaster, Earl of Salisbury and Lincoln 1278-1322

Paternal Family Tree: Anjou aka Plantagenet

Maternal Family Tree: Marie Swabia Duchess Brabant

1298 Battle of Falkirk

1301 Baron's Letter to the Pope

1307 Death of Edward I

1308 King Edward II and Isabella of France arrive in England

1308 Coronation of Edward II and Isabella

1311 Council of Ordainers

1312 Gaveston's Escape from Newcastle

1312 Capture, Trial and Execution of Piers Gaveston

1322 Battle of Boroughbridge

In 1269 Henry I King Navarre (age 25) and [his mother] Blanche Capet Queen Navarre (age 21) were married. She the daughter of Robert Capet Count of Artois and Matilda Reginar Countess Saint Pol (age 45). He the son of Theobald IV King Navarre and Margaret Bourbon Queen Consort Navarre. They were half third cousins. He a great x 4 grandson of King William "Conqueror" I of England. She a great x 2 granddaughter of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England.

On 08 Apr 1269 [his father] Edmund "Crouchback" Plantagenet 1st Earl of Leicester 1st Earl Lancaster (age 24) and Aveline Forz 6th Countess Albemarle and Lancaster were married. She by marriage Countess Lancaster. She the daughter of William Forz 4th Earl Albemarle aka Aumale and Isabella Redvers 8th Countess Devon and Albemarle aka Aumale (age 31). He the son of King Henry III of England (age 61) and Eleanor of Provence Queen Consort England (age 46). She a great x 5 granddaughter of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England.

On 03 Feb 1276 [his father] Edmund "Crouchback" Plantagenet 1st Earl of Leicester 1st Earl Lancaster (age 31) and [his mother] Blanche Capet Queen Navarre (age 28) were married. She by marriage Countess Lancaster. She the daughter of Robert Capet Count of Artois and Matilda Reginar Countess Saint Pol (age 52). He the son of King Henry III of England and Eleanor of Provence Queen Consort England (age 53). They were second cousin once removed. She a great x 2 granddaughter of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England.

Around 1278 Thomas Plantagenet 2nd Earl of Leicester, 2nd Earl Lancaster, Earl of Salisbury and Lincoln was born to Edmund "Crouchback" Plantagenet 1st Earl of Leicester 1st Earl Lancaster (age 32) and Blanche Capet Queen Navarre (age 30). He a grandson of King Henry III of England.

In 1294 Thomas Plantagenet 2nd Earl of Leicester, 2nd Earl Lancaster, Earl of Salisbury and Lincoln (age 16) and Alice Lacy Countess Leicester, and Lancaster 5th Countess of Salisbury 5th Countess Lincoln (age 12) were married. She the daughter of Henry Lacy 4th Earl Lincoln, Earl Salisbury (age 43) and Margaret Longespée 4th Countess of Salisbury and Lincoln. He the son of Edmund "Crouchback" Plantagenet 1st Earl of Leicester 1st Earl Lancaster (age 48) and Blanche Capet Queen Navarre (age 46). They were third cousin once removed. He a grandson of King Henry III of England. She a great x 3 granddaughter of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England.

On 05 Jun 1296 [his father] Edmund "Crouchback" Plantagenet 1st Earl of Leicester 1st Earl Lancaster (age 51) died at Bayonne [Map]. He was buried at Westminster Abbey [Map]. His son Thomas Plantagenet 2nd Earl of Leicester, 2nd Earl Lancaster, Earl of Salisbury and Lincoln (age 18) succeeded 2nd Earl of Leicester, 2nd Earl Lancaster. [his wife] Alice Lacy Countess Leicester, and Lancaster 5th Countess of Salisbury 5th Countess Lincoln (age 14) by marriage Countess of Leicester, Countess Lancaster.

Battle of Falkirk

On 22 Jul 1298 [his uncle] King Edward "Longshanks" I of England (age 59) defeated the Scottish army led by William Wallace during the Battle of Falkirk at Falkirk [Map] using archers to firstly attack the Scottish shiltrons with the heavy cavalry with infantry completing the defeat.

John de Graham and John Stewart of Bonkyll (age 52) were killed.

The English were described in the Falkirk Roll that lists 111 men with their armorials including:

Guy Beauchamp 10th Earl Warwick (age 26).

Walter Beauchamp (age 55).

Roger Bigod 5th Earl Norfolk (age 53).

Humphrey Bohun 3rd Earl Hereford 2nd Earl Essex (age 49).

Robert Clifford 1st Baron Clifford (age 24).

Hugh "Elder" Despencer 1st Earl Winchester (age 37).

William Ferrers 1st Baron Ferrers of Groby (age 26).

Thomas Berkeley 6th and 1st Baron Berkeley (age 52).

Maurice Berkeley 7th and 2nd Baron Berkeley (age 27).

Henry Grey 1st Baron Grey of Codnor (age 43).

Reginald Grey 1st Baron Grey of Wilton (age 58).

John Grey 2nd Baron Grey of Wilton (age 30).

John Mohun 1st Baron Dunster (age 29).

Simon Montagu 1st Baron Montagu (age 48).

Roger Mortimer 1st Earl March (age 11).

William Ros 1st Baron Ros Helmsley (age 43).

John Segrave 2nd Baron Segrave (age 42).

Nicholas Segrave (age 42).

Robert de Vere 6th Earl of Oxford (age 41).

Alan Zouche 1st Baron Zouche Ashby (age 30).

Thomas Plantagenet 2nd Earl of Leicester, 2nd Earl Lancaster, Earl of Salisbury and Lincoln (age 20).

[his brother] Henry Plantagenet 3rd Earl of Leicester 3rd Earl Lancaster (age 17).

John Warenne 6th Earl Surrey (age 67).

Henry Percy 9th and 1st Baron Percy (age 25).

Hugh Courtenay 9th Earl Devon (age 21).

Richard Fitzalan 8th Earl Arundel (age 31).

Henry Beaumont Earl Buchan (age 19).

John Capet II Duke Brittany (age 59).

Philip Darcy (age 40).

Robert Fitzroger.

Robert Fitzwalter 1st Baron Fitzwalter (age 51), or possiby a Roger Fitzwalter?.

Simon Fraser.

Aymer de Valence 2nd Earl Pembroke (age 23).

John Wake 1st Baron Wake of Liddell (age 30), and.

[his father-in-law] Henry Lacy 4th Earl Lincoln, Earl Salisbury (age 47).

William Scrope (age 53) was knighted.

John Moels 1st Baron Moels (age 29) fought.

John Lovell 1st Baron Lovel (age 44) fought.

Baron's Letter to the Pope

Before 09 Mar 1301 seven Earls and 96 Barons signed a letter to the Pope refuting the Pope's claim that Scotland was subject to the Pope's feudal overlordship. The letter was never sent. Those who signed include: John Warenne 6th Earl Surrey (age 70), Thomas Plantagenet 2nd Earl of Leicester, 2nd Earl Lancaster, Earl of Salisbury and Lincoln (age 23), Ralph Monthermer 1st Baron Monthermer (age 31), Humphrey Bohun 4th Earl Hereford 3rd Earl Essex (age 25), Roger Bigod 5th Earl Norfolk (age 56), Richard Fitzalan 8th Earl Arundel (age 34), Guy Beauchamp 10th Earl Warwick (age 29), Aymer de Valence 2nd Earl Pembroke (age 26), William Leybourne 1st Baron Leybourne (age 59), [his brother] Henry Plantagenet 3rd Earl of Leicester 3rd Earl Lancaster (age 20), William Latimer 1st Baron Latimer of Corby (age 58), Edmund Hastings, John Hastings 2nd Baron Hastings 14th Baron Bergavenny (age 14), Edmund Mortimer 2nd Baron Mortimer of Wigmore (age 50), Fulk Fitzwarin 2nd Baron Fitzwarin (age 16), Henry Percy 9th and 1st Baron Percy (age 27), Robert Fitzwalter 1st Baron Fitzwalter (age 54), John Beauchamp 1st Baron Beauchamp Somerset (age 26), William de Braose 2nd Baron de Braose (age 41), John Botetort 1st Baron Botetort (age 36), Reginald Grey 1st Baron Grey of Wilton (age 61), John Moels 1st Baron Moels (age 32), Thomas Berkeley 6th and 1st Baron Berkeley (age 55), Robert de Vere 5th Earl of Oxford, John Strange 1st Baron Strange Knockin (age 48), Thomas Multon 1st Baron Multon (age 25), Robert Clifford 1st Baron Clifford (age 26), Walter Beauchamp (age 58), Alan Zouche 1st Baron Zouche Ashby (age 33), John Segrave 2nd Baron Segrave (age 45), William Ferrers 1st Baron Ferrers of Groby (age 29), Simon Montagu 1st Baron Montagu (age 51), Piers Mauley, Ralph Neville 1st Baron Neville of Raby (age 38), John Mohun 1st Baron Dunster (age 32), Roger Scales 1st Baron Scales, Thomas Furnival 1st Baron Furnivall (age 41), Hugh Bardolf 1st Baron Bardolf (age 41), Gilbert Talbot 1st Baron Talbot (age 24), William Deincourt 1st Baron Deincourt, Edmund Stafford 1st Baron Stafford (age 28), Walter Fauconberg 1st Baron Fauconberg (age 81).

On 02 May 1302 [his mother] Blanche Capet Queen Navarre (age 54) died.

Death of Edward I

On 07 Jul 1307 [his uncle] King Edward "Longshanks" I of England (age 68) died at Burgh by Sands [Map] whilst on his way north to Scotland. His son King Edward II of England (age 23) succeeded II King England. Earl Chester merged with the Crown.

Edward (age 68) had gathered around him Thomas Plantagenet 2nd Earl of Leicester, 2nd Earl Lancaster, Earl of Salisbury and Lincoln (age 29), Guy Beauchamp 10th Earl Warwick (age 35), Aymer de Valence 2nd Earl Pembroke (age 32) and Robert Clifford 1st Baron Clifford (age 33) and charged them with looking after his son in particular ensuring Piers Gaveston 1st Earl Cornwall (age 23) didn't return from exile.

King Edward II and Isabella of France arrive in England

Calendars. On 07 Feb 1308 King Edward II of England (age 23) and Isabella of France Queen Consort England (age 13) returned from their wedding in Boulogne sur Mer [Map] to Dover, Kent [Map].

07 Feb 1308. Be it remembered that on Wednesday after the Purification, Edward II (age 23), the king, returning from beyond seas, to wit, from Boulogne sur Mer [Map], where he took to wife Isabel (age 13), daughter of the king of France (age 39), touched at Dover, Kent [Map] in his barge about the ninth hour [1500], Hugh le Despenser (age 46) and the lord of Castellione of Gascony being in his company, and the Queen a little afterward touched there with certain ladies accompanying her, and because the great seal which had been taken with him beyond seas then remained in the keeping of the keeper of the wardrobe who could not arrive on that day, no writ was sealed from the hour of the king's coming until Friday following on which day the bishop of Chichester, chancellor, about the ninth hour [1500] delivered to the king in his chamber in Dover castle [Map] the seal used in England during the king's absence, and the king, receiving the same, delivered it to William de Melton (age 33), controller of the wardrobe, and forthwith delivered with his own hand to the chancellor the great seal under the seal of J. de Benstede, keeper of the wardrobe, and Master John Painter Fraunceis, in the presence of Thomas, Earl of Lancaster (age 30), Peter, Earl of Cornwall (age 24), and Hugh le Despenser (age 46), William Martyn and William Inge, knights, and Adam de Osgodby, clerk; and the chancellor on that day after lunch in his room (hospicio) in God's House, Dover, sealed writs with the great seal.

Coronation of Edward II and Isabella

On 25 Feb 1308 King Edward II of England (age 23) was crowned II King England at Westminster Abbey [Map] by Henry Woodlock, Bishop of Winchester. Isabella of France Queen Consort England (age 13) was crowned Queen Consort England.

Piers Gaveston 1st Earl Cornwall (age 24) carried the Royal Crown.

William Marshal 1st Baron Marshal (age 30) carried the Gilt Spurs.

Humphrey Bohun 4th Earl Hereford 3rd Earl Essex (age 32) carried the Royal Sceptre.

[his brother] Henry Plantagenet 3rd Earl of Leicester 3rd Earl Lancaster (age 27) carried the Royal Rod.

Thomas Plantagenet 2nd Earl of Leicester, 2nd Earl Lancaster, Earl of Salisbury and Lincoln (age 30) carried the sword Curtana (the sword of Edward the Confessor).

Roger Mortimer 1st Earl March (age 20) carried the table bearing the Royal Robes.

Thomas Grey (age 28) and Robert Fitzwalter 1st Baron Fitzwalter (age 61) attended.

Around 1311 Thomas Plantagenet 2nd Earl of Leicester, 2nd Earl Lancaster, Earl of Salisbury and Lincoln (age 33) commissioned the building of Melbourne Castle [Map] having received a license to crenallate his manor in from King Edward II of England (age 26); the castle wasn't completed before his execution. The records show £1,313 was spent on the project in the year 1313–14, of which £548 was paid to masons for dressing stone.

In Feb 1311 [his father-in-law] Henry Lacy 4th Earl Lincoln, Earl Salisbury (age 60) died at Lincoln's Inn. His daughter [his wife] Alice Lacy Countess Leicester, and Lancaster 5th Countess of Salisbury 5th Countess Lincoln (age 29) succeeded 5th Countess Salisbury, 5th Countess Lincoln, 10th Baroness Pontefract, 11th Baroness Halton. Thomas Plantagenet 2nd Earl of Leicester, 2nd Earl Lancaster, Earl of Salisbury and Lincoln (age 33) by marriage Earl Salisbury, Earl Lincoln.

In Feb 1311 Thomas Plantagenet 2nd Earl of Leicester, 2nd Earl Lancaster, Earl of Salisbury and Lincoln (age 33) by marriage Earl Salisbury, Earl Lincoln.

Council of Ordainers

Around 19 Mar 1311 the nobility attempt to constrain King Edward II of England (age 26) by imposing a Council of Ordainers upon him. The Council included twenty-one signatories including:

Guy Beauchamp 10th Earl Warwick (age 39).

Robert Clifford 1st Baron Clifford (age 36).

Thomas Plantagenet 2nd Earl of Leicester, 2nd Earl Lancaster, Earl of Salisbury and Lincoln (age 33).

Gilbert de Clare 8th Earl Gloucester 7th Earl Hertford.

[his father-in-law] Henry Lacy 4th Earl Lincoln, Earl Salisbury.

John Capet 4th Earl Richmond (age 45).

William Marshal 1st Baron Marshal (age 33), and.

Aymer de Valence 2nd Earl Pembroke (age 36).

Gaveston's Escape from Newcastle

On 04 May 1312 King Edward II of England (age 28) and Piers Gaveston 1st Earl Cornwall (age 28) were at Newcastle on Tyne Castle [Map] where they barely escaped a force led by Thomas Plantagenet 2nd Earl of Leicester, 2nd Earl Lancaster, Earl of Salisbury and Lincoln (age 34), Henry Percy 9th and 1st Baron Percy (age 39) and Robert Clifford 1st Baron Clifford (age 38). Piers Gaveston 1st Earl Cornwall (age 28) escaped to Scarborough [Map], King Edward II of England (age 28) to York [Map].

Capture, Trial and Execution of Piers Gaveston

Around 15 Jun 1312 Piers Gaveston 1st Earl Cornwall (age 28) was tried at Warwick Castle [Map] by Guy Beauchamp 10th Earl Warwick (age 40), Humphrey Bohun 4th Earl Hereford 3rd Earl Essex (age 36), Thomas Plantagenet 2nd Earl of Leicester, 2nd Earl Lancaster, Earl of Salisbury and Lincoln (age 34) and Edmund Fitzalan 9th Earl Arundel (age 27). He was condemned to death.

Between 1313 and 1322 Dunstanburgh Castle [Map] was constructed on behalf of Thomas Plantagenet 2nd Earl of Leicester, 2nd Earl Lancaster, Earl of Salisbury and Lincoln (age 35) when Thomas was in revolt against his cousin King Edward II of England (age 28). The castle is visible from the Royal Bamburgh Castle [Map] and may have sited deliberately as a challenge to Royal authority. The Master Mason was Master Elias, possibly Elias de Burton, who had been previously involved in the construction of Conwy Castle in North Wales. In 1316 King Edward II of England (age 28) issued a license to crenellate.

Calendars. 16 Oct 1313. Westminster.

Pardon to Thomas, Earl of Lancaster (age 35), and his adherents, followers, and confederates, of all causes of anger, indignation, suits, accusations, &c, arisen in any manner on account of Peter de Gavaston, from the time of the king's marriage with his dear companion Isabella, whether on account of the capture, detention, or death of Peter de Gavaston, or on account of any forcible entries into any towns or castles, or any sieges of the same; or on account of having borne arms, or of having taken any prisoners, or of having entered into any confederacies whatever, or in any other manner touching or concerning Peter de Gavaston, or that which befel him. French. [Fœdera: Parl. Writs.]

The like, word for word, to the under-mentioned persons, adherents of Thomas, Earl of Lancaster, for the death of Peter de Gavaston, viz.-

Humphrey de Bohun (age 37), Earl of Hereford and Essex.

Guy de Beauchamp, Earl of Warwick (age 41).

Henry de Percy (age 40).

Robert de Clyfford (age 39).

John Boteturte (age 48).

Robert de Holand.

Griffith de la Pole.

John de Heselarton.

Alexander de Cave.

Thomas le fiz Johan de Heselarton.

Robert de Stepelton.

Jordan de Dalden.

Robert le Conestable of Halsham.

William du Lunde and Thomas le fiz Phelip le Mareschal of Milford.

William Trussel.

William de Dacre (age 47).

William de Holand (age 60).

William la Zusche of Haringworthe (age 48).

Continues with another two hundred or so names.

In 1316 John Warenne 7th Earl Surrey (age 29) attempted to divorce his wife Joan of Bar Countess of Surrey (age 20). He blamed Thomas Earl of Lancaster (age 38) for his failure to obtain a divorce so kidnapped Thomas' wife [his wife] Alice de Lacy (age 34) Thomas retaliated by capturing Conisbrough Castle [Map]; King Edward (age 31) confirmed Thomas as the new owner. Thomas subsequenly rebelled against the King and was executed and King Edward took possession of Conisbrough Castle [Map]. Following the usurption of King Edward the castle was returned to John Warenne 7th Earl Surrey (age 29).

In 1317 [his wife] Alice Lacy Countess Leicester, and Lancaster 5th Countess of Salisbury 5th Countess Lincoln (age 35) was abducted from her manor of Canford, Dorset, by some of the household Knights of John Warenne 7th Earl Surrey (age 30). She may have been complicit in the abduction. Warenne appears to be using the abduction to attack her husband Thomas Plantagenet 2nd Earl of Leicester, 2nd Earl Lancaster, Earl of Salisbury and Lincoln (age 39). Lancaster proceeded to wage war agaonmt Warenne although he didn't request the return of his wife.

In 1318 Thomas Plantagenet 2nd Earl of Leicester, 2nd Earl Lancaster, Earl of Salisbury and Lincoln (age 40) and Alice Lacy Countess Leicester, and Lancaster 5th Countess of Salisbury 5th Countess Lincoln (age 36) were divorced.

Battle of Boroughbridge

Froissart. 1322. THE foresaid king Edward the second (age 37), father to the noble king Edward the third (age 9), on whom our matter is founded, this said king governed right diversely his realm by the exhortation of sir Hugh Spencer (age 36), who had been nourished with him sith the beginning of his yongth; the which sir Hugh (age 36) had so enticed the king (age 37), that his father and he were the greatest masters in all the realm, and by envy thought to surmount all other barons of England; whereby after the great discomfiture that the Scots had made at Stirling [Map] great murmuring there arose in England between. The noble barons and the king's council, and namely against sir Hugh Spencer (age 36). They put on him that by his counsel they were discomfited, and that he was favourable to the king of Scots. And on this point the barons had divers times communication together, to be advised what they might do, whereof Thomas earl of Lancaster (age 44), who was uncle to the king, was chief. And anon when sir Hugh Spencer (age 36) had espied this, he purveyed for remedy, for he was so great with the king (age 37) and so near him, that he was more beloved with the king (age 37) than all the world after. So on a day he came to the king (age 37) and said, 'Sir, certain lords of your realm have made alliance together against you, and without ye take heed thereto betimes, they purpose to put you out of your realm': and so by his malicious means he caused that the king made all the said lords to be taken, and their heads to be stricken off without delay, and without knowledge or answer to any cause. First of all sir Thomas earl of Lancaster (age 44), who was a noble and a wise, holy knight, and hath done sith many fair miracles in Pomfret, where he was beheaded, for the which deed the said sir Hugh Spencer (age 36) achieved great hate in all the realm, and specially of the queen (age 27) and of the earl of Kent (age 20), brother to the king (age 37). And when he perceived the displeasure of the queen (age 27), by his subtle wit he set great discord between the king and the queen (age 27), so that the king (age 37) would not see the queen nor come in her company, the which discord endured a long space. Then was it skewed to the queen (age 27) secretly and to the earl of Kent (age 20), that without they took good heed to themselves, they were likely to be destroyage to Saint Thomas of Canterbury, and so to Winchelsea [Map], and in the night went into a ship that was ready for her, and her young son Edward (age 9) with her, and the earl of Kent (age 20) and sir Roger Mortimer (age 34), and in another ship they had put all their purveyance, and had wind at will, and the next morning they arrived in the haven of Boulogne [Map].

On 16 Mar 1322 the rebel army led by Thomas Plantagenet 2nd Earl of Leicester, 2nd Earl Lancaster, Earl of Salisbury and Lincoln (age 44) attempted to cross the bridge over the River Ure (between Ripon and York) at Boroughbridge Bridge [Map]. Their path was blocked by forces loyal to the King led by Andrew Harclay 1st Earl Carlisle (age 52). Bartholomew Badlesmere 1st Baron Badlesmere (age 46), Roger Mortimer 1st Earl March (age 34), John Botetort 1st Baron Botetort (age 57) and John Maltravers 1st Baron Maltravers (age 32) fought for the rebels. Roger Clifford 2nd Baron Clifford (age 22), Nicholas Longford (age 37), Thomas Plantagenet 2nd Earl of Leicester, 2nd Earl Lancaster, Earl of Salisbury and Lincoln (age 44), John Mowbray 2nd Baron Mowbray (age 35) were captured.

Warin Lisle (age 51) was hanged after the battle at Pontefract [Map].

Following the battle Hugh Audley 1st Earl Gloucester (age 31) and his wife Margaret Clare Countess Gloucester were both imprisoned. He in Nottingham Castle [Map] and she in Sempringham Priory [Map].

John Clinton 2nd Baron Clinton (age 22), Ralph Greystoke 1st Baron Greystoke (age 22), William Latimer 2nd Baron Latimer of Corby (age 46), Robert Lisle 1st Baron Lisle (age 34), Domhnall Mar II Earl Mar (age 29) and Peter Saltmarsh (age 42) fought for the King.

Adam Everingham 1st Baron Everingham of Laxton (age 43) was captured.

Humphrey Bohun 4th Earl Hereford 3rd Earl Essex (age 46) was killed. His son John Bohun 5th Earl Hereford 4th Earl Essex (age 15) succeeded 5th Earl Hereford, 4th Earl Essex.

On 22 Mar 1322 Thomas Plantagenet 2nd Earl of Leicester, 2nd Earl Lancaster, Earl of Salisbury and Lincoln (age 44) was beheaded at Pontefract Castle [Map] following his capture six days before at the Battle of Boroughbridge. He was buried at Pontefract Priory [Map].

On 25 Mar 1322 Andrew Harclay 1st Earl Carlisle (age 52) was created 1st Earl Carlisle in reward for his capture of Thomas Plantagenet 2nd Earl of Leicester, 2nd Earl Lancaster, Earl of Salisbury and Lincoln (deceased) at the Battle of Boroughbridge.

In 1324 Eubulus Strange and [his former wife] Alice Lacy Countess Leicester, and Lancaster 5th Countess of Salisbury 5th Countess Lincoln (age 42) were married. She the daughter of Henry Lacy 4th Earl Lincoln, Earl Salisbury and Margaret Longespée 4th Countess of Salisbury and Lincoln. They were second cousin twice removed. She a great x 3 granddaughter of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England.

Froissart. Oct 1326. AND then this tiding spread about the realm so much, that at the last it came to the knowledge of the lords by whom the queen (age 31) was called again into England. And they apparelled them in all haste to come to Edward (age 13) her son, whom they would have to their sovereign lord. And the first that came and gave them most comfort was [his brother] Henry earl of Lancaster (age 45) with the wry neck, called Tort Col, who was brother to Thomas earl of Lancaster, beheaded as ye have heard herebefore, who was a good knight and greatly recommended, as ye shall hear after in this history. This earl Henry (age 45) came to the queen (age 31) with great company of men of war, and after him came from one part and other earls, barons, knights and squires, with so much people that they thought them clean out of perils, and always increased their power as they went forward. Then they took counsel among them that they should ride straight to the town of Bristow [Map], whereas the king (age 42) was, and with him the Spencers. The which was a good town and a strong, and well closed, standing on a good port of the sea, and a strong castle, the sea beating round about it. And therein was the king (age 42) and Sir Hugh Spencer the elder (age 65), who was about ninety of age, and Sir Hugh Spencer (age 40) his son, who was chief governour of the king (age 42) and counselled him in all his evil deeds. Also there was the earl of Arundel (age 20), who had wedded the daughter (age 14) of sir Hugh Spencer (age 40), and di at Bristow, and besieged the town round about as near as they might: and the king (age 42) and sir Hugh Spencer the younger (age 40) held them in the castle [Map], and the old sir Hugh Spencer (age 65) and the earl of Arundel (age 20) held them in the town. And when the people of the town saw the great power that the queen (age 31) was of (for almost all England was of her accord), and perceived what peril and danger evidently they were in, they took counsel among themselves and determined that they would yield up the town to the queen (age 31), so that their lives and goods might be saved. And so they sent to treat with the queen and her council in this matter; but the queen nor her council would not agree thereto without she might do with sir Hugh Spencer (age 65) and with the earl of Arundel (age 20) what it pleased her. When the people of the town saw they could have no peace otherwise, nor save the town nor their goods nor their lives, in that distress they accorded to the queen (age 31) and opened the gates, so that the queen (age 31) and sir John of Hainault (age 38), and all her barons, knights and squires, entered into the town and took their lodgings within, as many as might, and the residue without. Then sir Hugh Spencer (age 65) and the earl of Arundel (age 20) were taken and brought before the queen (age 31), to do her pleasure with them. Then there was brought to the queen her own children, John her son (age 10) and her two daughters [Note. Eleanor of Woodstock Plantagenet (age 8) and Joan of the Tower Queen Consort Scotland (age 5)], the which were found there in the keeping of the said sir Hugh Spencer (age 65), whereof the queen had great joy, for she had not seen them long 'before. Then the king (age 42) might have great sorrow and sir Hugh Spencer the younger (age 40), who were fast enclosed in the strong castle, and the most part of all the realm turned to the queen's part and to Edward (age 13) her eldest son.

Thomas Plantagenet 2nd Earl of Leicester, 2nd Earl Lancaster, Earl of Salisbury and Lincoln 1278-1322 appears on the following Descendants Family Trees:

King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England 1133-1189

King John "Lackland" of England 1166-1216

King Henry III of England 1207-1272

Eleanor of Aquitaine Queen Consort Franks and England 1122-1204

Raymond Berenguer Provence IV Count Provence 1198-1245

Royal Ancestors of Thomas Plantagenet 2nd Earl of Leicester, 2nd Earl Lancaster, Earl of Salisbury and Lincoln 1278-1322

Kings Wessex: Great x 7 Grand Son of King Edmund "Ironside" I of England

Kings England: Grand Son of King Henry III of England

Kings Scotland: Great x 5 Grand Son of Malcolm III King Scotland

Kings Franks: Great x 3 Grand Son of Louis VII King Franks

Kings France: Great Grand Son of Louis "Lion" VIII King France

Ancestors of Thomas Plantagenet 2nd Earl of Leicester, 2nd Earl Lancaster, Earl of Salisbury and Lincoln 1278-1322

Great x 4 Grandfather: Fulk "Young" King Jerusalem

Great x 3 Grandfather: Geoffrey Plantagenet Duke Normandy

Great x 4 Grandmother: Ermengarde La Flèche De Baugency Countess Anjou

Great x 2 Grandfather: King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England Grand Son of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England

Great x 4 Grandfather: King Henry I "Beauclerc" England Son of King William "Conqueror" I of England

Great x 3 Grandmother: Empress Matilda Daughter of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England

Great x 1 Grandfather: King John "Lackland" of England Son of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England

Great x 3 Grandfather: William "Saint" Poitiers X Duke Aquitaine

Great x 4 Grandmother: Philippa Rouerge Duchess Aquitaine

Great x 2 Grandmother: Eleanor of Aquitaine Queen Consort Franks and England

Great x 4 Grandfather: Aimery Chatellerault Viscount Châtellerault

Great x 3 Grandmother: Aenor Chatellerault Duchess Aquitaine

Great x 4 Grandmother: Dangereuse Ile Bouchard Viscountess Chatellerault

GrandFather: King Henry III of England Son of King John "Lackland" of England

Great x 1 Grandmother: Isabella of Angoulême Queen Consort England

Great x 4 Grandfather: Louis "Fat" VI King France

Great x 3 Grandfather: Peter Courtenay

Great x 4 Grandmother: Adelaide Savoy Queen Consort France

Great x 2 Grandmother: Alice Courtenay Countess Angoulême

Great x 4 Grandfather: Renaud Courtenay

Great x 3 Grandmother: Elizabeth Courtenay

Great x 4 Grandmother: Helene du Donjon

Father: Edmund "Crouchback" Plantagenet 1st Earl of Leicester 1st Earl Lancaster Son of King Henry III of England

Great x 3 Grandfather: Alfonso II King Aragon

Great x 4 Grandmother: Petronilla Jiménez Queen Aragon

Great x 2 Grandfather: Alfonso Barcelona II Count Provence

Great x 3 Grandmother: Sancha Ivrea Queen Consort Aragon

Great x 4 Grandmother: Richeza Unknown Queen Consort Castile Queen Consort Leon

Great x 1 Grandfather: Raymond Berenguer Provence IV Count Provence

Great x 3 Grandfather: Rainou of Sabran

Great x 2 Grandmother: Gersenda II Sabran Countess Provence

GrandMother: Eleanor of Provence Queen Consort England

Great x 4 Grandfather: Amadeus Savoy III Count Savoy

Great x 3 Grandfather: Humbert Savoy III Count Savoy

Great x 4 Grandmother: Mahaut Albon Countess Savoy

Great x 2 Grandfather: Thomas Savoy I Count Savoy

Great x 3 Grandmother: Beatrice Macon Countess Savoy

Great x 1 Grandmother: Beatrice Savoy Countess Provence

Great x 3 Grandfather: William I-Count Geneva

Great x 2 Grandmother: Margaret Geneva Countess Savoy

Thomas Plantagenet 2nd Earl of Leicester, 2nd Earl Lancaster, Earl of Salisbury and Lincoln Grand Son of King Henry III of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: Louis "Fat" VI King France

Great x 3 Grandfather: Louis VII King Franks

Great x 4 Grandmother: Adelaide Savoy Queen Consort France

Great x 2 Grandfather: King Philip II of France 2 x Great Grand Son of King William "Conqueror" I of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: Theobald Blois II Count Champagne IV Count Blois Grand Son of King William "Conqueror" I of England

Great x 3 Grandmother: Adèle Blois Great Grand Daughter of King William "Conqueror" I of England

Great x 4 Grandmother: Matilda Carinthia Countess Champagne and Blois

Great x 1 Grandfather: Louis "Lion" VIII King France 3 x Great Grand Son of King William "Conqueror" I of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: Baldwin Flanders IV Count Hainault

Great x 3 Grandfather: Baldwin Flanders V Count Hainault

Great x 4 Grandmother: Alice Namur Countess Hainault

Great x 2 Grandmother: Isabelle Flanders Queen Consort France

GrandFather: Robert Capet Count of Artois Great Grand Son of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England

Great x 2 Grandfather: Alfonso VIII King Castile

Great x 4 Grandfather: García "Restorer" IV King Navarre

Great x 3 Grandmother: Blanche Ramirez Queen Consort Castile

Great x 4 Grandmother: Marguerite Aigle Queen Consort Navarre

Great x 1 Grandmother: Blanche Ivrea Queen Consort France Grand Daughter of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: Geoffrey Plantagenet Duke Normandy

Great x 3 Grandfather: King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England Grand Son of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England

Great x 4 Grandmother: Empress Matilda Daughter of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England

Great x 2 Grandmother: Eleanor Plantagenet Queen Consort Castile Daughter of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England

Great x 3 Grandmother: Eleanor of Aquitaine Queen Consort Franks and England

Great x 4 Grandmother: Aenor Chatellerault Duchess Aquitaine

Mother: Blanche Capet Queen Navarre 2 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England

Great x 3 Grandfather: Godfrey Reginar VIII Duke Lower Lorraine

Great x 4 Grandmother: Lutgardis Sulzbach Duchess Lower Lorraine

Great x 2 Grandfather: Henry Reginar VIII Duke Lower Lorraine I Duke Brabant

Great x 4 Grandfather: Henry Luxemburg II Duke Limburg

Great x 3 Grandmother: Margaret Luxemburg Duchess Lower Lorraine

Great x 4 Grandmother: Mathilda Saffenburg Duchess Limburg

Great x 1 Grandfather: Henry Reginar II Duke Brabant 3 x Great Grand Son of King William "Conqueror" I of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: Thierry Metz Count Flanders

Great x 3 Grandfather: Matthew Metz Count Boulogne

Great x 2 Grandmother: Maud Metz 2 x Great Grand Daughter of King William "Conqueror" I of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: King Stephen I England Grand Son of King William "Conqueror" I of England

Great x 3 Grandmother: Marie Blois I Countess Boulogne Great Grand Daughter of King William "Conqueror" I of England

Great x 4 Grandmother: Matilda Flanders

GrandMother: Matilda Reginar Countess Saint Pol 4 x Great Grand Daughter of King William "Conqueror" I of England

Great x 2 Grandfather: Philip Swabia

Great x 1 Grandmother: Marie Swabia Duchess Brabant