Brancepeth, County Durham is in County Durham.
On 22nd February 1458 Thomas Neville [aged 51] died at Brancepeth, County Durham.
In June 1461 Humphrey Neville [aged 22] was captured at Brancepeth, County Durham.
In 1471 Eleanor Scrope [aged 47] died at Brancepeth, County Durham.
Around 21st December 1478 Isabel Booth [aged 21] died at Brancepeth, County Durham.
On 10th July 1359 William Greystoke 2nd Baron Greystoke [aged 38] died at Brancepeth Castle, County Durham [Map]. His son Ralph [aged 5] succeeded 3rd Baron Greystoke.
Letters. 25th April 1544. Catherine, Countess of Westmoreland [aged 45] to Earl of Shrewsbury [aged 44].
After my most hearty recommendations unto your good lordship, this shall be to advertise the same that my servant, Ninian Meuvill, the bringer hereof, who is a gentleman, and is very desirous to serve the king's majesty on the borders fore anenst Scotland. Wherefore, my lord, I pray you that you would, at this mine instance and desire, admit him to be a eaptain upon the said borders. Trusting that he will so use himself therein or in any other business that it shall please your lordship to put him unto, if it be belonging a gentleman to do, that you shall be contented therewith, or else I would be right loath to write thus in his favour. And Almighty God preserve your good lordship.
From Brandspath [Map], the 25th day of April.
To the Right Honourable and my very good lord, the King's Majesty's Lieutenant, be this given.
[Talbot Papers, Volume B. Folio. 18. College of Arms. Original.]
The Countess of Westmoreland was the second daughter of Edward, Duke of Backingham, and given in marriage to Ralph, Earl of Westmoreland [aged 46], to compensate him for his disappointment, when her elder sister Elizabeth [aged 47], to whom he had been previously plighted, was given in marriage to Thomas, Earl Surrey [aged 71], afterwards 4th Duke of Norfolk. She had a large family of seven sons and nine daughters. She died on Tuesday, May 14th, 1555, and was buried the following Friday at St. Leonard's, Shoreditch.a
The residence of the countess at Colbrandspath exposed her to occasional perils, in the often disturbed state of the northern counties. Thomas Tempest, writing on one occasion to the Duke of Norfolk, detailing some disturbances that had arisen on account of the absence of the Bishop of Durham and Earl of Westmoreland, adds, — "My lady of Westmoreland, with such counsel as she taketh to her, stayeth the country here for a time; I assure your lordship, she rather playeth the part of a knight than of a lady, as your lordship shall well perceive at your coming hither."b
The Earl of Shrewsbury, to whom the present letter is addressed, was appointed lieutenant of the North in the year 1544.
Note a. Harleian MS. 897, fol. 80.
Note b. Miscellaneous Letters, 1st series, vol. iv. fol. 15. State Paper Office.
In June 1319 Robert "Peacock of the North" Neville [aged 32] was killed by James "Black" Douglas [aged 33] in single combat at Berwick-upon-Tweed, Northumberland [Map]. He was buried at St Brandon's Church, Brancepeth.
On 9th June 1396 Margaret Stafford Baroness Neville Raby [aged 32] died. She was buried at St Brandon's Church, Brancepeth.
On 3rd November 1484 Ralph Neville 2nd Earl of Westmoreland [aged 78] died. He was buried at St Brandon's Church, Brancepeth. His nephew Ralph [aged 28] succeeded 3rd Earl of Westmoreland.
Chronicle of Abbot Ralph of Coggeshall
The Chronicle of Abbot Ralph of Coggeshall (Chronicon Anglicanum) is an indispensable medieval history that brings to life centuries of English and European affairs through the eyes of a learned Cistercian monk. Ralph of Coggeshall, abbot of the Abbey of Coggeshall in Essex in the early 13th century, continued and expanded his community’s chronicle, documenting events from the Norman Conquest of 1066 into the tumultuous reign of King Henry III. Blending eyewitness testimony, careful compilation, and the monastic commitment to record-keeping, this chronicle offers a rare narrative of political intrigue, royal power struggles, and social upheaval in England and beyond. Ralph’s work captures the reigns of pivotal figures such as Richard I and King John, providing invaluable insights into their characters, decisions, and the forces that shaped medieval rule. More than a simple annal, Chronicon Anglicanum conveys the texture of medieval life and governance, making it a rich source for scholars and readers fascinated by English history, monastic authorship, and the shaping of the medieval world.
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In December 1660 Daniel Brevint [aged 44] was appointed Rector of St Brandon's Church, Brancepeth.
On 9th August 1704 Ralph Cole 2nd Baronet [aged 74] died. He was buried at St Brandon's Church, Brancepeth. His grandson Nicholas [aged 19] succeeded 3rd Baronet Cole of Brancepeth.