The History of Castle Bytham; Its Ancient Fortress and Manor, Its Feudal Lords, Vaudey Abbey, &C., &C (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1871. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... chapter iv. William De Fortibus, the second Earl of Albemarle of that name, succeeded to his title and estates in the early part of 1215. In Easter week of that year a number of barons assembled at Stamford against King John. The Earl of Albemarle is especially mentioned as one who did not join in this rebellion. Perhaps his mother's recent death kept him in retirement; or he might not have made up his mind as to the side he would take. Neither grief nor indecision, however, could long keep him inactive in such trying and perilous times. In the next year he placed himself on the side of the barons against the King; and was one of the celebrated twenty-five chosen to enforce the observance of Magna Charta. Before the year was out he changed sides, and, as already mentioned, was with King John in his lamentable expedition to the North. For this service he was rewarded with the Castles of Bytham, Rockingham, and Mount Sorrel. Immediately after the accession of Henry iii., he was ordered to restore to William de Colvile the Castle of Bytham, and refused to do so. His erratic and headstrong disposition soon began to show itself. About the year 1218, William Longspec, Earl of Salisbury, wrote to Hubert de Burgh, the Justiciary, declaring that all contracts and agreements between the Earl of Albemarle and himself were at an end, and that if the former committed any act which he ought not to do, he wished the justiciary to be apprised that he was in no way answerable ( About the middle of May, 1219, the Earl of Pembroke, who had well and wisely filled the office of Regent since the accession of the new King, was removed by death. In his place, Peter des Roches, Bishop of Winchester, was appointed. Under this new Regent, Henry made a progress into several counties, his c...