General Notes

Sir John de Grey, 2nd Baron Grey, one of the 25 chosen by Edward III to assist in founding the Most Noble Order of the Garter. He was born 1300, and in 15th of Edward II, 1322, making proof of his age, had livery of his lands; and in the 1st of Edward III, 1326, was in the wars of Scotland. In 6th of the same reign, upon some difference between his lordship and William le Zouch of Harringworth, another great baron, which was heard before the King, Lord Grey, under the irritation of the moment, drew a knife upon Lord Zouche in the royal presence, where-upon both lords were committed to prison; but Lord Zouche was soon released, while Lord Grey was remanded, and his lands seized upon by the crown. He was, however, within a short time, upon making submission, restored to favour; and in three years afterwards we find his lordship in Scotland, upon the King's service, being in the retinue of Henry, Earl of Lancaster. From this period for several years he was engaged in the French wars, and in 20th of Edward III he obtained license to improve his houses at Rotherfield, County Oxford, and Sculcotes, County York, with embattled walls of lime and stone. The next year, there being a tournament held at Etham, in Kent, amongst other accourtments prepared for that military exercise, his lordship had a hood of white cloth, embroidered with dancing men, in blue habits, buttoned before with pearls, very large, presented to him by the King. In 26th of Edward III, 1352, he was one of the commissioners in the Counties of Oxford and Berks, for arranging and arraying and arming all men of ability within those shires, and leading them against the King's enemies, invasion by the French being threatened at that time. In the next year he was steward of the King's household, and had a summons to Parliament from 1326 to 1359, inclusive. His lordship, in his minority, was not in possession of his lands, and they were granted to various persons by the crown, and an inspection of Hardwick and Rotherfield was ordered as far back as 1317, to safeguard his interests. When he was summoned to Parliament, by writ directed to Johanni de Crey, whereby he became Lord Grey. He married 1st Katherine, daughter of Bryan FitzAlan, and had a son John, his successor, and a daughter Maud. He married 2nd Avice, sister and co-heir of Robert, Lord Marmion, son and daughter of John, Lord Marmion. Robert Marmion died sine prole; being of infirm constitution, he was never summoned to Parliament. He arranged for the marriage of his younger sister Avice to Sir John Grey, upon condition that the issue of Sir John and Avice should bear the name of Marmion. At her brother's death the barony of Marmion of Witrington fell into abeyance between the two sisters, but Joan, the elder sister, married Lord Bernack, and died without issue.