William de Vesci (d.1297)
William de Vesci | |
|---|---|
 Coat of arms of William de Vesci, during the lifetime of his brother. Or, a cross sable, a label of five points Gules | |
| Noble family | de Vesci |
| Spouse(s) | Isabella de Perinton |
| Father | William de Vesci |
| Mother | Agnes de Ferrers |
William de Vesci or Vescy (died 1297) was a prominent 13th-century noble. He was a son of William de Vesci and his second wife Lady Agnes de Ferrers, daughter of William de Ferrers, 5th Earl of Derby, and his first wife Sibyl Marshal.
_arms_(alternate).svg)
He founded the Grey Abbey in Kildare, Ireland for the Franciscans in 1260. During the Second Barons' War campaign of 1265, William held Gloucester Castle against Prince Edward. He was pardoned afterwards and entered the service of King Henry III of England. He served against the Welsh in 1277 and later in 1282. He was appointed the justice of the forests north of the Trent in 1285.
Upon the death of his brother John de Vesci in 1289, William succeeded to the family estates, including as Lord of Sprouston in Scotland. He was also granted the Constable of Scarborough Castle between 1289 and 1292. William was sent with Antony Bek, Bishop of Durham in 1289 to represent King Edward I of England in Scotland. He also founded White Abbey, near Kildare, Ireland for the Carmelites in 1290.
Upon the death of Margaret, Maid of Norway in 1290, William became one of the competitors for the Crown of Scotland, deriving his claim from his grandmother, Margaret, illegitimate daughter of William the Lion and the wife of Eustace fitz John. William's claim was withdrawn on the eve of King Edward I of England announcing which of the claimants would inherit the throne in 1292.
With the death of his mother, Agnes on 11 May
While he regained the king's favour, William did not regain his position of Lord Justice in Ireland, however, he was restored to his former position as justiciar of the forests beyond Trent. He was sent to
Marriage and legacy
He married Isabella, daughter of Adam de Perinton and widow of Robert de Welles. They had issue:
- John de Vesci, d. 1295. He married Clemence de Avagour, a kinswoman of Queen Eleanor in 1286.
He also fathered an illegitimate son, William de Vescy of Kildare, with Devorgille, daughter of Donal Roe MacCarthy Mór, Prince of Desmond.
Arms
During the lifetime of his brother, John, William bore arms blazoned: Or, a cross Sable, debruised by a label of five points Gules. Upon succeeding John, William bore arms blazoned Or, a cross Sable. These arms were later inherited by his illegitimate son, William.[2]
References
This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain: "Vescy, William de". Dictionary of National Biography. London: Smith, Elder & Co. 1885–1900.
