Sir Alan la Zouche
Events
Date of Birth: 9 October 1267.
Place of Birth: North Molton, Devon.
The date and place are given by the Complete Peerage (12B:935). The date is recorded in the inquisition post mortem of Alan’s father Roger and in Alan’s proof of age below.
Date of Death: shortly before 25 March 1314.
Place of Burial: Brackley, Northamptonshire.
The date and place are given by the Complete Peerage (12B:936).
Relationships
Father: Roger la Zouche.
Mother: Ela Longespee.
These relationships are given by the Complete Peerage (12B:935).
Spouse: Eleanor de Segrave.
The Complete Peerage (12B:936) states that Alan “is said to” have married Eleanor, citing Nichols (3:635). The relationship is recorded in The Book of Lacock, probably written in the mid-14th century, although it is a late 16th century copy which survives.
Children:
(Complete source citations for facts about the children on this page are currently outside of the scope of this project.)
Ellen la Zouche (born about 1288) married (1) Nicholas de Saint Maur; married (2) Sir Alan de Cherleton.
Maud la Zouche (born about 1290) married Robert de Holand.
Elizabeth la Zouche (born about 1294).
Evidence
Alan’s proof of age (CIPM v.2 no. 741):
Alan son and heir of Roger la Zusche alias la Zuch, la Souche.
Writ to Peter Heym and Robert de Radington, to enquire whether the said Alan, who is in the king's wardship, is of full age, as he says, or not, 20 June, 17 Edw. I.
Devon.
Inq. The eve of St. Margaret, 17 Edw. I.
The said Alan, who was born at North Molton and baptized in the church there, was 21 on the day of St. Denis, 16 Edw. I.
Proof of age (defective).
The abbot of Lyleshull says the said Alan was born in Devon on the feast of St. Denis, and was 22 at that feast last past, and he knows it because he was keeper of a grange of Alan's father at Assheby four years ago, and knew from his father and mother that he was then 18.
The prior of Repindon agrees, and knows it because his predecessor was created prior in the same year and was prior for twelve years, and he himself has now been prior for ten years.
The prior of Swaveseye agrees, for he has been prior for twenty years, and saw him (Alan) before his creation when he was 2 years old.
The prior of Ulvescroft agrees, for he has enquired from religious men, and especially from the nuns of Gracedieu who dwell near Alan's father's manor of Assheby.
Brother William Ysnach of Gerendon agrees, for he sued the pleas of the house for nearly twenty-two (?) years, and Alan was born at the feast of St. Denis preceding.
Geoffrey prior of Brackele agrees, for he was always with Alan's ancestors and ... twenty-four years ago, and within two years following Alan was born.
Richard le Flemyng, knight, agrees, and knows it from the wife of William de Raleye who nursed Alan.
John Punchardon, knight, agrees, for he held his land for such a time.
Alfred de Suleny, knight, agrees, for his firstborn son was born on the same day.
John de Curteny, knight, agrees, for his mother died at Easter before Alan was born.
William (?) de Sancto Albino, knight, agrees, for his brother gave him certain land, which he has held for twenty-one years, and one year previously Alan was born.
William L'Estrange (Extraneus), knight, agrees, for his (Alan's ?) father made him a knight sixteen years ago last Christmas, when Alan carried the sword before him, and was then 6 years old, except between Christmas and St. Denis.
Robert de Crues, knight, agrees, for he has a daughter of the same age.
Henry la Zuche, clerk, agrees, for he is his uncle, and likewise knows it from him who was at that time parson of the church of Hamme.
Walter parson of Manecestre agrees, for the church of Karlingford in Ireland was given to him nearly twenty-two years ago, and when the news came to him in Devon Alan's mother lay in childbed.
Robert parson of Pakinton agrees, for he was instituted into his vicarage at the Purification last past now twenty-two years ago, and Alan was born at the feast of St. Denis following.
from the Calendar of the Close Rolls (1288-1296, p. 63):
1290 Jan. 10. Westminster
To Archibald le Breton and Robert de Edenham, and the other executors of the will of Richard le Brus. Order to deliver to Alan la Zuche, son and heir of Roger la Zusche, tenant in chief, al the issues received since the day of Roger's death from the manors of Essebi la Zuche and Northmulton, which were in Richard's custody from the feast of St. Denis, in the 16th year of the reign, as it appears by proof of age made before the king that Alan was of full age at the said feast, at which day Alan offered to the king in Gascony his homage, and prayed to have his inheritance delivered to him, which homage the king for certain reasons deferred taking, promising to save him harmless in this behalf, and the king has now taken his homage, granting to him all issues of the lands whereof his father was seised at his death. Like order to the sheriff of Wilts for lands in that county.
Alan’s inquisitions post mortem (CIPM v.5, no. 458):
Alan la Zousche alias la Zuche, la Souche
Writ (missing).
Wiltshire, Hundred of Rughebergh.
Inq. 24 April, 7 Edw. II. [1314]
Stupellavyntone. A moiety of a messuage, 1 carucate land, and 71s. rent, were sometime given by the said Alan to John la Zouch for life, with remainder to William Forstal and his heirs and assigns for ever, rendering 14 marks yearly to the heirs of the said Alan after the death of the said John; and they are held of Henry de Waletone by service of 1/4 knight’s fee.
Ellen and Maud his daughters, are his next heirs, and Maud the younger is aged 24.
Devon.
Inq. 3 May, 7 Edw. II.
Northmolton. The manor (extent given), held of the king in chief by serjeanty of finding an armed man with a barded horse in the king’s army for 40 days at his own charges.
Heirs as above.
Northampton
Inq. 20 April, 7 Edw. II.
Hals. A capital messuage, 20s. rent of freemen, 3l. 8s. works of 16 customers, working daily except Saturday from the feast of St. Michael to the feast of St. Augustine the primate (primi) of the English, and 7l. 4s. works of the same customers from the feast of St. Augustine to the feast of St. Michael, 416a. arable in demesne, 30a. meadow, plots of pasture, a wind-mill, 12s. from standings (stationibus) at Brackele, and 80s. from a fair and market in Brackele, and customs called ‘Waterselver’ and ‘Ripselver,’ held of the king in chief, as parcel of the honour of Winchester, by service of 1/2 knight’s fee.
Heirs as above, Elna the wife of Sir Nicholas de Sancto Mauro [alias Seymor], and Maud the wife of Sir Robert de Holand, both aged 26 and more.
Sussex.
Inq. 20 May, 7 Edw. II.
Treve. The manor with the advowson of the chapel, 12l. yearly rent in Nutburne, and the advowson of the church of Childyngton, held for life of the gift and grant of William Poor of Swaveseye, chaplain, by fine levied in the king’s court, with remainders to William la Zouche of Richard’s Castle and the heirs of his body, and to the right heirs of the said Alan. The manor of Treve with the advowson of the chapel are held of Henry de Percy in chief by service of 5 knights’ fees, and the 12l. yearly rent in Nutburne and the advowson of the church of Childyngton are held in chief of Robert de Mouhaut, Roger de Sumery, and the heirs of Robert de Tatteshale by knight’s service.
Heirs, Ellen aged 26, and Maud aged 24, as above, and a younger daughter, Elizabeth, aged 20, who has taken the garb of the nuns at Brewode.
Oxford.
Inq. 13 May, 7 Edw. II.
Shipton. A view of frankpledge of the tenants of Maud de Paulton receiving from them 2s. for all services, held of the king in chief, service unknown.
Sibbeford Gower. Another view of frankpledge worth 8s. yearly.
The said Maud holds the said manor of Sypton of Alan la Zouche by service of 1/2 knight’s fee, and he held the lordship of the same with that of the manor of Sibbeford, and the view of frankpledge of the said town, of the king in chief by service of 1 1/2 knight’s fee.
Shipton. The manor was held of the said Alan for 1 knight’s fee.
Sibbeford was held for 1 knight’s fee.
Stoke Basset. He used to receive for the manor 10l. rent yearly, of which eight years ago he enfeoffed John de Cherletone for life, with reversion to the said Alan and his heirs.
Heirs, Ellen aged 27, and Maud aged 24 and more, as above.
Hertford.
Inq. 20 April, 7 Edw. II.
Great Gatisdene. The manor (extent given), with the advowson of the church, held of Thomas earl of Lancaster, as of the inheritance of Alesia his wife, by service of 1 knight’s fee and a pair of gloves furred with gris (de griso) yearly at his manor of Holmere; and a messuage, 1 carucate land, and a water-mill, held of him by Richard le Chaumberleyn by service of 1/3 knight’s fee.
Heirs, Ellen aged 26, and Maud aged 24, as above.
Cambridge.
Inq. 27 April, 7 Edw. II. (defective and defaced.)
Swaviseye and Fulbourne. The manors (extents given), with the advowson of the priory of Swaviseye, a meadow called Eye, and a water-mill at Newenham, held for life, of the gift of William Por of Swaviseye, chaplain, by fine levied in the king’s court, with remainders to William la Zouche of Richard’s Castle and the heirs of his body, and to the right heirs of the said Alan, of the earl of Richemund in chief by service of a pair of gilt spurs.
Heirs, Ellen, Maud, and Elizabeth, as above.
Writ of certiorari de feodis, &c. 27 March, 7 Edw. II.
Northampton. Inq. Tuesday the feast of St. George, 7 Edw. II.
Wodeford. 1 knight’s fee held by Richard Basset.
Blacolvysle. 1/2 knight’s fee held by William la Zusch of Haringworth.
Farnyngho. 1 knight’s fee held by Robert del Ile.
Maydeford and Atneston. 1 knight’s fee held by Robert Kynne of Maydeford.
Waldegrave and Northtoft. 1/4 knight’s fee held by John son of Thomas le Lord.
Haselbech. 1/2 knight’s fee held by Hugh de Scales.
Haldeneby. 1 knight’s fee held by William de Nevile and William son of John de Haldeneby.
Byfeld. 1/2 knight’s fee held by Simon de Verneye; and there is there a certain hospital of St. John.
There is no advowson in the county.
Huntingdon.
Inq. 3 May, 7 Edw. II.
Sutho Wyncestre. A messuage and 2 carucates land, held by Oliver la Zousche by service of 1 knight’s fee.
Dodington. 3 carucates land held by the said Oliver by service of 1/2 knight’s fee.
Eynisberi. 5 virgates land held by the same by service of 1/6 knight’s fee.
Devon..
Inq. 5 May, 7 Edw. II.
King’s Nymet. The manor held by Geoffrey de Cornwall in chief by knight’s service.
Blaketoriton. The manor held by Emery la Zuche by knights’ service.
Blaketoriton. The advowson of the church.
Northam. The advowson of the church.
Cambridge.
Inq. 29 April, 7 Edw. II.
Trumpetone. A messuage, 1 carucate land, and the advowson of the church, held by John de Kaylly [alias de Cailly] by service of 1 knight’s fee.
Orewell. A messuage, 2 carucates land, and the advowson of the church, held by William de Kyrkeby by service of 1 knight’s fee.
Wynepol and Arnyngton. A messuage and 1 carucate land held by Warin de Bassingeburne of Wynepol by service of 1 knight’s fee.
Writ to enquire concerning the manor of Asheby la Zusehe, of which no mention is made in the inquisition lately returned into the chancery, 10 June, 7 Edw. II.
Leicester.
Inq. Saturday after the Assumption, 8 Edw. II.
Asscheby la Zouch. The manor was held for life, by fine levied in the king’s court, excepting homage, services of all free tenants, and view of frankpledge, of which services and view the said Alan died seised in fee, of John Comyn, sometime earl of Buchan (Boughan), by service of 2 knights’ fees. The manor, excepting the services and view aforesaid, ought to remain to William la Zoueh of Richard’s Castle.
Heirs, Ellen aged 27, and Maud aged 24, as above.
Writ of (plenius) certiorari de feodis &c. 28 Sept. 8 Edw. II.
Gloucester.
Inq. Monday the feast of SS. Simon and Jude, 8 Edw. II.
Ebrighton, Hudecote, Clopton, Farnecote, Catteslade, Little Guyting, and Teynton. 4 1/2 knights’ fees and a third part of 1/4 (?) knight’s fee held by Roger Corbet.
He had no advowson in the county.
Salop.
Inq. 14 Jan. 8 Edw. II.
Donyngton. 1/2 knight’s fee held by Hugh de Beaumeys.
He had no advowsons in the county.
Northampton.
Inq. 5 Nov. 8 Edw. II.
Brack[le], Evenle, and Sibbeford. 1 knight’s fee held by the master of the hospital of St. John, Brack[le].
Yelvertoft. 1 knight’s fee held by Thomas de la Husee, Henry le Botiler, and Henry de Pydenton of Zelvertoft.
Farnyngho. 1/2 knight’s fee held by the abbot of Leycestre.
Brack[le]. 1/4 knight’s fee held by the same abbot.
Atneston. 1/4 knight’s fee held by the prior of Canons’ Esseby.
Yelvertoft. The advowson of the church.
Brack[le]. The advowson of a leper hospital without Brack[le].
Wiltshire..
Inq. 23 Dec. 8 Edw. II.
Aldredestone. A messuage and 6 bovates land, with the advowson of the church, held of the heirs of the said Alan by Ingelram Berengier by service of 1/8 knight’s fee.
Wynterburnestok. The manor held for life of the said heirs in free socage by Joan, sometime the wife of Hugh Wake, with remainder to the heirs of the said Hugh.
Northtodeworth. 2 messuages and 2 carucates land held of the heirs of the said Alan by the prior of Maydenebradele and the heirs of Fulk de Penbrig by service of 1/2 knight’s fee.
Lincoln.
Inq. Wednesday the feast of St. Edmund the king, 8 Edw. II.
Croxton and Kirnington. 100s. rent held of the said Alan by Roger de Sancto Andrea by service of 1/6 knight’s fee.
Croxton, Kirnington, Stainton, and Wolrickby. 100s. rent held by Richard de Boselingthorp by service of 1/6 knight’s fee.
Croxton and Kirnington. 100s. rent jointly held by William de Bernack and William de Brinhinghurst by service of 1/6 knight’s fee.
Croxton. The advowson of two parts of the church.
Hertford.
Inq. 10 Dec. 8 Edw. II.
Benyngho. 1/4 knight’s fee held by the earl of Oxford; and 1/2 knight’s fee called ‘Chelsen’ held by the master of the knights of the Temple in England.
Heyle in the parish of Amewelle. 1/4 knight’s fee held by the abbot and convent of Westminster.
Hertford, Essex, Bedford, and Worcester. Ware, Clone, Styvington, and Harwe. The manors held by Thomas son of John Wake, who is in the king’s wardship, for 3 knights’ fees, of the said Alan, of John son of John de Ferrar [iis], who is in the king’s wardship, and of the heirs of the earl of Buchan (Boughan), co-heirs of the earl of Wyncestre, by service of 1/2 mark yearly.
[Bedford.]
Flytte. 1/3 knight’s fee held by Robert de Kendale, knight.
[Hertford.]
Ware. The advowson of the priory pertains to the said Alan, John son of John, and the heirs of the earl of Buchan.
Oxford..
Inq. 6 Dec. 8 Edw. II.
Munstre. The manor held by Joan, daughter and heir of John Lovel of Tychemersh, who is in the king’s wardship, of the honour of Wyncestre, as of the pourparty and fee of Alan la Zouche, for 1/2 knight’s fee.
Stoke Basset. The manor held of the same fee by Nicholas de Moeles for 1 whole fee.
Chynnore. 1/3 knight’s fee held by Oliver la Zouche.
Cherleton upon Ottemour. 1/2 knight’s fee held by the abbot of St. Evroul (Ebrulphi).
Fenkote and Mourkote. 1/2 knight’s fee held by Richard de la Bere.
Sibbeford Gower. A messuage and 10 virgates land held by the master of the knights of the Temple in England for 1/4 knight’s fee; 1/4 and 1/20 knight’s fee held by the abbot of Oseneye and the prioress of Pynnele; and 1/4, 1/8, and 1/30 knight’s fee held by William de Burithorp and twenty others (names given).
Shipton. 1/2 knight’s fee held by Maud de Penton and Roger her son.
[Berkshire.]
West Ildesle. 1/3 knight’s fee held by Maud, daughter of Ralph son of Ralph de Bradefeud.
Leicester.
Inq. Thursday after St. Martin, 8 Edw. II. (defective.)
[Chaucombe] Dalby. 1 knight’s fee held by Master William de Bosco.
B[itle]sb[y.] 1 knight’s fee held by Theobald de Verdon.
Norton and Little S[tret]ton. 1/2 knight’s fee held by William de Bereford, justice.
Munstreton and [Polte]ney. 1 knight’s fee held by Robert de Natton [alias de Napton].
Glen Magna, Carleton Curly, Rolleston, and Schanqeton. 1 knight’s fee held by John son of Reginald and Peter son of Reginald.
Hunkote. [1] knight’s fee held by Robert Burdet.
Petlyng [alias Peutlyn] Magna. The manor with its members, held by the abbot of St. Evroul in Normandy for 1 knight’s fee of the said Alan and the other heirs of Roger de Quynci, sometime earl of Winchester.
Loqynton. 1/2 knight’s fee held by the abbot of Leycestre.
Scitheston. 1/8 knight’s fee held by John son of Peter de Clenefeld.
Quatton [alias Whatton]. 1/4 knight’s fee held by William le Bredon.
Dadelton [alias Dadelyngton]. 1/16 knight’s fee held by John Spigournel.
Alton and Raveneston. 1/12 knight’s fee held by Ralph Basset of Sapkote.
Overton Sause. 1/12 knight’s fee held by Nicholas de Craumford.
Blacfordeby. 1/2 knight’s fee held by the abbot of Lilsul; and 1/12 knight’s fee held by William Trwan [alias Trawn].
Schanqeton [alias Scaunqeton] and Herdewik. 1/20 knight’s fee held by John Welehby.
Lilsul [alias Lillishill]. The advowson of the abbey held by the said Alan.
Gernedon. The advowson of the abbey held by the said Alan together with the heirs of the earl of Buchan (Bohan, Boghhan).
Lahton and Mercfeld. The patronage of the churches.
Warwick.
Wolvey. 1/4 knight’s fee held by the master of the late knights of the Temple in England; and three parts of 1 knight’s fee held by the abbot of Coumbe and the heirs of Thomas de Laycestre, knight.
Wolvey Ward. 1 knight’s fee held by the heirs of Master William de Bosco.
Haleford. 1 knight’s fee held by Robert Burdet, knight.
Secqenden. 1/6 knight’s fee held by William Martyn, knight.
Edulvescote and Molverton. 1/2 knight’s fee held by John Spygournel.
Certiorari
Alan la Zouche, son of Roger la Zouche.
Commission of certiorari to Thomas Cheyne, escheator, William Brightelegh, William Servynton and William Luscote to enquire what estate the said Alan had at his death in the manor of Northmolton, and to whose hands the manor has come and who has since received the issues. 25 May, 41 Edward III. By K. and C. [1367]
Devon.
Inq. taken before Thomas Cheyne, escheator, William Brithlegh and William Luscote at Northmolton, Monday after the Translation of St. Edward the King, 41 Edward III.
Northmolton. Roger la Souche was seised of the manor, to which the advowson of the church belonged, in demesne as of fee and right, and gave the same to Alan la Souche, his son, and Eleanor his son’s wife, and the heirs of their bodies. Alan and Eleanor were seised thereof and received the profits, and had issue Maud and Ellen. Maud married Robert de Holand, and Ellen Nicholas Seymore. Afterwards Alan died in seisin of the manor and advowson, and of other manors in other counties, in 1 Edward II, and Eleanor was in possession of the manor and advowson for nearly a year after his death. When she died, the said Robert and Maud and Nicholas and Ellen entered into the aforesaid manor and the other manors, as of the right and inheritance of Maud and Ellen, and a partition was made between them, so that the manor and advowson of Northmolton and certain manors in other counties fell to the pourparty of Nicholas and Ellen, who continued their estate therein, for nearly 8 years, as the jurors believe, and had issue a certain Nicholas Seymor. Afterwards Nicholas the father died; and after his death Ellen was in possession of the manor and advowson as her right and inheritance for nearly a quarter of a year. She afterward married Alan de Churleton, and they held the manor for nearly 30 years. Ellen died in seisin thereof, and after her death Alan de Churleton held it by the courtesy of England for nearly 15 years, and died in seisin. After his death the king caused the escheator to seize the manor into his hand, and by his writ caused it to be delivered to Nicholas son of Nicholas as son and heir of Ellen, who was in possession for half a year and died in seisin thereof. After his death the king, by reason of the minority of Richard, his son and heir, caused the manor to be seized by the escheator into his hands, and from that time received the issues thereof until by his letters patent he granted the custody of the manor and heir to the lady Isabel his daughter until the lawful age of the heir. The said lady is still receiving the issues.
from The Book of Lacock (appendix, p. v):
De Stephano, 2 filio, et ejus sequela.
Stephanus Lungespee sub rege H.iii. Justiciarius in Hibernia et Dominus captialis erat ordinatus. Duxit in uxorem Emelinam Comitissam de Ulton, per quam erat Comes de Ulton; genuit ex ea (1) Elam de la Souch, quam duxit Rogerus de la Souch, de qua Alanus de la Souch, qui duxit in uxorem Alianorum filiam Nicholai de Segrave, de qua genuit Elam, Matildam, Elizabetham…
References
Calendars of Inquisitions Post Mortem (Public Record Office, generally available online at British History Online, HathiTrust, the Internet Archive, or Mapping the Medieval Countryside).
Cokayne, George Edward, and Vicary Gibbs; et al. The complete peerage of England, Scotland, Ireland, Great Britain and the United Kingdom, extant, extinct, or dormant [2nd ed.]. (London: St. Catherine Press, 1910-59).
Nichols, John. The History and Antiquities of the Count of Leicester (1795-1815).