Honour of Pontefract

The Honour of Pontefract, otherwise known as the Feudal Barony of Pontefract, is a medieval English feudal barony which has existed since 1068 in present-day West Yorkshire.

History

The honour was first granted to Ilbert de Lacy, 1st Baron Pontefract by William the Conqueror following his participation in the Harrying of the North. His son Robert supported Robert Curthose and was banished, the Honour being transferred to a Henry Traverse. Traverse himself was murdered three days later, and the barony changed hands again to Hugh de la Val. The de Lacy family were restored as Barons during the reign of King Stephen, though records dispute over whether Robert himself was still alive to regain his title or if it was his son, Ilbert.^[1] In 1294 the Honour was inherited by Thomas, 2nd Earl of Lancaster by marriage to a daughter of the 9th Baron, which later passed to the Duchy of Lancaster.

In 1625, Charles I granted the Honour to Sir John Savile, giving him the title of Baron Savile.^[2]

Barons Pontefract

1st Creation (1068-1106)

• Ilbert de Lacy, 1st Baron Pontefract (1045-1093)
• Robert de Lacy, 2nd Baron Pontefract (d. bef. 1130)

2nd Creation

• Henry Traverse, 1st Baron Pontefract

3rd Creation

• Hugh de la Val, 1st Baron Pontefract

1st Creation (restored)

• Robert de Lacy, 2nd Baron Pontefract (d. bef. 1130)^{[note 1]}
• Ilbert de Lacy, 3rd Baron Pontefract (d.c.1141)
• Henry de Lacy, 4th Baron Pontefract (d.1177)
• Robert de Lacy, 5th Baron Pontefract (d.1193)
• Roger de Lacy, 6th Baron of Pontefract (1170–1211), a great-grandson of Albreda de Lacy, daughter of the 2nd Baron.
• John de Lacy, 7th Baron Pontefract (c. 1192 – 22 July 1240)
• Edmund de Lacy, 8th Baron of Pontefract (c.1230-1258)
• Henry de Lacy, 9th Baron of Pontefract (c.1251–1311)

notes

1. Official records dispute over whether Robert was still alive to regain his title.

References

1. Fox, George, History of Pontefract, in Yorkshire (London, 1827), p.88-89.
2. Fox, History of Pontefract, pp.162-163.