Robert Clifford, 1st Lord of Skipton
Roger Clifford, 2nd Lord of Skipton
John Clifford, 7th Lord of Skipton
Thomas Clifford, 8th Lord of Skipton
John Clifford `The Butcher`,9th Lord of Skipton
Henry Clifford, 10th Lord Of Skipton
Henry Clifford 11th Lord Of Skipton and 1st Earl Of Cumberland
After Robert de Clifford was granted the Honour and Castle of Skipton by Edward II in March 1310, Skipton Castle became the principal seat of this great fighting family, whose vast estates made them the most powerful Lords of the North of England for over 350 years, active and influential both at local national level.
Below are some details of a few of the more important Cliffords.
Robert Clifford, 1st Lord of Skipton
One of Edward I's most distinguished soldiers and administrators. He held the office of Marshall of England.
He was killed at the battle of Bannockburn in 1314
Roger Clifford, 2nd Lord of Skipton
He was involved in a rebellion against King Edward I's favourite Huge Lord de Despencer, and ultimately against the King him self. The rebel forces were brought to battle by the King's forces in Boroughbridge in March 1322 at which Roger Clifford received severe wounds. Forced to surrender, he was condemned to death and held captive in York. Reprieved, probably because of his wounds, he survived until 1326. His estates were forfeited, including Skipton castle. They were restored to Robert, 3rd Lord of Skipton in 1327.
John Clifford, 7th Lord of Skipton
A fine soldier who fought for Henry V in France. He took part in the siege of Harfleur and fought at Agincourt in 1415. He also took part in the siege of Cherbourg and received its surrender. He was rewarded for his service to the king by creating a knight of the order of the garter. He was killed at the siege of Meaux in 1422.
Thomas Clifford, 8th Lord of Skipton
He was killed at the battle of St Albans, the first battle of the battle of the war of the Roses in 1455. Thomas Clifford and the Lancastrians were beaten by forces led by the Duke of York and Richard Neville, Earl of Warwick.
John Clifford `The Butcher`,9th Lord of Skipton.
He was determined to avenge his fathers death. The Duke of York was killed in the battle of Wakefield in 1460, and Clifford as principle Red Rose.
Commander was Knighted on the battlefield as a reward for the death of so many men. He is reputed to have cut of York's head and put it on the gates of York. He is also said to of killed York's teenage son, Edmund, Earl of Rutland, in cold blood after he had surrendered thus earning the nickname "Butcher". He was killed at the battle of Towton in 1461.
Henry Clifford, 10th Lord Of Skipton
For fear of Yorkist reprisals, The young Henry was entrusted to the care of the sheperd's family near Londesborough, Hence his title "The Shepherd lord". After the battle of Bosworth , Henry is restored "in blood and honours". He was one of the chief commanders in the battle of Flodden against the Scots in 1513
Henry Clifford, 11th Lord Of Skipton and 1st Earl Of Cumberland
A close Friend of Henry VIII, Known for his extravagant lifestyle. He was active in border warfare against the Scots and defended Skipton Castle in the name of king during the pilgrimage of grace in 1536. He was created Knight of the order of the carter. His son Henry married lady Eleanor Brandon, the King's niece.
George Clifford, 3rd Earl of Cumberland.
The most flamboyant member of the Clifford family, an entravagant courtier and naval adventurer. He was an accomplished jouster - the Queen's Champion. He was a distinguished Admiral who played an important part in the destruction of the Spanish Armada and was first Governor of the East India Company.
Lady
Anne Clifford One of the most
famous members of the Clifford family, Lady Anne is
celebrated for her diary and her tireless restoration of her
properties, badly damaged in the Civil War.
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All this is from The Skipton Castle Teachers Resource Pack.
since 18 April
1998