Robert De Holland

Notes for Sir Robert de HOLLAND
He received knighthood about 1261

2Sir Robert de Holland (ca 1270-10/7/1378) began as a Lancashire Squire, and owed his advancement to his position to the household of the feudal lord, Thomas, Earl of Lancaster, grandson of King Henry III through the King's second son, Edmund, and nephew of Edward I.

Sir Robert de Holland took part in the Scottish wars at the end of the reign of King Edward I and the beginning of the reign of King Edward II. This was in the 1290's when a disputed succession to the throne of Scotland, and the formation of a Franco-Scottish alliance, brought Edward to Scotland as an invader. Although he declared himself King of Scotland in 1296 (and carried off the Stone of Scone, the symbol of Scottish kingship, to Westminster Abbey), William Wallace's rebellion (1297-1305) required a second conquest of Scotland and led to the capture and execution of Wallace. Edward incorporated Scotland with England, however, the celebrated Robert Bruce now rebelled, and Edward I died while on an expedition against him (1307). Edward II (1307-1327) lost Scotland to Bruce at the Battle of Bannockburn (1314).

For his valiant service in the Scottish turmoils, the crown bestowed on Sir Robert de Holland seven manors in Derbyshire.

In 1307, when he rode at a tournament held outside of London in the field of Stepney, where he bore for arms "Azure, a lion rampant quadrant, between six fleurs-de-lys argent."

Also, in 1307, Sir Robert de Holande obtained further territorial rights from the Crown and was given leave to fortify his mansions of Holland in Lancashire. He was appointed Chief Justice of Chester.

In 1308 Sir Robert de Holande married Lady Maud de la Zouche (1290-5/21/1341) co-heiress with Alan, Lord de la Zouche of Asby de la Zouche in the county of Leicester who was the great grandson of King Henry II by Rosamond de Clifford. 1314-1321 he was summoned to Parliament. His fortune fell with that of the Earl of Lancaster.

In the 11th of Edward II, obtained a grant from the king, in fee, of the manors of Melburne, Newton, Osmundleston, Swarkeston, Chelardeston, Normanton and Wybeleston, in county Derby with divers liberties and privileges. The 5th of Edward II he was constituted governor of Beeston Castle in com. Crest; in the 8th of Edward II he was summoned to parliament among the barons of the realm; also the 9th, 11th, 12th, 13th, and 14th year of the reign.

But on the 15th of Edward II, upon the insurrection made faithfully promised from his assistance, nevertheless failed him, wherein he incurred such hatred from the people, for thus abandoning his lord (who had raised him from nothing), that the 2nd of Edward III (1328), being accused of treason and his estates confiscated, he was taken in a wood near Henley Park, SIr Robert de Holland was beheaded October 7, 1328 and his sent sent to Henry, Earl of Lancaster, then at Waltham Cross, county Essex, by Sir Thomas Wyther, and some other private friends.