John de Grey, 1st Baron Grey de Rotherfield
Encyclopedia
English people
The English are a nation and ethnic group native to England, who speak English. The English identity is of early mediaeval origin, when they were known in Old English as the Anglecynn. England is now a country of the United Kingdom, and the majority of English people in England are British Citizens...
soldier and courtier.
John Grey of Rotherfield was one of the founder members of the Most Noble Order of the Garter
Order of the Garter
The Most Noble Order of the Garter, founded in 1348, is the highest order of chivalry, or knighthood, existing in England. The order is dedicated to the image and arms of St...
. He is often confused with John Grey of Codnor, who bore the same coat of arms
Coat of arms
A coat of arms is a unique heraldic design on a shield or escutcheon or on a surcoat or tabard used to cover and protect armour and to identify the wearer. Thus the term is often stated as "coat-armour", because it was anciently displayed on the front of a coat of cloth...
(Barry argent and azure).
By December 1349, John was Lord Steward
Lord Steward
The Lord Steward or Lord Steward of the Household, in England, is an important official of the Royal Household. He is always a peer. Until 1924, he was always a member of the Government...
of the Royal Household
Royal Households of the United Kingdom
The Royal Households of the United Kingdom are the organised offices and support systems for the British Royal Family, along with their immediate families...
of King Edward III
Edward III of England
Edward III was King of England from 1327 until his death and is noted for his military success. Restoring royal authority after the disastrous reign of his father, Edward II, Edward III went on to transform the Kingdom of England into one of the most formidable military powers in Europe...
. He distinguished himself well in the Scotch and French wars. He was summoned to parliament many times from 1338 to 1357, and is thus regarded as having become Lord Grey of Rotherfield.
John was the son and heir of Sir John Grey, by Margaret only daughter and coheir of William de Odingbells. He married firstly, shortly before 1313, Katherine Fitzalan, daughter and coheir of Bryan FitzAlan, Lord FitzAlan
Bryan FitzAlan, Lord FitzAlan
Sir Bryan FitzAlan, Baron FitzAlan Knt. was Lord of the Manor of Bedale in Richmondshire, Askham Bryan in the Ainsty, Bainton, Heworth &c., in Yorkshire, Bicker and Graby in Lincolnshire, a J.P., and High Sheriff of Yorkshire, &c...
of Bedale, Yorkshire. He married secondly Avice, daughter of John, 2nd Lord Marmion.