LINEAGE 2: ELDER BRANCH - EARLS OF DERBY

ELDER BRANCH OF KNOCKIN CASTLE

In the 12th Century, 3rd generation from Ralph of Hunstanton, this Senior Hunstanton branch expanded its holdings in Shropshire. Their principal seat was a fortified residence, later known as Knockin Castle, in a village near Oswestry.

Founder Hunstanton Estate 1086: Ralph Herluin (of Hunstanton)

|

Matilda + Roland le Strange

|

John le Strange I of Hunstanton, & Marcher Fiefs; Ness, Myddle, Cheswardine Castles, natural Heir to Knockin Castle however it went to his Brother Guy le Strange instead

KNOCKIN CASTLE WENT TO A BROTHER

Guy Le Strange, of Knockin & Alveley, Founder Knockin Castle

|

Ralph Le Strange Birth (d. circa. July 1195)

|

Joan + Margaret + Matilda (his x3 natural heiresses)

KNOCKIN CASTLE REVERTED TO HIS COUSIN JOHN LE STRANGE II, IN 1198

|

John le Strange II (d.1234) of Knockin (still holding Hunstanton etc.)

|

TO 15th CENTURY

|

John le Strange (d.1479) 8th Lord Strange, Baron of Knockin + Jacquetta Woodville. Buried at THE CHURCH OF ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST at Hillingdon. Contains a commemoration of 1509 /no. (CH50). He was Knighted on 28 Jun 1461 at Westminster Abbey at the Coronation of Edward IV.

|

TO STANLEY, EARLS OF DERBY VIA:

Baroness Joan of Knockin (d.1514) + George Stanley, Earl of Derby (d.1504)

|

Thomas Stanley 10th Lord Strange of Knockin (1485-1521) whose father built Lathom House.

|

Edward Stanley 11th Lord Strange of Knockin (c.1509-1572) Died at Lathom House. Courtier of Henry VIII and 7th cousin 1x removed) of Sir Thomas le Strange of Hunstanton Esquire to the Body Henry VIII)

|

TO 1540’S

|

KNOCKIN CASTLE DESERTED. ‘BARON STRANGE’ TITLE MERGED WITH THE STANLEY ‘EARLS OF DERBY’ OF LATHOM HOUSE (demolished).

|

Title fell into abeyance in 1594 when Ferdinand Stanley, 5th Earl of Derby passed away. His wife, Alice Spencer of Althorp, survived him, marking another turning point in the complex history of the title.

|

LIVING EARLS OF DERBY OF KNOWSLEY HALL, DESCEND FROM LE STRANGE