Edmund Giffard (abt. 1330 - bef. 1377)

Born about 1330 in Chillington, Staffordshire, England [uncertain]

Ancestors

Descendants

Died before Jun 1377 before about age 47 in Chillington, Staffordshire, England [uncertain]

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Edmund Giffard was a member of the aristocracy in British Isles.

Biography

Edmund was a younger son of John Giffard of Chillington. He later inherited Chillington Manor from his brother John Giffard. ^[1][2]

In 1355, Edmund was a Chivaler (a mounted man at arms) in the retinue of Ralph, Earl of Stafford. ^[3]

Edmund first married Agnes Whiston sister of Sir John de Whiston, Knight, Lord of Whiston, and aunt and heir of the whole blood of Nicholas de Whiston. They were married before 1365 as their son John Giffard seemingly came of age in 1380. ^[1]

Edmund may have married a second time to an unknown Margaret. In 1377, Adam de Peshall was suing Margaret, formerly the wife of Edmund Giffard of Chillington and Edward's executors for a debt of 100 marks. ^[2]

Some time between 11 January 1376/7 and 29 March 1377 [recorded using the regnal dates Hillary, 50 Edward III], he was involved in a case against Adam de Peshall respecting custody of the land and heir of Nicholas de Whiston. ^[4] Later in 1377, (Easter, 51 Edward III so between April and May 1377) the Sheriff reported that Edmund Giffard was dead. ^[5] This would give an date of death during 1377 before June.

Research Notes

Estimating year of birth as 1330 due to him being a listed as a Chivaler in 1355 and his elder brother John having a marriage settlement in 1338. Is perhaps on the high side, but he may have married later in life as a younger son of John Giffard.

Wife's inheritance: His wife Agnes Whiston was the eventual heir of her father and her brother. Numerous lawsuits which went on for a number of years conclusively prove the name of Edmund's wife and the fact that she was the mother of Edmund's son John Giffard.^[1][2][6]

Common Errors to Avoid

Incorrect wife: Burke in his Commoners of Great Britain and Ireland states that Edmund Giffard married "a daughter of Venables, Baron of Kinderton."^[7] This profile previously had his wife as Katherine Venables. There is no contemporary evidence that this is true. It is certain that his first wife and mother of his heir was Agnes Whiston.^[2] His second wife was certainly named Margaret.

Incorrect death date: Sources often stated he died in 1378 or in 1379. This is likely from chancery suits where his son was named as a defendant and not Edmond. In fact, it can be shown he died by June 1377.

Only son?: Burke in his Commoners of Great Britain and Ireland states that Edmund Giffard was the only son of John Giffard of Chillington. There is absolutely no evidence in the form of fines, grants or charters to think this is true. It is likely that he had siblings who are unknown.

Sources

1. ↑ ^{1.0 1.1 1.2} Pedigree of Giffard of Chillington - archive.org and british-history.ac.uk : accessed 16 August 2022; Collections for a history of Staffordshire; Volume 4 Part II; Page 58; Published London 1883
2. ↑ ^{2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3} The Giffards from the Conquest to the Present Time by George Wrottesley: Archive.org Link : accessed 18 August 2022; Collections for a History of Staffordshire, new series vol. 5 (London: William Salt Archaeological Society, 1902); Pages 104-105; (Published London 1902)
3. ↑ Miltary Service Performed by Staffordshire Tenants - archive.org : accessed 18 August 2022; Collections for a History of Staffordshire edited by the William Salt Archaeological Society; Volume 8 Part I; Page 96; Published London 1887
4. ↑ Extracts of Plea Rolls - archive.org : accessed 18 August 2022; Collections for a History of Staffordshire edited by the William Salt Archaeological Society; Volume 14; Page 140; Published London 1892
5. ↑ Extracts of Plea Rolls - archive.org : accessed 18 August 2022; Collections for a History of Staffordshire edited by the William Salt Archaeological Society; Volume 13; Page 139; Published London 1892
6. ↑ History of Weston-under-Lizard - archive.org : accessed 17 August 2022; Collections for a history of Staffordshire edited by the William Salt Archaeological Society; Volume 20 / Volume 2 New Series; Pages 57-61; Published London 1899
7. ↑ Burke, John. A Genealogical and Heraldic History of the Commoners of Great Britain and Ireland..., vol. 1 (London, 1834). Books.google.com Link. Note: Do not use Burke for the Giffards of Chillington. It contains errors by confusing the Giffards of Chillington with the Giffards for Brimpsfield.