5074. Ranulph de Neville , 1st baron Raby Baron
Ranulph or Ralph Nevill succeeded his grandfather in 1282, being in minority at the time. He obtained liberty of the King, that his friends might plow and manage his lands. He held Raby with 8 adjoining townships by the yearly rent of 4 pounds and a stag of the Prior of Durham. He was summoned to Parliament as Baron Nevill of Raby 1294-1331. His lordship was in the wars with France in the time of Edward I and in those of Scotland in the next reign. It is said that he little minded secular business, but devoted the principal part of his time to conversation with the canons of Merton and Coverham, upon whom he bestowed considerable grants. He married 1st Anastasia (or Euphemia), daughter of Robert Fitz-Robert, Baron Clavering, married 2nd Margery Thweng. Ralph, 1st Baron Raby, died Apr. 18, 1331. By his first wife he had Robert of Middleham, called from his love and show of finery "the Peacock of the North," who died sine prole in the lifetime of his father, and a second son, [Ralph]
[Kin of Mellcene Thurman Smith, 833]
© 2001, Saul M. Montes-Bradley. All Rights Reserved