ROMANCE OF BARONY

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21344, 19 November 1932, Page 3 (Supplement)

ROMANCE OF BARONY

BACK TO THE NORMANS Lord Stafford, of Swynnerton Hall, Stone, Staffs, died at his homo a few weeks ago, aged 73, after a short illness. He was the 12th baron, and succeeded his uncle 19 years ago. Tho barony of Stafford is one of the oldest in England. After the Norman Conquest the founder of the family received estates extending into seven counties, and became known as Robert de Stafford. A descendant, Ralph de Stafford, was created Earl St Stafford in 1351 in recognition of his brilliant services against the French army at Crecy and elsewhere. The third earl married the daughter and heiress of the Duke of Buckingham in 1392, and the titles afterwards became combined. In 1521 the third duke was accused of treason and beheaded after a nominal trial. His son was restored on Edward Vl.'s accession, and declared Lord Stafford as a new creation. His second surviving son attempted to become Lord High Protector of the youthful King Edward VI., but was executed on a charge of high treason. - The barony was dormant for one period of 60 years, but in 1824 it was awarded to Sir W. Stafford-Jernyngham. The late baron is succeeded by his'brother, Admiral Sir Edward. Fitzheibert.