Richard Fiennes is a name that surfaces in niche historical and aristocratic circles, often connected to layered lineages and documented genealogical records. Understanding the full profile of Richard Fiennes requires examining dates, titles, family connections, and geographic holdings that shaped influence in specific eras.
This structured overview presents key data points at a glance, helping readers quickly grasp the essential identifiers, status, and timeline associated with this historical figure.
| Full Name | Primary Title | Active Period | Key Family Connections | Notable Domain or Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Richard Fiennes | Baron Saye and Sele | 15th16th century | Marriage to Elizabeth, sister of William de la Pole | Broughton Castle, Oxfordshire |
| Richard Fiennes | Knight of the Shire | Active during Henry VI era | Descended from the Twisleton and Saye lines | Parliamentary service for Oxfordshire |
| Richard Fiennes | High Sheriff of Oxfordshire | Late 15th century | Son of Sir Richard Fiennes and Joan | Local administration in Oxfordshire and surrounding shires |
Historical Context and Lineage of Richard Fiennes
The historical record of Richard Fiennes is tightly interwoven with the political dynamics of late medieval England. As holders of the title Baron Saye and Sele, members of this family navigated complex allegiances during the Wars of the Roses and the early Tudor period. Property and patronage in regions such as Oxfordshire reinforced their standing within the gentry and parliamentary class.
Genealogical research emphasizes the importance of marriage alliances, such as the union with Elizabeth de la Pole, which strengthened ties to influential northern families. These connections were crucial for securing land, legal favor, and social influence across multiple counties.
Political Involvement and Parliamentary Service
Richard Fiennes served as a Knight of the Shire, representing Oxfordshire in Parliament during a volatile time of royal succession and regional tension. Parliamentary roles at this level were not merely ceremonial; they involved direct engagement with taxation, lawmaking, and local governance issues affecting noble and commoner interests alike.
Through documented speeches and voting records, traces of his political stance reveal a careful balance between loyalty to the crown and protection of regional privileges. Such involvement positioned him as a key intermediary between central authority and local constituencies.
Property, Castles, and Regional Influence
Control of Broughton Castle and associated lands provided Richard Fiennes with both symbolic prestige and practical leverage in regional affairs. Castles functioned as administrative hubs, fortifications, and centers of hospitality, reflecting the holder’s status and capacity to mobilize resources in times of need.
The management of estates around Oxfordshire also involved oversight of tenants, agricultural output, and local infrastructure. These responsibilities reinforced the intertwined nature of aristocratic duty and economic stewardship in late medieval society.
Key Takeaways and Recommendations
- Focus on documented lineage and peerage records when researching figures like Richard Fiennes.
- Recognize the dual role of medieval nobility as both political participants and estate managers.
- Understand the strategic importance of marriage alliances in securing regional and national influence.
- Examine property holdings such as Broughton Castle to grasp the tangible basis of aristocratic power.
- Approach historical timelines with contextual awareness of wars, succession crises, and parliamentary evolution.
FAQ
Reader questions
Is Richard Fiennes the same person as Baron Saye and Sele in historical records?
Yes, Richard Fiennes is commonly identified as the holder of the title Baron Saye and Sele, a peerage linked to his family line through inheritance and marriage.
What role did Richard Fiennes play in Parliament during the Wars of the Roses?
He served as a Knight of the Shire for Oxfordshire, participating in parliamentary decisions on finance and law during a period of political fragmentation and dynastic conflict.
Which properties were most associated with Richard Fiennes and his family?
Broughton Castle in Oxfordshire was the principal seat, with surrounding lands that supported the family’s administrative and economic activities across the region.
How did marriage alliances affect the status of Richard Fiennes?
Marriage to Elizabeth, sister of William de la Pole, expanded the family’s influence by connecting them to powerful northern magnates and strengthening political leverage.