John Botetourt

     John was born in County Norfolk, England. John married Maud fitz Thomas, daughter of Thomas fitz Otes and Beatrice de Beauchamp, before 1282 in England. Maud brought to this marriage the rites to Mendlesham, county Suffolk. He was a knight of Upton, Ellingham & Kerebrook, county Norfolk. With his marriage to Maud, John not only gained lands, but also power and prestiage. It is likely because of his new station in life that he was summomed to Parliament from 13 July 1305 to 13 September 1324, as well as being appointed in 1314, to command the fleet employed in the expedition against Scotland. He joined the rebellion of the Lancasters for which he was fined 1000 pounds & pardoned 8 October 1322. He was again Admiral of the North Fleet 1294-1297 & 1315. Other appointments in his career included positions assigned not only to someone to be trusted, but also to a man of competence; these include being Keeper of the king's castle of St. Briavel's in Gloucestershire in 1291 & Forest of Dean & Keeper of Framlingham Castle in county Suffolk in 1314.¹ He were blessed with 4 sons and several daughters, only some of whom the names are known.. John departed this life on Friday, 24 November 1324 in County Norfolk, England.