Family History
The Stuteville Family

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This account of the part which the de Stuteville family played in the history of Knaresborough was researched by Alyson Jackson at The National Archives in Kew, in particular with reference to "Early Yorkshire Charters Vol. IX: The Stuteville Fee" based on manuscripts of the late William Farrer and edited by Charles Travis Clay C.B., F.B.A. 1952.

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The earliest recorded member of the Stuteville family is Robert de Stuteville I. The name, Stuteville or Estouteville, is derived from Etoutteville-sur-Mer. He was granted several holdings in England after the conquest, including those lands of which Hugh, son of Baldric, had been tenant-in-chief at the Domesday survey.

In 1158 Knaresborough had been granted to Hugh de Morevill, possibly as compensation for lands ceded to the King of the Scots. Morevill forfeited the lands in 1173, according to "Early Yorkshire Charters": "... not apparently for his participation in the death of Becket, but for complicity in the rebellion of the young Henry.". Knaresborough, together with Aldborough, were given in custody to William de Stuteville in the same year.

William, his father Robert, sheriff of York, and his uncle, Roger, aided the king (Henry II 1154 - 1189) in the capture of William King of Scots on the 13th July 1174 at Alnwick and were duly rewarded in 1175 by the official grant of these lands and others, and Robert was "..to take credit for the reception of the farms of these manors by William his son, since Michaelmas 1173...".

When Richard I (1189 - 1199) came to the throne he levied a fine on William of 2000m. for confirming the land of Knaresborough to him. Knaresborough was further confirmed to William on 22nd April 1200 by King John (1199 - 1216), and, after William's death, to his son Robert de Stuteville IV on 9th July 1203.

Robert de Stuteville IV died, under age, in 1205. William's brother and heir, Nicholas, offered 10000m. for the inheritance which was subject to the condition that the king retained the castles of Knaresborough and Boroughbridge until the fine was paid. The lands, in effect, reverted to the crown after William's death. The fine being unpaid, Henry III (1216 - 1272) granted Knaresborough, along with other holdings, to Hubert de Burgh, earl of Kent, and Margaret his wife, for life with remainder to their heirs. They were also granted the debt of 10000m. due from the heirs of William de Stuteville!

Family History The Stuteville Family

Family History
The Stuteville Family