John Scrope, 5th Baron Scrope of Bolton: A Yorkist Nobleman of Unwavering Loyalty
The Yorkist Sympathizer: Early Life and Career
John Scrope, 5th Baron Scrope of Bolton, KG, was an English Yorkist nobleman known for his unwavering loyalty to the House of York during the Wars of the Roses. Born on 22 July 1437 at Bolton Castle, Yorkshire, he inherited his title upon the death of his father, Henry Scrope, 4th Baron Scrope of Bolton, in 1459.
Scrope's early life was marked by his involvement in the Yorkist cause, and he was invested as a knight before 1460, serving as a Commissioner of the Peace for York. His dedication to the Yorkist faction was evident in his participation in several key battles, including the Battle of Northampton, where he fought alongside the Earl of Warwick, and the Battle of Towton, where he was injured.
Military Campaigns and Service to the Crown
Scrope's military prowess and loyalty to the Yorkist cause earned him the recognition of
Edward IV, who invested him as a Knight of the Garter in 1463. He continued to serve the crown on various missions and commissions, including the invasion of France in 1475, where he led a contingent of 20 men-at-arms and 200 archers.
In 1482, Scrope led the vanguard of the English army under the Earl of Northumberland during the invasion of Scotland. His military career was marked by his bravery and unwavering commitment to the Yorkist cause, even in the face of changing allegiances and shifting fortunes.
Support for Richard III and Lambert Simnel
Scrope's loyalty to the Yorkist cause was unwavering, even in the face of changing circumstances. In 1485, he supported Richard III at the Battle of Bosworth, despite the ultimate defeat of the Yorkist forces. After the accession of
Henry VII, Scrope continued to support Yorkist pretenders, including Lambert Simnel, and in 1487, he participated in an unsuccessful attack on Bootham Bar in York, alongside Thomas, 6th Baron Scrope of Masham.
For his involvement in this rebellion, Scrope was forced to pay a heavy fine and remain within the London area. However, his loyalty to the Yorkist cause remained unwavering, and he continued to serve the crown, fighting against the Scots in 1497 and assisting in the raising of the siege of Norham Castle.
Personal Life and Legacy
John Scrope married twice, first to Joan FitzHugh, daughter of William FitzHugh, 4th Baron FitzHugh, and later to Elizabeth St John. He had two children, Henry Scrope, who succeeded him as the 6th Baron Scrope of Bolton, and Mary Scrope, who married
William Conyers, 1st Baron Conyers.
Scrope's legacy is one of unwavering loyalty and dedication to the Yorkist cause, even in the face of adversity and changing circumstances. His military career and service to the crown are a testament to his bravery and commitment to his ideals.
Conclusion
John Scrope, 5th Baron Scrope of Bolton, was a Yorkist nobleman of unwavering loyalty, whose military career and service to the crown are a testament to his bravery and commitment to his ideals. Despite the ultimate defeat of the Yorkist forces, Scrope's legacy serves as a reminder of the complexities and nuances of the Wars of the Roses, and the enduring power of loyalty and dedication to one's cause.