Robert Isham 1402-1474

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Isham: Robert Isham, Commissioner of the Peace

Biographical Overview

Based on Research by Preston Isom, B.S. History, Susquehanna University

Robert Isham Jr. pursued a long and notable public career amidst the volatile political and economic landscape of fifteenth-century England. Born in Pytchley, Northamptonshire, England in 1402, Robert was the son of Robert Isham Sr. and a mother whose name is unrecorded in available sources.[1] Robert Isham Sr. held the office of escheator for Northamptonshire. This role, comparable to a modern property lawyer, involved “administering escheats and forfeitures, wardships and marriages.”[2] Robert Isham Sr.'s appointment as escheator likely occurred during the reign of Richard II. His status as landowning gentry, a typical background for royal appointees in local administration, suggests this connection. He continued in this role into the early years of Henry IV's reign.

Robert Isham Jr. likely spent his formative years in Northamptonshire, the location of his father’s land and residence.[1] As the eldest son, it is reasonable to infer that Robert received informal training from his father in estate management and the duties associated with his father's positions, preparing him for potential future responsibilities within the family holdings. His youth coincided with a period of significant political instability, marked by the ongoing Hundred Years' War and the perceived weaknesses of Henry VI’s government. Robert would have been exposed to the complexities of both local and national politics. The Isham family's income derived from land rentals and participation in local administration. Robert Isham Sr. had served as an esquire for Northamptonshire during the reigns of Richard II and Henry IV [3], a rank denoting a principal landowner and often encompassing government roles such as justice of the peace. The Isham family likely had established connections within the wool trade, a significant sector in Northamptonshire [4], which would later prove advantageous for Robert Isham Jr. The economic shifts following the Black Death, contributing to the Renaissance, created opportunities that families like the Ishams could leverage.

Upon Robert Isham Sr.’s death in March 1424, Robert Jr. inherited a substantial estate of 315 acres, along with income from tenant farmers. According to an inquisition post mortem, this inheritance provided an estimated annual income of £2 16s 7d, indicating considerable wealth for the time.[1] In 1426, he married Elizabeth de Knuston, a widow, and they had a son, William Isham, born on 10 April 1427. Elizabeth died in 1431; the cause of her death is not documented in available records. Robert remarried to Margarete Allington, also a widow. This marriage brought significant land in Northamptonshire, augmenting Robert's holdings. Between 1433 and 1436, Robert served on three commissions of the peace. He also pursued legal action against Robert Rede, a farmer, to recover a debt of 40 shillings [5], indicating his engagement with local legal processes. Like other landowners, Robert likely leased land to local farmers for rent and services [5]. The Isham family’s history suggests a pattern of strategic marriages that enhanced their economic position. With Margarete Allington, Robert had three sons: Robert (born in 1433), John (born in 1434), and Richard (born in 1435). (Genealogical sources suggest these birthdates, though primary source confirmation is needed).

On 28 November 1439, Robert participated in his first commission of the peace, attended by Henry VI [6]. Commissions of the Peace were important regional meetings for governance between the Crown and local leaders, addressing issues from land management to law enforcement. Robert’s membership signified his local influence, as these commissions were generally composed of significant landowning gentry. It also offered opportunities to interact with influential figures. On 4 July 1440, Robert was involved in the division of lands of John, Earl of Somerset [7], gaining access to some lands for a fee. By this time, Robert held the rank of esquire, reflecting his land ownership and local government role. He participated in further Northamptonshire commissions of the peace on 26 January and 18 November 1441, under Henry VI’s authority [8].

Robert’s involvement in land transactions and commissions suggests practical experience in property law and court procedures. In July 1443, he settled a dispute with the Allington family regarding Thomas Allington’s will. The agreement, formalized for 100 marks of silver [9], ensured land and income rights passed to Robert through his marriage to Margarete, rather than to Thomas Allington’s family. On 27 March 1450, Robert was made feoffee to the lands of Elizabeth and Richard Lestrange [10], further increasing his Northamptonshire landholdings. Given his involvement in trade and landownership, Jack Cade’s Rebellion in July 1450 would have been of interest and likely influenced his views on the growing political instability leading to the Wars of the Roses. Jack Cade’s Rebellion was a significant popular revolt driven by discontent over the Hundred Years' War and perceived government corruption. Henry VI’s weak response allowed the rebellion to escalate, suppressed only by Queen Margaret’s forceful actions. This event underscored Henry VI’s ineffective rule and contributed to the deteriorating political climate.

On 4 December 1454, Robert attended a Commission of the Peace in Westminster, with both Richard, Duke of York, and Henry VI present [11]. Westminster, approximately 75 miles from Northamptonshire, was the location of a meeting held during a period of significant national tension. Henry VI had experienced a mental breakdown in August 1453, deepening the divide between Richard Duke of York's faction and the King's supporters. This commission was among the last before Henry VI’s partial recovery on Christmas Day 1454 [12]. Robert Isham may have observed the King’s condition and begun developing relationships with Yorkist nobles at this meeting.

The Battle of St. Albans in May 1455 strengthened Richard Duke of York’s position. By October 1455, Robert Isham was listed as a beneficiary in a land transaction with Edward and Elizabeth Grey, for 1000 marks of silver [13]. The Grey family became strong Yorkists, and this agreement likely provided Robert access to Grey lands in Northamptonshire. The Grey family’s prominence included Elizabeth Woodville, later Queen consort to Edward IV. Robert Isham’s Yorkist connections continued; in 1457, he was commissioned with Yorkists like Richard Duke of York and Greys to recruit archers [14]. These nobles were tasked with raising 346 archers from Northamptonshire as part of a broader military buildup in 1457. To maintain order, Henry VI, under York’s influence, deployed troops including “thousands of royal archers…guarding the whole Thames corridor” [15]. This military presence aimed to deter unrest.

The historical record provides limited information on Robert Isham’s activities for the next three years. However, his involvement in transferring prisoners from Northampton in February 1460 [16] indicates his continued significance within the Northamptonshire gentry. This group included Sir William Catesby, associated with Richard III, and Sir William Lucy, killed in a dispute related to the Battle of Northampton [17]. Thomas Wake and Thomas Treshen, along with John Dyve and Robert Tenfeld, were also part of this group of esquires. The year 1460 was critical for Northamptonshire and its Yorkist gentry. Robert likely faced political and economic pressures due to Queen Margaret’s actions against Yorkists [18]. On 10 July 1460, the Battle of Northampton occurred near Robert’s residence. At 58, direct participation is unlikely. Lord Grey of Ruthin’s betrayal of Henry VI at this battle led to the King’s capture by Yorkists. Lancastrian nobles were reportedly killed under Warwick’s orders [19]. If present, Robert would have witnessed the use of field artillery and Henry VI’s second capture. Given his Grey family connections and Yorkist associations, Robert likely benefited from supporting the Yorkist cause after this victory.

Following Edward IV’s ascension in 1461, Robert Isham’s career advanced. In 1466, land in Northamptonshire was granted to Robert and others, possibly as reward for loyalty, by order of Edward IV’s sister, Anne of York [20]. Robert attended another commission of the peace under Edward IV in Westminster. In 1468, by royal treasurer’s decree, Robert was appointed “controller of the great custom and the subsidy of wools, hides, and wool-felts in the port of London” [21]. This was a significant appointment, placing him in charge of customs in a major economic center, reflecting royal favor. He assumed this role during an economic recovery after a period of bullion outflow and trade imbalance [22]. Wool exports improved during his tenure, coinciding with relative stability [22]. Wool was central to the English economy. As port controller, Robert oversaw the export of approximately 9,293 sacks of wool annually from London [23]. In 1468, he also attended commissions of the peace in Westminster [24]. In 1469, Robert is recorded as a sergeant-at-law, instructed to investigate Thomas Tailor of Northampton [25]. This temporary title likely denoted a law enforcement role, possibly related to unrest against Edward IV linked to Lord Warwick. However, further information on Thomas Tailor is lacking. In November 1469, John Stoddard replaced Robert as port controller. Such position changes were common [26]. Robert’s tenure was relatively long and coincided with improved wool exports.

As the Wars of the Roses resumed, Robert attended a commission in July 1470 [24], before Edward IV’s exile. He did not participate in commissions during Henry VI’s brief restoration but attended one in May 1472 after Edward IV regained power [24]. In 1473, Robert remained active in governance. On 4 April 1473, at age 71, he attended his last recorded commission of the peace [24], totaling 15 commissions over 34 years. In August 1473, Robert and others were tasked with auditing lands for tax evasion [27]. This is his last documented political appointment.

Robert Isham died in 1475 at 73. He was buried in Pytchley, Northamptonshire, and his wife and sons inherited his estate. (Sources detail his burial and family inheritance, further specifics on sons' careers as merchants and lawyers require additional sourcing). His sons are reported to have become merchants and lawyers. Robert Isham’s life illustrates how individuals could navigate and prosper during the turbulent fifteenth century through diligence and strategic political choices. His Yorkist alignment facilitated his political and economic success, benefiting his family. He demonstrated knowledge of common law and the economic system, contributing to wool market recovery as London port commissioner. Robert Isham likely witnessed and participated in significant events of the Wars of the Roses, deserving recognition for his long and productive life amidst considerable upheaval.

Bibliography

  • Alyngton, Thomas, and Robert Isham. CP 25/1/179/94, number 97. May 29, 1440. Accessed January 6, 2021. http://aalt.law.uh.edu/CP25%281%29/CP25%281%29Nhants179/IMG_0274.htm.
    • Thomas has acknowledged the tenements and rent to be the right of Robert, and has granted for himself and his heirs that the tenements and rent - which Margaret held for life of the inheritance of Thomas in the aforesaid vill on the day the agreement was made, and which after the decease of Margaret ought to revert to Thomas and his heirs - after the decease of Margaret shall remain to Robert and his heirs, to hold of the chief lords forever.
  • Ancestry.com. A survey of the Ishams in England and America : eight hundred and fifty years of history and genealogy [database on-line]. Provo, UT: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2005.
  • Jones, Dan. The War of the Roses: The Fall of the Plantagenets and the Rise of the Tudors. New York, NY: Penguin Group, 2014.
  • "The King's government in the Middle Ages," in A History of the County of Wiltshire: Volume 5, ed. R B Pugh and Elizabeth Crittall (London: Victoria County History, 1957), 1-43. British History Online, accessed January 6, 2021, http://www.british-history.ac.uk/vch/wilts/vol5/pp1-43.
  • Rorke, Martin. "English and Scottish Overseas Trade, 1300-1600." The Economic History Review, New Series, 59, no. 2 (2006): 265-88. Accessed January 8, 2021. http://www.jstor.org/stable/3805936.
  • Walesby, William. CP 25/1/293/72, number 398. October 27, 1455. Accessed January 6, 2021. http://aalt.law.uh.edu/AALT4/CP25%281%29/CP25_1_293/IMG_0392.htm.
    • Edward and Elizabeth have acknowledged the manors to be the right of William Walesby, as those which the same William, Thomas, Thomas, William Boudon', William Fielding' and Robert have of their gift, and have remised and quitclaimed them from themselves and the heirs of Elizabeth to William, Thomas, Thomas, William, William and Robert and the heirs of William Walesby forever.

Template:Reflist

Transcriptions and Translations of Primary Source Documents on AALT

To be added

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Motte, John. “Royal Inquisition into the Death of Robert Isham.” 1
  2. ↑ Crittall "The King's government in the Middle Ages," 1
  3. ↑ Public Records Calendar of Patent Rolls: Richard II 1391-1399. 16
  4. ↑ Salzman "Parishes: Isham," in A History of the County of Northampton: Volume 4, ed. L 1
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 Public Records, Great Britain. “Calendar of Patent Rolls: Henry VI Vol. VI 1441-1446. 215
  6. ↑ Public Records, Great Brianna. "Calendar of Patent Rolls: Henry VI Vol 1436-1441." 599
  7. ↑ Public Records, Great Brianna. "Calendar of Patent Rolls: Henry VI Vol 1436-1441." 433
  8. ↑ Public Records, Great Britain. “Calendar of Patent Rolls: Henry VI Vol. VI 1441-1446. 475
  9. ↑ Alyngton, Thomas, and Robert Isham. CP 25/1/179/94, number 97. 1
  10. ↑ Public Records, Great Britain. “Calendar of Patent Rolls: Henry VI Vol. VI 1441-1446. 311
  11. ↑ Public Record, Great Britain. "Calendar of Patent Rolls: Henry VI Volume VI, 1452-1461." 673
  12. ↑ Jones, Dan. The War of the Roses: The Fall of the Plantagenets and the Rise of the Tudors. 136
  13. ↑ Walesby, William. CP 25/1/293/72, number 398. 1
  14. ↑ Public Record, Great Britain. "Calendar of Patent Rolls: Henry VI Volume VI, 1452-1461." 406
  15. ↑ Jones, Dan. The War of the Roses: The Fall of the Plantagenets and the Rise of the Tudors. 155
  16. ↑ Public Record, Great Britain. "Calendar of Patent Rolls: Henry VI Volume VI, 1452-1461." 563
  17. ↑ Payling, Simon, Dr. "The Battle of Northampton and the Strange Death of Sir William Lucy MP." 1
  18. ↑ Jones, Dan. The War of the Roses: The Fall of the Plantagenets and the Rise of the Tudors. 166
  19. ↑ Jones, Dan. The War of the Roses: The Fall of the Plantagenets and the Rise of the Tudors. 170
  20. ↑ Public Record, Great Britain. Calendar of Patent Rolls: Edward IV 1461-1467. 533
  21. ↑ Public Record, Great Britain. Calendar of Patent Rolls: Edward IV 1461-1467.515
  22. ↑ 22.0 22.1 Rorke, Martin. "English and Scottish Overseas Trade, 1300-1600." 270
  23. ↑ Rorke, Martin. "English and Scottish Overseas Trade, 1300-1600." 269
  24. ↑ 24.0 24.1 24.2 24.3 Public Record, Great Britain. Calendar of Patent Rolls: Edward IV 1461-1467. 623
  25. ↑ Public Record, Great Britain. Calendar of Patent Rolls: Edward IV 1461-1467. 170
  26. ↑ "Introduction," in The Overseas Trade of London: Exchequer Customs Accounts, 1
  27. ↑ Public Record, Great Britain. Calendar of Patent Rolls: Edward IV 1461-1467. 405
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