Robert Scales, 1st Baron Scales


Lord Robert de Scales was a Knight Templar and loyal supporter of Edward I in his campaigns in Wales, Scotland, France and Flanders. In 1299 he, and his heirs, were bestowed with the title, Baron Scales and were henceforth known as 'Lord Scales'. He was a signatory of the Baron's Letter to Pope Boniface VIII in 1301.

Welsh Invasion

In 1277 Robert accompanied Henry de Lacy, Earl of Lincoln, in Edward I's first mass invasion of Wales to quash a rebellion by Llywelyn ap Gruffudd, Prince of Wales. The successful invasion led to the Treaty of Aberconwy, confining Llywelyn's authority to the west of the River Conwy.

The Continent

In March 1287 Robert left England for the English-owned Gascony, however, it was a short stay and by Jun 1287 he had been posted to Wales.
Shortly before April 1298 Robert served in Flanders, perhaps accompanying the king when suing for peace with Philip IV of France.

Barony

In 1299 Robert and his heirs were granted the title Baron Scales and he was summoned to Parliament from 1299-1305.

Scottish Wars

In 1301 Robert, along with one companion, two knights and eleven horsemen, accompanied Edward I on his campaigns against William Wallace in the First War of Scottish Independence.

Residences

Robert's main residence was at Rivenhall in Essex where he held a manor house and park. He also held land at Barkway and Newsells, Hertfordshire, Middelton, Lenn, Herewyk, Reynham, Pudding Norton, Gately, Wilton, la Hawe, Hoo and Ilsington in Norfolk, Haselingfeld in Cambridgeshire, Wridelington in Suffolk, Berton in Gloucestershire and Ouresby and Torneton in Lincolnshire.

Family

Robert married Isabel and they had at least one son