The achievement of arms of Sir John Greystoke

Bary of argent and
azure, 3 annulets
2 and 1

Sir John Greystoke

John was born in Owesley, N. Yorkshire, in 1389. Son of a wealthy Northern family, his childhood was spent at the family home at Greystoke in Northumberland, where his mother refused to send him away for fostering and to further his education. This was unusual for a noble child, who would generally be sent away from home at around the age of 7 to learn the duties required of them.

John was betrothed to Elizabeth Ferrers (daughter of Joan Beaufort and her first husband Lord Robert Ferrers) at an early age, but it was not until his early teens that John met his fiancé, when she came to live with at Greystoke. Unfortunately the couple disliked each other instantly, and John fought to have the betrothal annulled. Regardless of his wishes, the two were married in October 1407, but have never lived together. That their marriage was consummated is beyond question, as a son, Ralph, was born to Elizabeth in 1408.

John now travels with Sir Richard Woodroffe, formerly as his squire, now his companion at arms. Sir Richard seeks to curb the young man's wilful and impetuous nature, in the hope that time will accustom him to his duties both as a husband and as the heir to a sizeable estate. In the meantime, John is known both for his hot temper and his fondness for the fairer sex. His charm and youthful good looks (and the intervention of Sir Richard) have so far allowed him to escape from several unfortunate scrapes, which often involve outraged husbands or fathers…