Roger de Clifford, 2nd Baron de Clifford

Who was Roger de Clifford, 2nd Baron de Clifford?

Roger de Clifford, 2nd Baron de Clifford, also 2nd Lord of Skipton was a member of the Clifford family which held the seat of Skipton from 1310 to 1676. He inherited his title when his father, Robert de Clifford, 1st Baron de Clifford died at the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314. His mother was Maud de Clare, eldest daughter of Thomas de Clare, Lord of Thomond and Juliana FitzGerald. Roger was also hereditary High Sheriff of Westmorland.

He was involved in a rebellion against King Edward II's favourite Huge Lord de Despencer, and ultimately against the King himself. He took part in the Siege of Tickhill. The rebel forces were then brought to battle by the King's forces in Boroughbridge in March 1322 at which Roger Clifford received severe wounds. Forced to surrender, he was condemned to death and held captive in York. He was hanged here, probably on 23 March, and his estates forfeited, including Skipton castle. They were restored to Robert Clifford, 3rd Lord of Skipton in 1327.