Europe, British Isles, East England, Suffolk, Orford [Map]

Orford is in Suffolk.

1193 Richard I's Ransom

1326 Return of Queen Isabella and Roger Mortimer

Richard I's Ransom

In Dec 1193 Eleanor of Aquitaine Queen Consort Franks and England (age 71) left Orford [Map] with her son Richard's (age 36) ranson of 100,000 marks in silver and 200 hostages. She was accompanied by Walter de Coutances and Bishop William Longchamp. Hubert Walter Bishop of Salisbury (age 33) was Regent of England in her absence.

Return of Queen Isabella and Roger Mortimer

In Oct 1326 Isabella of France Queen Consort England (age 31) landed at Orford [Map] with Roger Mortimer 1st Earl March (age 39), John Maltravers 1st Baron Maltravers (age 36) and Nicholas Abrichecourt (age 36).

Bishop Henry Burghesh (age 34) joined her shortly afterwards.

In 1547 George Henage (age 25) was elected MP Orford.

In 1593 Edward Grimston was elected MP Orford.

In 1604 Michael Stanhope (age 55) was elected MP Orford.

In 1621 Lionel Tollemache 2nd Baronet (age 29) was elected MP Orford.

In 1628 Lionel Tollemache 2nd Baronet (age 36) was elected MP Orford.

In 1660 Walter Devereux (age 39) was elected MP Orford. He was re-elected in 1661 and sat until 1679.

In 1660 Walter Devereux (age 39) became a Freeman of Orford [Map].

In 1660 Allen Brodrick (age 36) was elected MP Orford.

In 1660 Allen Brodrick (age 36) was elected MP Callington and MP Orford. He chose to sit for MP Orford.

Pepy's Diary. 03 Jul 1667. So home, and to enter my Journall of my late journey to this hour, and then to the office, where to do a little business, and then by water to White Hall (calling at Michell's in my way, but the rogue would not invite me in, I having a mind para voir his wife), and there to the Council-chamber, to deliver a letter to their Lordships about the state of the six merchantmen which we have been so long fitting out. When I come, the King (age 37) and the whole table full of Lords were hearing of a pitifull cause of a complaint of an old man, with a great grey beard, against his son, for not allowing him something to live on; and at last come to the ordering the son to allow his father £10 a year. This cause lasted them near two hours; which, methinks, at this time to be the work of the Council-board of England, is a scandalous thing, and methought Sir W. Coventry (age 39) to me did own as much. Here I find all the newes is the enemy's landing 3,000 men near Harwich [Map]1, and attacking Landguard Fort, and being beat off thence with our great guns, killing some of their men, and they leaving their ladders behind them; but we had no Horse in the way on Suffolk side, otherwise we might have galled their Foot. The Duke of York (age 33) is gone down thither this day, while the General sat sleeping this afternoon at the Council-table. The news so much talked of this Exchange [Map], of a peace, I find by Sir Richard Browne (age 62) arises from a letter the Swedes' agent hath received from Bredah and shewed at Court to-day, that they are come very near it, but I do not find anybody here relying upon it. This cause being over, the Trinity House, Deptford [Map] men, whom I did not expect to meet, were called in, and there Sir W. Pen (age 46) made a formal speech in answer to a question of the King's, whether the lying of the sunk ships in the river would spoil the river. But, Lord! how gingerly he answered it, and with a deal of do that he did not know whether it would be safe as to the enemy to have them taken up, but that doubtless it would be better for the river to have them taken up. Methought the Council found them answer like fools, and it ended in bidding them think more of it, and bring their answer in writing.

Note 1. Richard Browne, writing to Williamson from Aldeburgh, on July 2nd, says: "The Dutch fleet of 80 sail has anchored in the bay; they were expected to land, but they tacked about, and stood first northward and then southward, close by Orford [Map] lighthouse, and have now passed the Ness towards Harwich [Map]; they have fired no guns, but made false fires" (Calendar of State Papers, 1667, p. 258).

In 1730 Robert Kemp 4th Baronet (age 30) was elected MP Orford which seat he held until 1734.

In 1747 John Waldegrave 3rd Earl Waldegrave (age 28) was elected MP Orford.

The River Alde rises around Baddingham, Suffolk [Map] from where it flows past Bruisyard, Suffolk [Map], Rendham, Suffolk [Map], Farnham, Suffolk [Map], Snape Bridge, Suffolk [Map], Iken, Suffolk [Map] to Aldeburgh, Suffolk [Map] where it heads south inside of Orford Ness joining the North Sea seve kilometeres south of Orford [Map].

Orford Castle

Between 1165 and 1173 Orford Castle [Map] was constructed on behalf of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England (age 31)."One of the most remarkable keeps in England", is of a unique design possibly based on Byzantine architecture.

In 1216 Orford Castle [Map] was captured by Prince Louis of France (age 28) who had invaded England in 1216 at the invitation of the English barons who were disillusioned with King John (age 49).

On 06 May 1494 Henry Wingfield (age 60) died in Orford Castle [Map].