The High Sheriff of Nottingham – Brought low
A lot of people will have heard of the office the High Sheriff of Nottingham because of the story of Robin Hood. However, it is a real office and for centuries had the duty to manage law and order in the area. One person to hold the title was Philip Marc. Looking back at his history, he doesn’t seem to have been very popular.
So, Philip Marc the High Sheriff of Nottingham city at the time was effectively losing his office – but why?
What was he up to?
Among his other duties, Philip was responsible for the management of the King’s hunting reserve centred around King’s Clipstone in Sherwood Forest and the site known as King John’s Palace. He was not responsible for the management of the wider forest.
In this context the term ‘forest’ refers to areas designated as forest and not just land with trees upon it. At the time Sherwood Forest stretched from south of Nottingham city north to the bounds of Yorkshire, south and east by the river Trent and to the west by the bounds of Derbyshire.
It may be speculation but perhaps Philip Marc in his role of High Sheriff of Nottingham had been mismanaging the hunting reserve; it was a huge and expensive establishment with many employed there, and he may have engaged in some private tax collecting. Or perhaps he had annoyed the actual ‘Keeper of the King’s Forest’.
At the time her name was Matilda.
Matilda of Laxton inherited her appointments from her father. She was: ‘Keeper of the King’s Forest’ for Sherwood and Derbyshire, and also Constable of Laxton castle. Living through the turbulence of three King’s reigns, she was confirmed in her position by all three: King Richard, King John, and King Henry III.
At the time of Magna Carta, and beyond, she was mirrored by coincidence by another female keeper, across the waters of the river Trent in Lincoln city.
Nicholaa de la Haye also inherited her appointments which were just as extensive: Keeper of the King’s Forests in Lincolnshire, Constable of Lincoln castle, and Sheriff of Lincoln city.
Between them the two women stemmed the tide of the revolt, led by the French Prince Louis. Most notable here was in 1217 when Nicholaa held firm in the besieged Lincoln castle to turn the tide of rebellion.
It was a key moment in the defeat of Prince Louis who had come at the order of his father, King Philip of France, to try and seize power in England. During this time Philip Marc the High Sheriff of Nottingham may not have even supported the English King!
You can view a copy of Magna Carta in Lincoln castle and the remains of Laxton castle are visible near the village of the same name in Nottinghamshire.
Explore the story of Matilda and Nicholaa and their part in the defence of England in the novels under the titles of ‘Wars of Magna Carta’ by author Austin Hernon available on Amazon.
For more information go to: www.history-reimagined.co.uk