Family and Education

?s. of Walter Scarle*.

Offices Held

J.p. Rutland 26 Jan. 1411-12.

Biography

Hardly anything is known about this obscure figure, who was almost certainly a kinsman—perhaps even the son—of Walter Scarle, one of the most eminent shire knights to represent Rutland during the later 14th century. In this event, he must also have numbered John Scarle (d.c.1403), chancellor of England, among his kinsmen, although no direct evidence has survived to connect the two men. The Scarle family came originally from Lincolnshire, and it was no doubt through John’s efforts as archdeacon of Lincoln that one Master Robert Scarle obtained preferment there. He appears to have been our Member’s near contemporary, and may possibly have been another of Walter’s sons.1

Apart from his one and only return as MP for Rutland at the beginning of 1406, and his brief appearance on the local bench some five years later, Scarle’s career is virtually undocumented. In April 1409 he stood surety in Chancery for a group of men who were being sued for trespass by a Kentishman named William Graunge. He once again acted as a mainpernor there in February 1413, when he and John Burgh III* offered bail on behalf of Thomas Nightingale of Wandsworth. Since this is the last recorded reference to Scarle, we may assume that he died not long afterwards. By the middle of the 15th century the manor of Scarles in Uppingham (which had belonged to Walter Scarle during the previous century) was in the hands of the heiress, Elizabeth Scarle, who married John Chesilden† of Alexton in Leicestershire. Her parentage is not recorded, but there is every likelihood that she was either our Member’s daughter or niece.2

Ref Volumes: 1386-1421

Author: C.R.

Notes

• 1. DNB, xvii. 888; Early Lincoln Wills, ed. Gibbons, 38, 124, 127-8.
• 2. CCR, 1405-9, p. 498; 1409-13, p. 430; VCH Rutland, ii. 98.