Roger Fiennes

Sir Roger Fiennes (c. 1384 – c. 1449) was an English Knight, Sheriff of Surrey and Sussex, and builder of Herstmonceux Castle.

Roger Fiennes was the son of William de Fiennes, Sheriff of Surrey and Sussex and Elizabeth Battisford. He was baptized at Herstmonceux on 14 September 1384.

Sir Roger accompanied King Henry V to France and fought at Agincourt in 1415.

Sir Roger was prominent in the politics and a prominent member of the royal household. He was Knight of the Shire for Sussex in 1416, 1429, 1439, 1442 and 1445. He was Constable of Portchester Castle from 1421, Sheriff of Surrey and Sussex in 1422 and 1434, Treasurer of the Household for King Henry VI between 1439 and 1446, Keeper of the King's Wardrobe, and Chief Steward of the Duchy of Lancaster from 1441 to 1447.

Roger Fiennes, was ultimately responsible for the construction of Herstmonceux Castle in the County of Sussex. He needed a house fitting a man of his position, so construction of the castle on the site of the old manor house began in 1441. It was through his position as treasurer that he could afford the £3,800 construction cost of the original castle. The castle is not a defensive structure, but a palatial residence.

He married Elizabeth Holland, daughter of John Holland, 1st Duke of Exeter and Elizabeth of Lancaster, Duchess of Exeter.

Children of Roger Fiennes and Elizabeth Holland:

Sir Roger died in 1449. His will was dated at Buxted, Sussex 29 October 1449 and proved on 18 November 1449. He was buried at All Saints, Herstmonceux.

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