Sir Nicholas de Stafford, Crusader Miniatures

These models represents Sir Nicholas De Stafford.

These models represents Sir Nicholas De Stafford. Born about 1246 in Stafford, Staffordshire, England. de Stafford was sheriff of Staffordshire, married Anne de Langley and then Eleanor De Clinton. He was killed, along with several other knights, whilst inspecting a mine that had been tunneled under the walls of Rhys ap Maredudd’s Dryslwyn Castle during the siege in August 1287.

Both the mounted knight the the knight on foot are from Crusader Miniatures. You may have noticed that I have removed the tail from the horse. The reason for is is detailed in a post about Peter of Dreux.

Stone keep of Stafford Castle built by Ralph Stafford, 1st Earl of Stafford

Later members of the family included Ralph Stafford, a founder member of the Order of the Garter, who became the1st Earl of Stafford. It was this particular Stafford that built the stone castle in 1347, the scant remains of which can been seen on top of the motte.

In 1444 Humphrey Stafford was created Duke of Buckingham, he was later killed at Battle of Northampton in July 1460.

The impressive remains of the motte and bailey can be seen from the M6 motorway between Junction 13 & 14.