Fitz-Gwarine died in the reign of Edward leaving a son, at that time engaged in the war prosecuted by that king against France: his lady Eleanor, had permission to use livery for this manor, until her husband could return to do homage. He performed very considerable services for the king in sundry campaigns, particularly in Flanders and Scotland, where, by his gallant conduct, he made himself as much renowned as any of his predecessors.
A.D. 1329.
Edmund earl of Kent, uncle to the king, being suspected of circulating reports, that Edward II. was then alive, he accused Fitz-Gwarine of promising him aid, in case Kent could bring about a rebellion, for which our hero was deprived of the castle of Whittington; but some of his friends, who had influence with Edward obtained it back for him in the following year, the king being perfectly convinced of his loyalty.
A.D. 1350.
In this year, or the twenty-third of Edward III., Fitz-Gwarine the fifth departed this life; and was succeeded by his son, Fulk the sixth; who, four years before had the honour of signalizing himself at the memorable battle of Cressy, the first great action that convinced the French of that undaunted courage which existed, and still continues to exist, amongst the inhabitants of this fair isle. Fitz-Gwarine, likewise, accompanied the Black Prince into Gascoigne, when that young prince carried his successful arms into that quarter of France;
A.D. 1356.
and was at the illustrious battle of Poictiers, where the whole army gained universal applause:—headed by a general, whose noble and generous conduct shone with meridian splendour, not only in this, but in every other campaign he was engaged in; and whose whole life was one continued scene of invincible courage, adorned with all that clemency and nobleness of soul, so much to be admired in a prince.
A.D. 1374.
Fitz-Gwarine, for the important services he rendered to his country, was, upon his return there, created Baron Marcher of Wales; this is the last well-grounded anecdote that we have of him, except the date of his death, which took place in the forty-seventh of Edward III.
The next Fulk was only seven years old at the death of his father. He became possessed of a greater extent of property than any of his ancestors, but did not long enjoy it: he was cut off at the early age of twenty-five; and by will, ordered that his body should be interred in the chancel of Whittington church. The greatest part of his possessions lay in other counties, but he considered Whittington the most eligible place for his sepulture, as it had been the general residence of his family for several generations. It appears that he also left a minor son, for his will appoints J. Audley, guardian over the young prince.