Background
He was the son of Ralph Basset and Margaret de Somery.
He was the son of Ralph Basset and Margaret de Somery.
In 1291, he was granted the governorship of Edinburgh Castle. He was created 1st in 1295. In the political tumult brought about by the various competitors for the Crown of Scotland, Edward I of England was able to gain an advantage.
On 11 June 1291 the town and castle of Edinburgh were placed into his hands and he subsequently granted the governorship of Edinburgh Castle to Drayton and the Castle was garrisoned with English soldiers.
lieutenant should be noted, that in some records, this Ralph (IV) is listed as the 2nd Baron Basset of Drayton. His father Ralph (III) being the 1st.
The 1st Baron was created by writ of summons to parliament in December 1264. This parliament was instigated by Simon de Monfort"s parliaments, during the Second Barons" War and several new barony"s were created from the men supporting his causes at the time.
Ralph III was killed in the Battle of Evesham with de Montfort"s forces, less than a year later.
Simon de Montfort, 6th Earl of Leicester"s summons"s and appointments, though debated, were upheld by the British Court in the 19th century, but when challenged again were declared invalid in the early 20th century. Regardless, these men, and their descendants served their rolls under the titles created by Monfort.