See also

John CLIFTON ( -1403)

1. John de CLIFTON, son of Sir Robert de CLIFTON (1346- ) and Agnes GREY ( - ), was a Sheriff of Nottinghamshire. He died in 1403 in Shrewsbury. He married Catherine DE CRESSY.

 

A brief reference is made to Sir John Clifton in Shakespeare's Henry IV Part 1. In Act 5, Scene 4 Douglas casts doubt on King Henry's right to be king and the two fight. Prince Henry interupts them and Douglas flees at which point the Prince conveys the news that Sir Nicholas Gawsey and Sir John Clifton have sent requests for support.

Prince: Cheerly, my lord: how fares your Grace? Sir Nicholas Gawsey hath for succour sent, and so hath Clifton: I'll to Clifton straight.

K.Henry: Make up to Clifton: I'll to Sir Nicholas Gawsey.

Sir John Clifton died at the battle of Shrewsbury in 1403 where Henry IV defeated 'Hotspur' Percy. He fought on the King's side and was made Kt. Banneret on the battlefield.

 

Catherine DE CRESSY was the daughter of Sir John DE CRESSY of Hodsock ( - ). She and John de CLIFTON had the following children:

 

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Gervase CLIFTON ( - )

Second Generation

2. Sir Gervase CLIFTON of Clifton and Hodsock, son of John de CLIFTON and Catherine DE CRESSY, married Isabella FRANCIS.

 

Isabella FRANCIS, daughter of Sir Robert FRANCIS of Foremark ( - ), died on 13 June 1457. She and Gervase CLIFTON had the following children:

 

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Robert CLIFTON ( -1478)

Third Generation

3. Sir Robert CLIFTON of Clifton and Hodsock, son of Sir Gervase CLIFTON of Clifton and Hodsock and Isabella FRANCIS, died on 9 April 1478. He married Alice BOTHE.

 

He was the founder of (not the) Clifton College. There is also a brass of Sir Robert in the Church of St. Mary, Clifton: the inscription reads - Orate pro anima Roberti Clyfton militis fundator trill capplor collegii in hac ecclia qui obiit nono die mensis Aprilis anno domini millimo CCCClxxviii cuius anime propiciet de amë.”

TRANSLATION.
“Pray for the soul of Robert Clifton Knight founder of a College for three chantry priests in this church who died the ninth day of the month of April in the year of the Lord 1478 on whose soul may God have mercy.”.

 

Alice BOTHE, daughter of John BOOTH of Barton ( - ) and Joan TRAFFORD ( - ), had the title 'Lady Alice Clifton'. She died on 9 September 1470. She and Robert CLIFTON had the following children:

 

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Gervase CLIFTON (c. 1438-1491). Gervase was born circa 1438 in Clifton, Nottinghamshire. He appeared in the census. He died on 12 May 1491.