William Molyneux

William Molyneux was the son of Sir Richard de Molyneux, Lord of Sefton, and wife Agatha. He married (1) Johanna Ellall, daughter of Jordan Ellall, Forrester of Werdale and his wife Alice de Thwenge. He married (2) Margaret Heaton, daughter and heir of Sir Alan Heaton of Buthel, and widow of Sir Robert de Holland of Enkerston. William had seven sons with Johanna. If there were daughters, they were not recorded by Dugdale in the Visitation of 1664-65.

He distinguished himself at the battle of Navarette, in Spain under Edward the Black Prince, where he was made a Banneret in 1367, and continued to serve under that General in all his Spanish and French battles.

Sir William, the eldest son, succeeded his father in 1363. He died at Canterbury in 1372 and was buried there in Canterbury Cathedral. Sir Thomas, the second son, was killed at Redcot bridge in 1388.

Sir William's second wife, Margaret de Heyton, sometimes called Margery, Had a daughter, Jane Holland, by her first husband. Jane married Sir William's eldest son, also named William. Thus, Margaret was step-mother to William and both mother-in-law and mother to Jane.

Children of Sir William Molyneux and first wife Johanna Ellall:

• Sir William Molyneux of Sefton
• Sir Thomas Molynex of Kuerdale, Constable of Chester, and slain by Sir Thomas Mortimer at the Battle of Radcot Bridge, 1383
• Sir John Molyneux of Crosby, returned to the Great Council at Westminster 17 Edward II
• Richard Molyneux, Parson of Sefton
• Robert Molyneux
• Peter Molyneux
• Simon Molyneux

See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_N%C3%A1jera for description of Battle of Navarette.