John Wake, 1st Baron Wake ★

1260s–1290s

Born around 1268, son of Baldwin Wake and Margaret de Quency. Campaigned in Gascony from 1288 to 1297. Married Joan de Fiennes by 24 September 1291. Among the first barons summoned to Parliament by individual writ, in 1295. Joint captain of the March of Scotland in 1297; fought at Falkirk in 1298.

1300s

Died on 4 October 1300; his son Thomas succeeded him as 2nd Baron Wake.

Family Background

John Wake was born around 1268, son of Baldwin Wake and Margaret de Quency, whose own parents were Robert de Quency and Elen ferch Llywelyn, tying John's ancestry back into both the Anglo-Norman and Welsh royal lines.

Marriage

By September 24, 1291, John had married Joan de Fiennes, daughter of William de Fiennes and Blanche de Brienne, allying the Wake family with another prominent cross-Channel noble house.

Summons to Parliament

John Wake was among the very first barons summoned to Parliament by individual writ under Edward I in 1295, rather than through the older feudal obligation of military tenure — a foundational moment in the development of the English peerage as a parliamentary institution.

Military Service

Wake campaigned extensively between 1288 and 1300: in Gascony from 1288 to 1297, then on the Scottish border from 1297. In 1297 he was appointed joint captain of the March of Scotland in Cumberland and Westmorland, and the following year fought at the Battle of Falkirk, one of the decisive engagements of Edward I's Scottish wars.

Death and Succession

John Wake died October 4, 1300. His son Thomas succeeded him as 2nd Baron Wake of Liddell; a second son, John, and a daughter, Margaret, also survived him.