Ralph Stafford, 1st Earl of Stafford
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Sir Ralph Stafford (24 September 1301 - 31 August 1372, also Ralph de Stafford) was an English soldier and nobleman, and became a founding Knight of the Garter in 1348.
Stafford was summoned to Parliament as the 2nd Baron Stafford from 1337 to 1350. He was created 1st Earl of Stafford in 1351. He served as a military leader under King Edward II, fighting in campaigns in Scotland, then in Brittany, France, where he was captured during the Siege of Nantes. He died in 1372 at Tonbridge, Kent.
He abducted Margaret Audley (1293-1342), daughter of the Earl of Gloucester. Her parents, Hugh Audley and Margaret de Clare, filed a complaint, but King Edward III of England supported Stafford. He appeased Hugh and Margaret by creating Hugh Earl of Gloucester. They were survived by at least one daughter, Joan.
He died on 31 AUG 1372 at Tunbridge Castle.
| Preceded by New Creation |
Earl of Stafford | Succeeded by Hugh Stafford |
| Preceded by Edmond de Stafford |
Baron Stafford |
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