Corrections to "Dictionary of National Biography" This page edited and hosted by Will Johnson, Professional Genealogist

ODNB error: Stafford

There are a couple of contradictions between the articles on Stafford, Ralph, first earl of Stafford (1301-1372) and Stafford, Edmund (1344-1419).

(1) According to the latter, Edmund was "the second son of Sir Richard Stafford of Clifton, banneret (d. 1380), and Isabel, his first wife (d. c.1350), daughter of Sir Richard Vernon of Haddon. Ralph, first earl of Stafford (d. 1372), was his great-uncle ..."

This implies that Richard Stafford (d. 1380) was anephew of Earl Ralph.

But in the former, this Richard is identified as the earl's brother, and the point is made that he has been confused with his own son Richard.

(2) In the former, Edmund is described as Richard's "only surviving legitimate son" at Richard's death in 1380.

In the latter, Edmund's younger brother is mentioned, and is said to have died "between 1385 and 1419". This means he would still have been living in 1380.

Contributed by Chris Phillips 24 Sep 2005