LATIMER

This surname is said to have been adopted from the tenure of certain lands, which required the possessor thereof to act as "latimer," or interpreter. In English history it occupies a prominent place, and has been borne at various times by the most distinguished warriors. In the reign of Henry III. flourished WILLIAM DE LATIMER, a crusader under Prince Edward, and a gallant soldier in the French wars; and under Edward III., William, Lord Latimer, his great grandson, a warrior of great renown, celebrated for a victory achieved over Charles of Blois, at the siege of Doveroy, where, with only 1600 men, English and Bretons, he encountered that Prince, who had come to the relief of the place at the head of 3,600 men; and defeated and slew him, besides nearly a thousand knights and esquires; taking prisoners also, two earls, twenty-seven lords, and fifteen hundred men-at-arms. The only child and heiress of this heroic soldier was ELIZABETH LATIMER, married, 1st, to John, Lord Nevill, of Raby; and 2nd, to Robert, Lord Willoughby de Eresby. Another branch of the house of Latimer were the Lords Latimer of Braybroke, whose eventual representative (in the female line), EDWARD GRIFFIN, was created in 1688 Baron GRIFFIN Of BRAYBROKE.

--(This name appears on the Battle Abbey Roll).