Draft:Barony of Highmere

The title of Viscount of Wressle was a British noble title created in 1473 by King Edward IV of England. It was granted to a prominent member of the Sampson family, with the seat of the title at Wressle Manor in the East Riding of Yorkshire, England. The title became extinct in the early 18th century but has remained of historical significance due to the influence of its holders and their contributions to British society.

Home to the Viscount of Wressle

History

The Viscountcy of Wressle was first granted in 1473 to Robert DuPont Sampson, a key figure in the military and political affairs of England. The family, originally based in Yorkshire, expanded its influence over the following centuries, with estates acquired across the region. The Sampson family was known for its involvement in trade, diplomacy, and the development of agricultural and cultural enterprises.

Over the centuries, the title passed through several generations, often through strategic marriages and alliances with other notable families. During the 16th and 17th centuries, the family held estates in Yorkshire, Scotland, and Wales, reflecting their growing wealth and influence. The Viscount of Wressle was also known for his involvement in both local governance and national affairs.

The title passed from Robert DuPont Sampson to his son, Charles DuPont Sampson, who further expanded the family's influence. Charles was known for his contributions to British politics and trade, particularly in establishing important alliances with European powers.

In the 17th century, the title passed to Sebastian Jacques Sampson, the last Viscount of Wressle. Sebastian was a prominent figure during his time, known for his connections to the Samitier family—specifically, his mother was the sister of Carlos Samitier, the controversial Spanish nobleman. This made Sebastian Jacques Sampson a cousin to Jacques de Samitier, a prominent historical figure in Spain and France. However, following Sebastian's death in 1710, the title became dormant due to the extinction of the direct line of heirs. Despite its extinction, the Viscountcy has remained a subject of historical interest.

Holdings and Inheritance

The primary seat of the Viscount of Wressle was Wressle Manor, located in East Riding of Yorkshire, England. Other notable estates owned by the family included:

• Brecon - A property in Wales, near the Brecon Beacons, acquired during the 16th century. Following Sebastian Jacques Sampson's death, this estate was inherited by Sebastian's cousin, Thomas DuPont Sampson, who had established himself as a prominent figure in Wales.
• Edinburgh - A smaller estate in Scotland, inherited through marriage to a Scottish noble family. Upon Sebastian's death, the Scottish property was passed to Henry DuPont Sampson, a cousin from the family who had settled in Scotland and had strong ties to the local aristocracy.
• Stirling - A strategic estate in central Scotland, used for diplomatic relations with the Scottish Crown. The Stirling estate was inherited by Mary DuPont Sampson, daughter of Charles DuPont Sampson, who married into a powerful Scottish family.

These estates, combined with the family's strong political connections, cemented their status as a prominent noble house in British and European history.

Notable Figures

• Robert DuPont Sampson (1465–1533) - The first Viscount of Wressle, granted the title by King Henry VI for his service in the Wars of the Roses.
• Charles DuPont Sampson (1500–1580) - The second Viscount of Wressle, known for his contributions to British politics and trade.
• Sebastian Jacques Sampson(1614–1710) - The last Viscount of Wressle, whose death marked the extinction of the title.

Extinction of the Title

The Viscountcy became extinct in the early 18th century following the death of **Sebastian Jacques Sampson**, the last holder of the title. Despite this, the legacy of the Sampson family and their contributions to British history continue to be studied by historians, and the title remains one of historical interest among British nobility.

See Also

• Wressle Manor
• Noble titles of the United Kingdom
• History of the English nobility
• Sampson family

References

• Keats-Rohan, K. S. B. (1999). Domesday Descendants: A Prosopography of Persons Occurring in English Documents 1066–1166. The Boydell Press.
• Fowler, C. D. (2003). "British Nobility and Estate Inheritance". British Historical Review. 68: 113–129.
• "English Nobility and the Sampson Family". Retrieved 2024-11-10.

External Links

• [Sampson Family History](https://www.noblefamilies.co.uk/sampson-family) - Official page detailing the Sampson family's history.
• [Wressle Manor Information](https://www.historicengland.org.uk/places-to-visit/wressle-manor) - A comprehensive history of Wressle Manor and its noble heritage.
• [British Nobility: The Sampson Lineage](https://www.britishnobilityhistory.com/sampson-lineage) - An article tracing the Sampson family's noble titles and estates.