The rise and fall of Andrew Harcley – 1st Earl of Carlisle
The rise and fall of Andrew Harcley
1st Earl of Carlisle
by Jonathan Fraser, Cumbria and the Borders History
How did a man who defended Carlisle from Robert the Bruce and the Scots in 1315, and became Earl of Carlisle in 1322, fall so out of favour with Edward II that he was executed for treason less than a year later?
Andrew Harclay, also know as Andreas de Harcla, was born in Westmorland around 1270. He was born to Sir Michael Harclay and Joan Harclay, probably being their eldest son. He came from a Knightly family; his father was a retainer of the Clifford family, serving as sheriff of Cumberland between 1285 and 1296.
Andrew earned himself a reputation as a military leader, his career being traced as far back as 1304. Andrew took part in a campaign against the Scots in the Scottish Wars during Edward I reign. During the defence of the marches during the reign of Edward II, he assisted Robert de Clifford in 1309. Like his father had been in the past, he was appointed Sheriff of Cumberland in 1311.
His rise continued when he was elected to Knight of the Shire in 1312 and by 1313, he was the leader of the defence against the Scottish invasion.
In 1315, his prestige grew further after he successfully defended Carlisle Castle from a siege led by Robert the Bruce. Harclay was ready for the siege and had reinforced the walls with missile-firing engines. After 11 days, due to a combination of Harclay’s preparations and bad weather, the Scots gave up and left.
In 1315/16, Harclay’s fortune’s changed after being taken captive by the Scots, with a 2000 marks ransom on his head. As was usually the case, with his meteoric rise came jealousy from others meaning enemies were made. Some of these enemies took the opportunity of his absence to spread rumours at court; nevertheless, Edward II raised the money to secure his freedom.
Despite Edward raising the funds for his release it seems that he had been out of favour for the next few years. In 1319, he was appointed sheriff again and also keeper of Carlisle and Cockermouth castles, also becoming warden of the West Marches of England.
To be continued…
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