Ralph Dacre, 3rd Baron Dacre

Ralph Dacre, 3rd Baron Dacre (d. 1375) was an English noble and clergyman. He was the third son of Ralph Dacre, 1st Baron Dacre and his wife Margaret de Multon, 2nd Baroness Multon of Gilsland, with two older brothers (William and Thomas) and one younger brother (Hugh). He would become the second of three of the brothers to succeed to the title of Baron Dacre.[1]

Ralph Dacre, 3rd Baron Dacre
Naworth Castle, seat of the Dacre family
Died1375
Noble familyDacre
FatherRalph Dacre, 1st Baron Dacre
MotherMargaret de Multon, 2nd Baroness Multon of Gilsland

As the third son, Ralph Dacre pursued a clerical career. He was placed as the rector of the church of Prescot in 1346 (while still several months below canonical age), and was confirmed in this position in 1350 by Pope Clement VI. He is mentioned as "parson of Prescot" in visitation pedigrees, and he retained his position as rector until shortly before his death in 1375, when he resigned in favor of John Fairfax.[2]

Ralph Dacre succeeded to the title of Baron Dacre in 1361, on the death of his eldest brother William without issue (the next-oldest brother, Thomas, also being dead without issue before this time).[3] He was summoned to Parliament in 1362. His time as baron was turbulent, with a particularly violent feud developing that would ultimately claim his life. In 1373, Nicholas Harrington led an armed party against Dacre's lands that caused extensive damage, including the destruction of buildings and the theft of cattle and other valuables; Harrington and the other offenders escaped consequences for the raid. In 1375, Baron Dacre was murdered, apparently by Harrington as well as his own brother, Hugh. Though both perpetrators were presented for the murder, they were never punished for it.[4]

Ralph Dacre died intestate, unmarried, and childless in 1375. His brother (and probable murderer) Hugh would succeed him as the fourth Baron Dacre.

Peerage of England
Preceded by
William Dacre		 Baron Dacre
1361–1375		 Succeeded by
Hugh Dacre

References
  1. Baines, Edward "The History of the County Palatine and Duchy of Lancaster, Vol. 5" pg. 3
  2. British History Online: The Parish of Prescot
  3. Gregson, Matthew "Portfolio of Fragments" pg. 174
  4. History of Parliament: Sir Nicholas Haryngton
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