He was a favorite of Thomas, 2nd Earl of Lancaster and had been knighted by 1305. He served him by suppressing the 1315 rising of Adam Banastre, Henry de Lea, and William de Bradshagh (Bradshaw) who banded together and launched an attack on the Liverpool Castle. The manors of Thornton and Bagworth was acquired by him in 1313. From 1314 to 1321 he was called to Parliament. After that his part in the Battle of Boroughbridge was deemed cowardly and led to his disfavor. Although King Edward III of England would later pardon him, the partisans of the Earl of Lancaster considered him a traitor and had him executed.[1] His execution occurred in 1328 by beheading in Essex, his body was sent to Lancashire to be buried.