Generation 8: Sir Alexander St. John, Knight & Johanna Craddock

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Biography

Early Life & Ancestry

Sir Alexander St. John was born around 1396 in Weobley, Llanrhidian, Glamorganshire, Wales, into a distinguished noble family. He was the son of Sir John (II) St. John, a knight of the Barony of Penmarc and Lordship of West Barry, and Lucy Basset, the heiress of Uchel-olau (Highlight) in Gwenfo, Glamorganshire. His lineage traced back to the powerful de Clare and Basset families, with connections to the Anglo-Norman aristocracy of Wales and England.

Inheritance & Titles

Through his mother, Alexander inherited half of Cwmcidy, known as Highlight (Uchel-olau), solidifying his status as a landed lord. He became the Lord of Highlight and was later recognized as a Knight of Uchelolau, a title reflecting his military and feudal standing. His family was associated with the Knights Hospitallers of St. John of Jerusalem, an influential medieval military order.

Marriage & Descendants

Alexander married Johanna Craddock (b. ~1412), with whom he had at least two sons:

1. John (III) St. John (b. ~1428, d. bef. 1473), who inherited Weobley Castle.

2. William St. John, Esq. (b. ~1440, d. ~1538), who continued the lineage at Highlight Abbey.

Military & Feudal Role

As a knight, Alexander likely participated in regional conflicts and served under the English crown during the turbulent Wars of the Roses. His possession of Weobley Castle and Highlight Abbey placed him among the landed gentry of Glamorganshire, where he managed estates and upheld feudal obligations.

Death & Legacy

Sir Alexander St. John died around 1480 at Uchel-olau (Highlight), leaving a lasting legacy in Welsh and English aristocracy. His descendants maintained prominence in Glamorganshire, with his son William living to the remarkable age of 98, further securing the family’s influence.

Heraldry & Historical Records

• Heraldic Visitation (1531): His lineage was recorded in Welsh heraldic visitations, confirming his noble status.

• Feudal Records (1429): Listed as a landed gentleman in Glamorgan, holding the fee of Uchelolau.

• Genealogical Sources: Documented in Peter Bartrum’s Welsh Genealogies and the St. John Genealogy Project as a Knight

Sir Alexander St. John remains a notable figure in medieval Welsh history, embodying the knightly and feudal traditions of his time. His family’s enduring legacy is preserved in historical manuscripts and the ruins of Weobley Castle and the Manor & Abbey of Highlight.

References:

• [S10542] Bartrum, Peter C. (Peter Clement), Welsh Genealogies, AD 300-1400 (1980), Bartrum, Peter C. (Peter Clement), (25 volumes, with supplements containing additions and corrections. [Wales]: University of Wales Press, 1980), FHL book 942.9 D2bp; FHL microfiche . [S10543] Welsh Genealogies AD 1400-1500 (1983), Bartrum, Peter C. (Peter Clement), (18 volumes, with supplements containing additions and corrections. Aberystwyth: National Library of Wales, 1983), FHL book 942.9 D2bw., vol. 9 p. 1567, 1568*..

• [S10544] WG 300-1400 - 5th List, Bartrum, Peter C., (Aberystwyth. Llyfrgell Genedlaethol Cymru / The National Library of Wales. 1996.), FHL 942.9 Dwbp supp. 5., p. 18..

• [S10545] #11886 The Golden Grove books of pedigrees (filmed 1970), (Manuscript, National Library of Wales manuscript number Castell Gorfod 7. Filmed by the Genealogical Society of Utah, 1950), FHL microfilms 104,349-104,351., book 4 p. C521; book 5 p. C635c, 639*..

• [S10546] MS. 8 - Glamorgan Pedigrees (MFU #12434), (Microfilm of mss. in the National Library of Wales, Aberystwyth. NLW MSS. 11964, 6611, 6544, 8, 6548, 3757, 6549, 3753. Salt Lake City, Utah: Filmed by the Genealogical Society of Utah, 1950.), FHL microfilm 104312., p. 166*..

• [S117] PRO, C 1/1059/66 ( Public Record Office (PRO), now the United Kingdom’s National Archives, at Kew, London) .

• [S113] Cardiff MS 5.6: Welsh Pedigrees. Courtesy of Cardiff Libraries 5.6-2 St. John: Maunsell page 496 .

• [S119] Beauchamp's Survey, 1429.

(Last updated: April 2025)