The Scropes of Danby
The Scropes of Danby are a branch of the
eminent family of Le Scrope in Wensleydale, of Yorkshire, England. The first Scropes of
Danby descend in direct male line from Sir Henry Scrope, 6th Baron Scrope of Bolton, whose second son was John Scrope, father of Henry Scrope of
Spennithorne.
Henry Scrope of Spennithorne and Danby
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- Danby Hall in Thornton Steward,
Wensleydale, Yorkshire
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- Among the great baronial houses which wielded such mighty power in the middle ages, that
of Le Scrope or Scrope stands pre-eminent. Two branches of the family were ennobled, the
Scropes of Bolton, and the Scropes of Masham; and in the 14th, 15th, and 16th centuries
its members played a conspicuous part in all the great victories and events of the age.
They held the most exalted positions in the church and state, and three individuals of the
name and blood have been immortalised in the plays of Shakespeare. The Scropes of Danby
are the sole representatives of the eldest male line of the family, "having
survived," says Whitaker, "every other branch of that illustrious name."
This branch of the Scropes (Danby) has always remained firm in its adhesion to the old
faith, and in the days of persecution, many a hunted priest found an asylum in their
house.
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