Title: High Sheriff of Lancaster
Name: Reginald de Cornehill
Herald date: 1215
Argent, a sinister arm issuing out of the dexter chief point and extended towards the sinister base the fist clenched in bend Gules.
Originally from the Isle of Thanet, the de Cornhill family were merchants, well versed in maritime trade. Henry de Cornhill was responsible for organising the fleet that took King Richard on Crusade.
For most of John’s reign Reginald was given important taxation and customs duties, but after Gilbert Fitzreinfrid’s revolt in 1215 he was sent to Lancaster. He was already Sheriff of Kent and Constable of Rochester Castle and so John clearly trusted him in this new role.
By September 1215 Reginald was back in Kent and was present when Rochester Castle was laid seige to by the Archbishop of Canterbury. Reginald surrendered the castle without a fight. The king was furious and had Reginald imprisoned after he re-took Rochester.
