The Folville Gang: England's Medieval mafia: A Video Essay
In 1310 Sir John Folville dies, a respected part of the gentry and a commissioner knight of the shire. As per custom his wealth and land are given to the eldest of his sons, John. Leaving the remaining six to find their own paths. This was nothing unusual. The younger sons of nobility had the expectation to typically join the military or Church, just for the frivolous factor of order of birth. From king to knight it was normal. However these six sons where not content to follow the expectations that surrounded them. They twisted the expectations put before them, earning themselves a reputation as some of the most wanted men of the century. The Folvilles became England’s first powerhouse of organised crime. It sounds like the premise of a gritty piece of historical inspired drama that you’d see among the likes of Game of Thrones or Peaky Blinders. But the story of the infamous Folville family was a fearsome reality for the people of the 14th century.
