Ralph Egerton

Sir Ralph Egerton (died 4 March 1528) of Ridley, Cheshire was an English soldier knight. The details of his birth are obscure but he undoubtedly belonged to the well-established Cheshire Egerton family. As a young man he was introduced at court of Henry VII and granted a number of local posts but after the accession to the throne of the young Henry VIII he established a reputation as a fighting man in the tournaments. In 1513 he accompanied the King on his French campaign as his standard bearer and given charge of an infantry company which fought close to the king. In September 1513, after the taking of Tournai he was one of the 49 participants who were knighted by the king. He was later made standard-bearer for life and given the ownership of Ridley Hall, near Nantwich in Cheshire. He was henceforth referred to as Sir Ralph Egerton of Ridley. He was appointed Ranger of Delamere Forest for life in 1514 and confirmed in his post as Constable of Chester the following year. In 1516 he was appointed High Sheriff of Flintshire for life.