Henry Ferrers, 2nd Baron Ferrers of Groby

Henry Ferrers has been described by one recent historian as "arguably the most successful member of his family" on account of his being the only one, in six generations, to have succeeded to his patrimony as an adult, thus "protecting his inheritance from the hazards of wardship".

In 1327, King Edward II was overthrown and forced to abdicate by his wife, Queen Isabella and her lover Roger Mortimer, but by the end of the decade their regime had become equally unpopular, and there was increasing baronial opposition to their rule.

As a result, his lands were confiscated by their regime, but were released back to him in February, and Ferrers was allowed to avoid payment of a £5,000 fine that had been levied on him.

[4] Ferrers was partly responsible for the capture and eventual hanging at Tyburn of the Queen's lover, Roger Mortimer, and for this, he later received a pardon for any offences committed in the course of this episode.

Ferrers was also due to take part in the aborted Irish campaign of 1332 (with "as great a force as he could muster"),[6] but he did fight as one of the 'Disinherited' with Edward Balliol against Scotland later the same year.

In return, Ferrers was granted various profitable concessions from the wine trade and the right to hold weekly markets and fairs in Groby, Woodham, and Stebbing.