The Dacres were a family pre-eminent in Cumberland where they were famous for their exploits in checking or avenging the depredations of the Scots.

He had five siblings: In 1335, a licence to crenellate his home, Naworth Castle, was granted to Ralph during the reign of Edward III.

Dacre carried off his bride-to-be, a ward of Edward II, from Warwick Castle where she was in the care of Thomas de Beauchamp; the official record states:Ranulph de Dacre pardoned for stealing away in the night, out of the King's custodie, from his Castell of Warwick, of Margaret, daughter and heir of Thomas Multon of Gillsland, who held of the King in capite and was within age, whereof the said Ranulph standeth indighted in curia Regis.

On the 25th March 1333, a Scottish force intercepted the English at the village of Dornock, Dumfriesshire.

Lord Dacre died in April 1339 and was succeeded in the barony by his eldest son, William.