[1][2] In the 12th century, the priory itself dated its foundation to the time of William Rufus, and claimed as its founder Hugh d'Avranches, 1st Earl of Chester.
Shortly after Ranulph's death, the manor of Trentham appears to have passed into the hands of King Henry II who took over patronage of the priory.
[1] In the late 13th century a dispute arose over the patronage of the priory between the Earls of Lancaster, in their capacity as lords of the manor of Newcastle-under-Lyme, and the Crown.
A court case in 1327 found that Henry III had left the patronage of the priory and the manor of Newcastle-under-Lyme to his son Edmund Crouchback, Earl of Lancaster.
The house's circumstances by this time had been much reduced and further burdens, including the maintenance of retired royal servants and soldiers, only added to its poverty.