William Latimer, 4th Baron Latimer

In January 1356 he was present when Edward Balliol surrendered his claim to the Scottish throne and he served in Gascony in 1359.

He was created a Knight of the Garter in 1361 in succession to Sir William FitzWarin[2] and fought on the side of John de Montfort, Duke of Brittany at the Battle of Auray in 1364.

His son-in-law John Neville, Lord Neville de Raby was appointed Steward of the Household in the same year, and until 1376 they were prominent figures in court[3] and Latimer was high in favour with John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, the king's son.

Latimer, Neville, London merchant Richard Lyons and Alice Perrers were accused, and the charges against Latimer were that he had been guilty of oppression in Brittany; had sold the castle of Saint-Sauveur to the enemy, and impeded the relief of Bécherel in 1375; that he had taken bribes for the release of captured ships, and retained fines paid to the king, notably by Sir Robert Knolles, and the city of Bristol; and finally, that in association with Robert Lyons he had obtained money from the crown by the repayment of fictitious loans.

Seconded by William of Wykeham, de la Mare sought to have Latimer immediately convicted, with the Commons acting on behalf of the king.