Hervey Bagod, married Millicent, daughter his feudal overlord, Robert de Stafford some time after 1166. He adopted the Stafford name, and started one of the greatest English feudal baronies whose fortunes and misfortunes played a significant part of the history of England.

The branch of the family from which most Bagots are descended today remained living at Bagots Bromley near Abbots Bromley until Ralph Bagot married Elizabeth de Blithfield, from a neighbouring family, so adding Blithfield Hall and surrounding land to the estate in about 1360.

Sir John Bagot, Ralph’s son, accompanied John of Gaunt (as Duke of Lancaster, his feudal overlord) on his expedition to take the Crown of Castille in 1386 and it is probable that the famous Bagot Goats returned with him from Iberia.  In 1408, he served as Lieutenant to the Captain of the Castle of Calais and it is likely that he was with the King at the Battle of Agincourt in 1415.

His younger brother, Sir William, of Baginton, Warwickshire who also went with John of Gaunt to Iberia, was in the Council of Richard II and advised the King during the turbulent years of his reign.  He was committed in the Tower of London but later restored to his lands and possessions and granted a pension of £100 a year.  Some of his exploits are chronicled in Shakespeare’s play about the life of Richard II and his monument still exists in Baginton Church. 

Lewis Bagot was appointed to the Royal Household by Henry VII.  Although he probably did not serve in Henry VIII’s Household, he was one of the Knights of Staffordshire at the famous interview with Francis I in France, known as the Field of the Cloth of Gold.