What is the true origin of this unique goat which came to the Bagot family of Blithfield, Staffordshire in the late 1300’s and bears their name?  There are various theories regarding this which have been put forward over the years, but what ever theory is correct it is certainly true that the the goat has been a prominent feature through out most of the Bagot family’s long family history.  The family kept and protected the goats for some 600 years and it is only in latter years that they were finally totally removed from the Bagot estate, just to ensure those remaining had a better chance of survival.  Obviously many things were written through out history about events and families, and the Bagot family is no exception.

John Rogers in his early book "English Woodlands" suggests the goats may have been brought from Normandy originally.  J.G.Strutt in his famous book "Sylva Brittanica" of 1822, states that the goats were presented to Sir John Bagot during the early part of the Richard II's reign (1377-99).  Richard Bagot, in his book "Casting the Nets" of 1901 refers to a shooting party in Bagots park and confirms that the goats were given by Richard II in acknowledgement of "a mighty days hunting that the King had enjoyed in the park".

Lord Gerald Bagot, suggested that they may have been presented to the then John Bagot, by Edward II (1307 - 1327) for services rendered.  The late Lord Carl Bagot discounted this theory completely as he believed that the goats did not come to Bagots Park until nearer the end of 14th Century, not the beginning.

If we look back in history, then we can find some further clues to support or discredit these theories. 

It is known that goats were first used in the Bagot family coat of arms sometime after Sir John Bagot received his knighthood in 1387.  The coat of arms depicts two goats standing either side of a shield and a goats head on the top.

It is known that Richard II left London on 9th February 1387 as it is quoted, that he went on a "Gyration to the Midlands and the North" this lasted we are told some ten months.  This fact, establishes that the King was in the Midlands region, at about the date we are looking for to fit some of these theories.

In another account it says that the King was actually at Lichfield, "Feasting, Hunting and Merrymaking".  In recent years, workmen undertaking repairs to Lichfield Cathedral unearthed very large quantities of buried ox and animal bones and these bones have now been carbon dated to around 1387.  Could they possibly be the left over bones from the feasting?  It is understood that there was a very large number of bones and it would appear that when the King was traveling about the country he would have some 500 persons with him (Servants, guards and general hangers on).  They would therefore soon consume a large quantity of food if they stayed any length of time at any one place.

The town of Lichfield was situated just at the side of Needlewood forest, and Bagots park is also in this forest.  As the King knew of Blithfield because of the Bagot family, there is little doubt he would go there.  So it can be seen, there are events and dates here that do seem to fit.

If the goats were given to the Bagot family by Richard II then where did he get them from? It has always been thought that they were brought back by the returning crusaders and given to the King.  It is a known fact that the Schwartzhal goats (from the Rhone valley) have a striking resemblance to Bagots but there is nothing to tell us of anybody returning to England passing through this region that would fit these dates or even close.

Most people associate crusades with the Holy Wars however it seems that at this time in history, if somebody in another country did not agree with your thoughts, then you had to go over and teach them some manners.  This was refereed to as your crusade, nothing holy about it at all.

It is known that John of Gaunt (Duke of Lancaster) in 1385 formed an alliance with the King of Portugal to claim the crown of Castile (Portugal).  That was his right by marriage (his wife being the daughter of Pedro the Cruel).  John of Gaunt was Richard II's uncle and was an elder statesman, who although losing favour with the King, was it seems the power for good and sensibility throughout most of Richard II’s reign. 

In 1386 John of Gaunt and his large army set sail for the continent.  This force is documented as consisting of some 7000 men, including 1200 lances, 1000 infantry also 2000 archers and many men would be mounted as well.  It is also known that John of Gaunt took his wife and daughters with him and left his heir, Henry Bolingbroke at home to look after his interests, in his absence.

At this time England was having a very bad time. The French were already sending raiding parties across the Channel attacking the south of England ports.  To such an extent that John of Gaunt was told by parliament at that time, to return all his empty transport ships just as soon as his army was landed at Lisbon.  It is known that many of the Lancastrian tenantry would be obliged to accompany John of Gaunt, if and when he asked for there servicee and among these tenants was Sir John Bagot, his son also was thought to have gone as well.  This is because he took out letters of protection for him on 13th March 1386 .

John of Gaunt was joined in this crusade of 1386 by the King of Portugal as well.  Together they captured many places in Spain.  Soon after this, the English army started to waste away with sickness and what was left of the large army was forced to retire back to Gascony.  The remnants of the army (including Sir John Bagot) later returned back to England by ship.

It is doubted if a document will be found that states exactly when and where the Bagot goats came from however it is certain that further evidence will be found which will help to piece together the story of Bagot goat.