Lore

Everything we know about House Staunton of Rook’s Rest

Learn about House Staunton of Rook’s Rest.

Published

2 days ago

January 1, 2025

Ved Prabhudesai

Rook's Rest House of the Dragon Season 2 trailer

Credits: HBO

House Staunton is a Crownlands family known for their ancestral seat at Rook’s Rest. They were an important part of the battle that took place between Vhagar and Meleys during the Dance of the Dragons. The battle came to be known as The Battle of Rook’s Rest. Their history is described in George R.R. Martin‘s books and they are seen in House of the Dragon Season 2.

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Contents

5 Minutes Read

What is the history of House Staunton?

Credits: Nunkij

House Staunton is a noble house in the Crownlands. Their ancestral seat, Rook’s Rest, overlooks Blackwater Bay. Their sigil features black wings on a checkered black-and-white background.

The castle of Rook’s Rest is known for its defensive features. It has thick stone walls and towers positioned for strategic advantage. Narrow murder holes enhance its defenses.

During King Maegor’s reign, House Staunton supported him but later surrendered to Prince Jaehaerys. This demonstrated their tendency to align with stronger powers.

House Staunton’s presence is notable in The Sworn Sword, a novella by George R.R. Martin. Septon Sefton, a member of this house, serves as both septon and maester for House Webber.

House Staunton’s loyalty to Queen Rhaenyra during the Dance of the Dragons marked their involvement in pivotal battles. Their resistance against the Greens left a mark on Westerosi history.

In the show

Credits: HBO

House Staunton’s Role in the Dance of the Dragons

Men-at-arms from House Staunton support the Blacks in the War for the Stepstones. Their loyalty to Rhaenyra strengthens her faction. Lord Simon Staunton declares for Rhaenyra at the Dance of the Dragons’ start. He becomes a member of the Black Council, where his contributions aid Rhaenyra’s cause.

Simon attends Black Council meetings at Dragonstone. During one session, he clashes with Lord Bartimos Celtigar over strategy. Despite these disagreements, his dedication to Rhaenyra’s efforts remains steadfast.

When Rhaenyra returns from the Stormlands, Simon is among those who welcome her back. He supports her during a tense council session when news of Prince Jaehaerys’s murder arrives. The Greens’ propaganda campaign to blame Rhaenyra for the killing further fuels Simon’s resolve.

Baela Targaryen warns the council of Ser Criston Cole’s advancing Green army. Simon fears Cole will target Rook’s Rest on his way to Harrenhal. He requests permission from Rhaenyra to leave Dragonstone and return to his seat. Simon intends to strengthen Rook’s Rest’s defenses against an imminent attack.

Simon commands Rook’s Rest’s garrison when Cole’s army lays siege to the castle. During the battle, he witnesses a dramatic dragon fight involving Meleys, Sunfyre, and Vhagar.

Simon Staunton’s Leadership and Sacrifice

Simon Staunton’s role in defending Rook’s Rest emphasizes his loyalty to Queen Rhaenyra. As Green forces approach, he remains resolute in protecting his lands and supporting the Blacks.

During the siege, the dramatic dragon battle between Meleys, Sunfyre, and Vhagar brings the Battle of Rook’s Rest to life. Simon witnesses this iconic aerial clash, which becomes a defining moment in the conflict. The scene demonstrates the immense power and destruction dragons bring to war.

In the books

Credits: Mike S. Miller

History of House Staunton

House Staunton of Rook’s Rest is a noble family from the crownlands. Their sigil is two black wings on a white fess over checkered black and grey. This sigil is based on semi-canon sources, as neither their motto nor arms appear in the books.

Lord Staunton was among the lords who supported Prince Jaehaerys Targaryen against King Maegor I Targaryen. He joined Lords Towers and Darklyn in yielding the Red Keep to Jaehaerys, Princess Rhaena, and Princess Alysanne. After their surrender, they were imprisoned but later pardoned by King Jaehaerys I, albeit after ceding some lands. Lord Staunton was one of several lords who traveled to Dragonstone to meet Jaehaerys during his youth.

Notable Members of House Staunton

Several Stauntons have left their mark on Westerosi history. Cassella Staunton, poisoned during Rhaena Targaryen’s reign, was among the most tragic figures of the family. Simon Staunton, who served as a squire, and Lord Staunton, who supported Rhaenyra, are remembered for their roles during the Dance of the Dragons.

Ser Joffrey Staunton, a Kingsguard knight under Aegon III, exemplifies House Staunton’s dedication to service. Lord Symond Staunton, who served as master of laws for King Aerys II, tried to influence royal policies, though his efforts to prohibit tourneys failed.

Ser Simon Staunton was the third husband of Lady Rohanne Webber. Sefton Staunton, Simon’s brother, served as a septon of the Faith. efton served at the Great Sept of Baelor and at Coldmoat.

Lady Staunton, the widow of the Lord of Rook’s Rest, continued her family’s legacy by allying with Ser Corwyn Corbray during Aegon III’s ascension. Her actions during the Hour of the Wolf further cemented the house’s loyalty to the Targaryens.

Ysabel Staunton, considered as a match for King Aegon III, faced criticism spread by Lord Unwin Peake.

House Staunton’s Legacy and Role

House Staunton’s history reflects their loyalty to the Targaryens, despite enduring significant losses. Their support for Jaehaerys I and later Rhaenyra during the Dance of the Dragons exemplifies their dedication. The death of Lord Staunton at Rook’s Rest marked a turning point for the family, yet they continued to serve the crown in other capacities.

Their influence extended beyond military efforts. Members like Ser Joffrey Staunton in the Kingsguard and Symond Staunton as master of laws contributed to the governance and stability of Westeros. Their actions demonstrate their commitment to upholding their duties and supporting the Targaryen dynasty.

Quick Answers

Where is Rook’s Rest?

Rook’s Rest is in the Crownlands, overlooking Blackwater Bay. It is the ancestral seat of House Staunton.

What was the role of House Staunton in the Dance of the Dragons?

House Staunton supported Queen Rhaenyra and fought valiantly at Rook’s Rest. This information is from Fire and Blood.

Who is Septon Sefton?

Septon Sefton, a member of House Staunton, appears in The Sworn Sword. He serves as septon and maester to House Webber.

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01/03/2025 12:27 pm GMT

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