Biography of John de la Pole 2nd Duke of Suffolk 1442-1492

On 3rd June 1449 Anne Beauchamp 15th Countess Warwick [aged 5] died at Ewelme, Oxfordshire aged four whilst in the care of [his mother] Alice Chaucer Duchess Suffolk [aged 45]. She was buried at Reading Abbey, Berkshire [Map]. Baron Burghesh abeyant between her three-half aunts and her full aunt Anne Beauchamp 16th Countess Warwick [aged 22]. It isn't clear why the barony was not subject to the same legal dispute that the Earldom of Warwick was subject to - see following.

After a prolonged legal dispute between her three half-aunts, Margaret Beauchamp Countess Shrewsbury and Waterford [aged 45], Eleanor Beauchamp Duchess Somerset [aged 40], Elizabeth Beauchamp Baroness Latimer [aged 32] and her full aunt Anne Beauchamp 16th Countess Warwick, the courts decided her full aunt Anne Beauchamp should succeed. Anne Beauchamp succeeded 16th Countess Warwick. Her husband Richard Neville [aged 20] by marriage Earl Warwick; the first step on his journey to becoming Kingmaker.

The decision of the court was not subscribed to by Edmund Beaufort Earl Somerset [aged 43] who was married to Anne's half-sister Eleanor; he wanted his share of the considerable Beauchamp inheritance.

On 1st May 1450 [his father] William "Jackanapes" de la Pole 1st Duke of Suffolk [aged 53] was beheaded at sea whilst travelling into exile his ship having been intercepted by the Nicholas of the Tower, or by Admiral Nicholas of the Tower. His son John [aged 7] succeeded 2nd Marquess Suffolk, 5th Earl Suffolk, 5th Baron Pole. [his wife] Margaret Beaufort Countess Richmond [aged 6] by marriage Marchioness Suffolk. Earl Pembroke forfeit.

On 3rd January 1458 Henry Stafford [aged 33] and [his former wife] Margaret Beaufort Countess Richmond [aged 14] were married probably at Maxstoke Castle [Map]. Her third marriage (second if you don't include the one annulled) aged fourteen and already the mother of the future King Henry VII. She had no further issue. She the daughter of John Beaufort 1st Duke of Somerset and [his former mother-in-law] Margaret Beauchamp Duchess Somerset [aged 48]. He the son of Humphrey Stafford 1st Duke of Buckingham [aged 55] and Anne Neville Duchess Buckingham [aged 50]. They were second cousins. He a great x 2 grandson of King Edward III of England. She a great x 2 granddaughter of King Edward III of England.

On 20th July 1460 Thomas Scales 7th Baron Scales [aged 63] was murdered by boatmen whilst travelling from the Tower of London [Map] to Sanctuary, Westminster Abbey [Map]. His daughter Elizabeth succeeded 8th Baroness Scales. She was, or had been married to, Henry Bourchier (the year of his death may been 1458). She was in 1466 married to Anthony Woodville 2nd Earl Rivers [aged 20], brother of [his brother-in-law] King Edward IV's [aged 18] wife Elizabeth Woodville Queen Consort England [aged 23]; an example of the Woodville family marrying rich heiresses.

After 27th June 1461, the time of his coronation, [his brother-in-law] King Edward IV of England [aged 19] created his brother George [aged 11] 1st Duke Clarence.

On 28th June 1461 [his brother-in-law] King Edward IV of England [aged 19] was crowned IV King of England. Duke York, Earl March, Earl of Ulster, Earl Cambridge, Baron Mortimer of Wigmore merged with the Crown. Cardinal Thomas Bourchier [aged 43] was assisted by Archbishop William Booth [aged 73] at Westminster Abbey [Map].

On 31st October 1461 [his brother-in-law] King Edward IV of England [aged 19] created his brother Richard [aged 9] 1st Duke Gloucester. Henry Bourchier [aged 57] was created 1st Earl Essex. Isabel of York [aged 52] by marriage Countess Essex. William Neville [aged 56] was created 1st Earl Kent. Joan Fauconberg [aged 55] by marriage Countess Kent.

On 26th July 1461 William Hastings 1st Baron Hastings [aged 30] was created 1st Baron Hastings for supporting [his brother-in-law] King Edward IV of England [aged 19] in his claim to the throne.

Robert Ogle 1st Baron Ogle [aged 55] was created 1st Baron Ogle by King Edward IV of England for having been the principal Northumbrian gentleman to support the Yorkist cause.

On 1st May 1464 [his brother-in-law] King Edward IV of England [aged 22] and Elizabeth Woodville Queen Consort England [aged 27] were married at Grafton Regis, Northamptonshire [Map]. Jacquetta of Luxemburg Duchess Bedford [aged 49], Elizabeth's mother, being the only witness. The date not certain. She the daughter of Richard Woodville 1st Earl Rivers [aged 59] and Jacquetta of Luxemburg Duchess Bedford. He the son of [his father-in-law] Richard Plantagenet 3rd Duke of York and [his mother-in-law] Cecily "Rose of Raby" Neville Duchess York [aged 48]. They were sixth cousins. He a great x 2 grandson of King Edward III of England.

On 6th September 1465 Archbishop George Neville [aged 33] was enthroned as Archbishop of York at Cawood Castle, North Yorkshire [Map]. Isabel Neville Duchess Clarence [aged 14], Anne Neville Queen Consort England [aged 9] and [his brother-in-law] King Richard III of England [aged 12] were present.

On 17th January 1469 Warwick's supporters were executed in Salisbury Marketplace [Map] in the presence of [his brother-in-law] King Edward IV of England [aged 26]:

Thomas Hungerford was beheaded. His father Robert Hungerford 3rd Baron Hungerford 1st Baron Moleyns had been executed five years previously after the Battle of Hexham.

Henry Courtenay was beheaded.

On 11th July 1469 [his brother-in-law] George York 1st Duke of Clarence [aged 19] and Isabel Neville Duchess Clarence [aged 17] were married by Archbishop George Neville [aged 37] at the Église Notre-Dame de Calais [Map] witnessed by Richard "Kingmaker" Neville Earl Warwick, 6th Earl Salisbury [aged 40]. She by marriage Duchess Clarence. She the daughter of Richard "Kingmaker" Neville Earl Warwick, 6th Earl Salisbury and Anne Beauchamp 16th Countess Warwick [aged 42]. He the son of [his father-in-law] Richard Plantagenet 3rd Duke of York and [his mother-in-law] Cecily "Rose of Raby" Neville Duchess York [aged 54]. They were first cousin once removed. He a great x 2 grandson of King Edward III of England. She a great x 3 granddaughter of King Edward III of England.

On 29th September 1469 brothers Humphrey Neville of Brancepeth [aged 30] and Charles Neville of Brancepeth were beheaded at York [Map] in the presence of [his brother-in-law] King Edward IV of England [aged 27] and Richard "Kingmaker" Neville Earl Warwick, 6th Earl Salisbury [aged 40] bringing to an end the Neville-Neville feud that arose as a consequence of the senior line being dis-inherited.

On 12th March 1470 [his brother-in-law] King Edward IV of England [aged 27] commanded at the Battle of Losecoat Field (Empingham).

Thomas Dymoke [aged 42] and Richard Welles 7th Baron Welles, Baron Willoughby [aged 42] were beheaded at Queen's Cross, Stamford before the battle¹. His son Robert succeeded 8th Baron Welles.

The name 'Losecoat' not contemporary, and its meaning of men "losing their coats" may have been invented in the 19th Century. The name Losecoat appears to be first used in the 16th Century Hall's and Holinshed's Chronicles.

The 1475 attainder of Richard and Robert Welles refers to the battle having taken place "in a field called 'Hornefeld' in Empyngham",

Note 1. Some sources say on battlefield immediately prior to the battle, some after the batte

On 19th March 1470 Robert Welles 8th Baron Willoughby 8th Baron Welles was beheaded at Doncaster [Map]. He was buried at Whitefriars Doncaster [Map]. Baron Welles forfeit. His sister Joan succeeded 9th Baroness Willoughby de Eresby. Richard Hastings Baron Willoughby [aged 37] by marriage Baron Willoughby de Eresby. He, Hastings, a favourite of [his brother-in-law] King Edward IV of England [aged 27], younger brother of Edward's great friend William Hastings 1st Baron Hastings [aged 39].

On 27th March 1470 George Neville 1st Duke Bedford [aged 9] was created 1st Duke Bedford by [his brother-in-law] King Edward IV of England [aged 27] in preparation for his marriage to Elizabeth York Queen Consort England [aged 4] which didn't, in the end, take place. He, George, was nephew to Richard "Kingmaker" Neville Earl Warwick, 6th Earl Salisbury [aged 41] whose defection to the Lancastrian side may have caused the King to change his mind about his daughter's marriage.

On 4th May 1471 [his brother-in-law] King Edward IV of England [aged 29] was victorious at the 4th May 1471 Battle of Tewkesbury. His brother Richard [aged 18], Richard Beauchamp 2nd Baron Beauchamp Powick [aged 36], John Howard 1st Duke of Norfolk [aged 46], George Neville 4th and 2nd Baron Abergavenny [aged 31], John Savage [aged 49], John Savage [aged 27], Thomas St Leger [aged 31], John Tuchet 6th Baron Audley, 3rd Baron Tuchet [aged 45], Thomas Burgh 1st Baron Burgh of Gainsborough [aged 40] fought. William Brandon [aged 46], George Browne [aged 31], Ralph Hastings, Richard Hastings Baron Willoughby [aged 38], James Tyrrell [aged 16], Roger Kynaston of Myddle and Hordley [aged 38] were knighted. William Hastings 1st Baron Hastings [aged 40] commanded.

Margaret of Anjou [aged 41] was captured. Her son Edward of Westminster Prince of Wales [aged 17] was killed. He was the last of the Lancastrian line excluding the illegitmate Charles Somerset 1st Earl of Worcester [aged 11] whose line continues to the present.

John Courtenay 7th or 15th Earl Devon [aged 36] was killed and attainted. Earl Devon forfeit. Some sources refer to these titles as being abeyant?

John Wenlock 1st Baron Wenlock [aged 71] was killed. Baron Wenlock extinct.

John Delves [aged 49], John Beaufort [aged 30], William Vaux of Harrowden [aged 35] and Robert Whittingham [aged 42] were killed.

Edmund Beaufort [aged 32], Humphrey Tuchet [aged 37] and Hugh Courtenay [aged 44] were captured.

Henry Roos fought and escaped to Tewkesbury Abbey [Map] where he sought sanctuary. He was subsequently pardoned.

William Carey [aged 34] was killed.

On 12th July 1472 [his brother-in-law] Richard Duke of Gloucester [aged 19] and Anne Neville [aged 16] were married at St Stephen's Chapel, Westminster Palace [Map]. She by marriage Duchess Gloucester. She the daughter of Richard "Kingmaker" Neville Earl Warwick, 6th Earl Salisbury and Anne Beauchamp 16th Countess Warwick [aged 45]. He the son of [his father-in-law] Richard Plantagenet 3rd Duke of York and [his mother-in-law] Cecily "Rose of Raby" Neville Duchess York [aged 57]. They were first cousin once removed. He a great x 2 grandson of King Edward III of England. She a great x 3 granddaughter of King Edward III of England.

11th May 1477 two servants of [his brother-in-law] George York 1st Duke of Clarence [aged 27] were hanged at Tyburn [Map] for being sorcerers and planning the murder of Richard Beauchamp 2nd Baron Beauchamp Powick [aged 42].

John Stacy and Thomas Burdett of Arrow in Warwickshire [aged 52] were hanged.

On 18th February 1478 [his brother-in-law] George York 1st Duke of Clarence [aged 28] was drowned in a butt of wine (Malmsey) wine in the Bowyer Tower in the Tower of London [Map]. "in a butt of Malmsey wine" may refer to 1. a butt full of Malmsey wine or 2. a butt that once contained Malmsey wine that was subsequently re-used for another purpose such as washing or bathing.

William Hussey [aged 35] conducted the impeachment of the Duke of Clarence for treason.

Richard, Duke of Gloucester [aged 25] succeeded 2nd Earl Richmond.

The only other person known to have been executed, or ritually killed, by drowning in a butt of wine is Muirchertach mac Muiredaig High King of Ireland (as reported by the Annals of Ulster) in his case at Newgrange Passage Tomb [Map].

On 9th April 1483 [his brother-in-law] King Edward IV of England [aged 40] died at Westminster [Map]. His son Edward [aged 12] succeeded V King of England. Those present included Elizabeth Woodville Queen Consort England [aged 46], William Hastings 1st Baron Hastings [aged 52] and Thomas Grey 1st Marquess Dorset [aged 28].

On 4th May 1483 George Neville 1st Duke Bedford [aged 22] died. He being the son of John Neville 1st Marquess Montagu, the nephew of Warwick the Kingmaker who should, perhaps, have inherited the Earldoms of Warwick and Salisbury from his mother that had been appropriated by George Neville 1st Duke Bedford and [his brother-in-law] King Richard III of England [aged 30]. The timing somewhat suspicious. The future Richard III would now enjoy the whole of the Warwick inheritance.

Before 8th May 1483 [his brother-in-law] King Richard III of England [aged 30] was appointed Lord Protector.

On 13th June 1483 [his brother-in-law] Richard, Duke of Gloucester [aged 30], [future King Richard III] held a Council meeting at the Tower of London [Map] attended by William Hastings 1st Baron Hastings [aged 52], Cardinal John Morton [aged 63], Archbishop Thomas Rotherham [aged 59] and Henry Stafford 2nd Duke of Buckingham [aged 28]. During the course of the meeting Richard accused William Hastings 1st Baron Hastings, Cardinal John Morton and Archbishop Thomas Rotherham of treasonable conspiracy with the Queen [aged 46].

William Hastings 1st Baron Hastings was summarily beheaded at Tower Green, Tower of London [Map]. He was buried in North Aisle St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle [Map] next to King Edward IV of England. His son Edward [aged 16] succeeded 2nd Baron Hastings.

Cardinal John Morton and Archbishop Thomas Rotherham were arrested.

On 5th July 1483 John Howard 1st Duke of Norfolk [aged 58] was created 1st Duke Norfolk by [his brother-in-law] King Richard III of England [aged 30]. Margaret Chedworth Duchess Norfolk [aged 47] by marriage Duchess Norfolk.

His son Thomas Howard 2nd Duke of Norfolk [aged 40] was created 1st Earl Surrey. Elizabeth Tilney Countess of Surrey [aged 39] by marriage Countess Surrey.

William Berkeley [aged 57] was created 1st Earl Nottingham.

John Howard 1st Duke of Norfolk and William Berkeley 1st Marquess Berkeley were heirs to the vast Mowbray estates that had been inherited by Anne Mowbray 8th Countess Norfolk who had been married to Richard of Shrewsbury 1st Duke of York [aged 9]. Richard of Shrewsbury's father King Edward IV of England had legislated that in the event of Anne's death his son Richard would continue to benefit from the inheritance; she died in 1481.

Francis Lovell 1st Viscount Lovell [aged 27] was created 1st Viscount Lovell. Anne Fitzhugh Viscountess Lovell by marriage Viscountess Lovell. [Note. Some sources place his created on 01 Jan 1483 although the source for that is unknown.]

On 8th September 1483 Edward York Prince of Wales [aged 9] was created Prince of Wales and 1st Earl Chester at York Minster [Map]. His parents [his brother-in-law] Richard III [aged 30] and Anne Neville [aged 27] attended as did Edward Stafford 2nd Earl Wiltshire [aged 13].

Edward "Last Plantagenet" York 17th Earl Warwick [aged 8] and John York [aged 12] were knighted.

Note. Hall's Chronicle places the date at 05 Jul 1483.

On 9th April 1484 Edward York Prince of Wales [aged 10] died at Middleham Castle [Map] leaving his father [his brother-in-law] King Richard III of England [aged 31] without an heir. Duke of Cornwall, Earl Salisbury, Earl Chester extinct.

On 29th October 1485 King Henry VII of England and Ireland [aged 28] processed from Tower of London [Map] to Westminster Abbey [Map]. Ahead of him marched the heralds and serjeants-at-arms, the Esquire of the Body, the King's Secretary Richard Fox [aged 37], almoner Christopher Urswick [aged 37], the mayor of London and the Garter King of Arms. Also ahead of him were Thomas Stanley 1st Earl of Derby [aged 50], [his son] John de la Pole Earl Lincoln 1st [aged 23], John de Vere 13th Earl of Oxford [aged 43] and William Berkeley 1st Marquess Berkeley [aged 59]. Following behind were the only two Dukes: Jasper Tudor 1st Duke Bedford [aged 53], created the day before, and John de la Pole 2nd Duke of Suffolk [aged 43].

Collectanea by John Leland [1502-1552]. On the Morne, the Day of the Coronation [25th November 1487], she was apparelde in a Kirtill and a Mantell of Purple Velvett furred with Ermyns, with a Lace afor the Mantell. On her Hair, a Serkelett of Golde richely garnysshede with Perle and precious Stonys. And fo apparelled, my Lady Cecill [aged 18] bering her Trayne, the remevede furthe of Westminster Hall, and ther stode under a Cloth of Aftate unto the Tyme the Proceffion was orderde, from the whiche Place to the Pulpit in Westminster Chirche she wentt upon new Ray Clothe¹. Al the Day from thens forth, the Bande of the v Ports [Cinque Ports] bare the Canapie according to ther Privileges. And the Order of the Proceffion was as eufueth.

Furst, Esquiers proceded, and Knyghts folowed them. After theym went the new made Knyghts wele besene in dyvers Silks, every Man as hym best likede after his Degre. After theym the Barons, and other Estats in Order as they wer, the Heraldes on every Side the Proceffion, and Sergeannts of Armes to make Rome. Then folowed Abbotts, and next theym Bisshops in Pontificalibus, to the Nomber of xv [15] Bishops, besyde Abbotts, wherof the Bisshop of bare Seint Edwards Chales, the Bishop of Norwiche bare the Patent, byfor whiche Prelats went the Monks of Westminster al in Albes, and the Kings Chapell folowing theym. Next to the Quene went al the other Bishops, except the Bisshop of Wynchester, and the Bishop of Ely, whiche went on ether Hande the Quene under the Canapie to fufteyne her Grace. Then went th Archebisshop of Yorke [aged 64]. After him was Garter King of Armes; the Maire of London next byfor the Counstable and Marshall as befor rehersede. Next unto theym th Erle of Aronndell [aged 70] bering the Virge of Iverye, with a Dove in the Tope. After hym the Duc of Suffolke [aged 45] bering the Septre. Then th Erle of Oxinforde [aged 45] Great Chamberlayn, in his Parliament Roobees, having in his Hand the Staff of his Office. Then the Duc of Bedforde [aged 56] bar hedede in his Roobees of Aftate bering a riche Corowne of Golde. Then folowed the Quene apparelde as is afor rehersede; and next her my Lady Cecill, whiche bar her Trayne. Next her folowd the Duchesse of Bedeforde [aged 29], and another Duchesse and Comtesse apparelled in Mantells and Sircoots of Scarlet, furred and powderde, the Duchesses having on ther Heds Coronatts of Golde richely garnysshed with Perle and precious Stones, and the Comtesse on her Hed Serkeletts of Golde in like wife garnysshed, as dooth apper in the Bok of Picture therof made. But the more Pitie ther was so Hoge a People inordynatly presing to cut the Ray Cloth, that the Quenes Grace gede upon, so that in the Prefence certeyne Persones wer slayne, and the Order of the Ladies folowing the Quene was broken and diftrobled.

The Quenes Grace thus comyng forth, when she came to the Entre of the West Dore of the Chirche of Westminster, ther was saide by the. this Orifon, Omnipotens fempiterne Deus, &c. That doon she procedede thorowgh the Quer unto the Pulpit, wherin was a Sege Royall² dressed with Cloth of Golde, and Cusshins accordingly. Th Archebisshop of Canterbury [aged 67] ther being present, and revested as apperteyneth to the Celebration of the Maffe, receyved the Quene comyng from her Royall Sege with the Lordes bering her Crowne, Septer, and Rodde, and the Bisshops fusteynyng her as is abovesaide. The Grecis byfor the High Auter wer honorably dressed and arrayed with Carpetts and Cufshions of Aftate, wherupon the Quene lay prostrate afor the Archebisshop, whiles he seide over her this Orifon, Deus qui folus habes, &c. That doon she aros and kneled, and my Lady .... toke her Kerchef from her Hede, and th Archebysshop opend her Brest, and anoynted her ij [2] Tymes. Furst, in the former Parte of her Hede, and fecondly, in her Breste afor, sayng thies Wordes, In nomine Patris & Filii, &c. profit tibi hec unctio, with this Orison, Omnipotens Sempiterne Deus. That doon the said Lady closed her Breft, and folowingly the saide Archebisshop blessed her Ring, seing this Orifon, Creator, and cast holy Water upon it. Then he put this same Ring on the iiij [4] Finger of the Quenes right Hande, saing theyes Words, Accipe annulum, and then he faid, Dominus vobifcum, with this Collect, Deus cujus, &c. Then after the said Archebisshop had blessed the Quenes Corone, seing, Oremus Deus tuorum, he sett the Crowne uppon her Hede, wherupon was a Coyff put by my seid Lady for the Conservation of the holy Uncion, whiche is afterwarde to be delyverede unto the saide Archebisshop, feing theys Words, Officium noftrum, &c. Then he delyverede unto the Quene a Septer in her right Hande, and a Rodde in her left Hande, faing this Orifon, Omnipotens Domine. The Quene thus corowned, was lede by the abovefaide Bisshops up into the Sege of her Estate, al the Ladies folowing her. Whiles the Offratory was in playing at Organs, she was ledde corowned, from her Sege Roiall by the faide ij [2] Bisshops unto the High Auter, her Septer and Rodde of Golde borne byfor her as is aforsaide. Then th Archebisshop turned his Face to the Quer warde, and after this the Quene was, as byfor, brought up ageyn to her Sege Royall of Aftate, wher the fatt stille, until Agnus Dei was begone, and after Per omnia fecula feculorum, he turned hym to the Quene, blessing her with this Orifon, Omnipotens Deus carismate, &c. wherunto the Quene answerde, Amen. In the Tyme of finging of Agnus Dei, the Pax was brought to the Qwene by the Bishop of Worcester, whiche brought, when the Quene had kissed it, she descendid and came to the High Auter, and had a Towell holden byfor her by ij [2] Bisshops. And ther the lowly inclynyng herself to the Grounde, feide her Confiteor, the Prelats feing Misereatur, and th'Archebisshop the Abfolution, and then the Quene fumwhat areyfyng her: self, receyved the Blessed Sacrament. Thies Things reverently accomplishede, the Quene retourned to her Sette Roiall, and ther abode til the Masse was ended. The Maffe doon, her Grace, accompanyed with Prelats and Nobles, descended from her Sege Roiall of Aftate, and went to the High Auter, and then the faide Archebisshop arrayde in Pontificalibus, as he saide Masse, with all the Mynifters of the Auter byfore hym, went byfor the Auter of the Shryne of Seint Edwarde the King, and after hym folowed al other Prelats and Lordes. Then the Quenes Grace commyng byfor the faide Auter of the Shryne, the said Archebisshop toke the Crowne from her Hede, and fett upon the fame Auter.

Note 1. In the Tudor period a 'ray cloth' (sometimes rey, raie, ray, or reye, ray-cloth or rays cloth) is a woollen textile characterized by weft-faced coloured stripes or bands, used especially for floor coverings, procession carpets, and sometimes garments. The word "ray" comes from Old French raie meaning 'stripe' or 'line'.

Note 2. 'Sege Royall' i.e. Royal seat, throne.

On 29th June 1509 [his former wife] Margaret Beaufort Countess Richmond [aged 66] died in the Deanery, Westminster Abbey [Map]. She had lived to see the Coronation of her son King Henry VII of England and Ireland and her grandson King Henry VIII of England and Ireland [aged 18].

She was buried at the King Henry VII Chapel, Westminster Abbey [Map]. Her tomb was created by Pietro Torrigiano [aged 36]. The gilded bronze sculpture on the tomb depicts Margaret with her head resting on pillows and her hands raised in prayer, wearing garments characteristic of widowhood; the face was probably sculpted from a death mask. The black marble tomb is embellished with heraldic bronze insignia, including a Yale, her heraldic badge, at her feet.

The inscription written by the humanist scholar Erasmus reads "Margaret, Countess of Richmond, mother of Henry VII, grandmother of Henry VIII, who donated funds for three monks of this abbey, a grammar school in Wimborne, a preacher in the whole of England, two lecturers in Scripture, one at Oxford, the other at Cambridge, where she also founded two colleges, one dedicated to Christ [Map], and the other to St John, the evangelist [Map]".

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