Edmund Holland, 4th Earl of Kent facts for kids
Edmund Holland, 4th Earl of Kent (born 1383, died 1408) was an important English nobleman who held the title of Earl of Kent from 1400 until his death. He was also a Knight of the famous Order of the Garter, a special group of knights chosen by the King.
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Early Life and Family
Edmund Holland was born on January 6, 1383, in a place called Brockenhurst in Hampshire, England. He was the second son of Thomas Holland, 2nd Earl of Kent and his wife, Alice Fitzalan.
Edmund had an older brother named Thomas. When his brother passed away without having any children, Edmund became the next Earl of Kent on January 7, 1400. This meant he took over his family's important title and lands.
Becoming an Earl
An Earl was a very powerful noble in England during Edmund's time. They were like important leaders who managed large areas of land and helped the King. When Edmund became the Earl of Kent, he gained a lot of responsibility and influence.
A Leader at Sea
In 1407, Edmund was given another important job: he was made "admiral of the west and north." An admiral is a high-ranking commander in the navy, in charge of ships and sailors. This meant Edmund was responsible for protecting England's coasts and trade routes in the western and northern seas. It was a crucial role for the country's defense.
Marriage and No Children
On January 24, 1407, Edmund married Lucia Visconti in Southwark. Lucia was from a powerful family in Milan, Italy. However, Edmund and Lucia did not have any children together. This fact became very important later on.
His Final Battle and Legacy
Edmund Holland's life ended on September 15, 1408, when he was killed in a battle near Île-de-Bréhat, an island off the coast. Because he had no children, his title as Earl of Kent could not be passed on to an heir. This meant that the earldom "became extinct," or ended, with him. Edmund was buried at Bourne Abbey in Lincolnshire.
