Edward Charlton, 5th Baron Charlton facts for kids

Coat of arms of Sir Edward Cherleton, 5th Baron Cherleton, KG: Or, a lion rampant gules

Edward Charleton (born 1370, died 1421) was an important English nobleman. He was known as the 5th and last Lord Charlton of Powys. Edward was also a Knight of the Order of the Garter, a special group of knights. He was the younger son of John Charlton, the 3rd Baron Charlton. His mother was Joan, daughter of Lord Stafford.

Edward married Alianore Holland, the Countess of March. This happened shortly after her first husband died in Ireland. Through this marriage, Edward gained control of important lands. These included the castles of Usk and Caerleon. A writer named Adam of Usk praised Edward highly.

Edward Charleton was connected to the Mortimer family. This connection caused some trouble with Henry IV. Henry IV was planning to attack Edward's lands in 1399. However, Adam of Usk helped make peace between them. Edward then joined Henry IV's side. He marched with Henry against King Richard II. After this, Edward was highly favored by Henry IV.

Becoming Lord of Powys

On October 19, 1401, Edward's older brother, John, died. John had no children. This meant Edward became the 5th Baron Cherleton. He also inherited the large estates of Powys. This was a very challenging time in Wales.

Facing Owain Glyndŵr

A Welsh leader named Owain Glyndŵr had started a rebellion. Owain had already attacked areas near Welshpool. Welshpool was the main center of the Charlton family's power. Edward Charleton did not have many resources. But he played a big part in the Welsh war.

In 1402, Owain Glyndŵr attacked Edward's castles. He took Usk and Caerleon. But Edward got them back the next year. In 1403, Edward asked the King's council for more soldiers. He needed help to protect his border forts. By 1404, things were so bad that Edward made a private truce with the Welsh. The council did not like this, but they allowed it.

In 1406, Edward gave a new charter to Welshpool. This document showed how much care was taken. It aimed to keep Welshpool as an English town. It tried to keep "foreign Welsh" out of its government and courts.

Sometime before 1408, Edward became a Knight of the Order of the Garter. This was a very high honor. In 1409, he got a royal pardon for his people. These were people who had joined Owain's side. But in 1409, Owain attacked Edward's lands again. Orders came from London for Edward to stay and defend his forts. He was told not to make any more private truces. Edward managed to hold his ground against Owain.

Capturing Sir John Oldcastle

In January 1414, a man named Sir John Oldcastle escaped. He was a knight who had rebelled against the king. Oldcastle hid in Edward Charleton's Powys estates. He stayed there for some time.

Edward was offered a big reward to capture Oldcastle. Bishops also urged him to catch this "enemy of religion." Finally, in 1417, Oldcastle was found. He was at a remote farm called Broniarth. After a tough fight, Edward's servants captured him. Oldcastle was first held in Powys Castle. Then he was sent to London. For this important service, Edward received special thanks from Parliament. Edward even rewarded the brothers who helped in the capture.

In 1420, Edward gave a new charter to Strata Marcella Abbey. His family supported this abbey. Edward Charleton died on March 14, 1421.

Family and Legacy

Edward Charleton married two times.

First Marriage

His first wife was Alianore Holland. She was the daughter of Thomas Holland, 2nd Earl of Kent. Alianore was also the widow of Roger Mortimer, 4th Earl of March. Edward and Alianore had no sons. They had two daughters who inherited his lands:

• Joan Charleton: She was the older daughter. Joan married Sir John Grey of Heton.
• Joyce Charleton: She was the younger daughter. Joyce married John Tiptoft, 1st Baron Tiptoft.

After Edward's death, his lands were divided between his two daughters. The title of Baron Cherleton became "in abeyance." This means no one held the title directly.

Second Marriage

Edward's second wife was Elizabeth Berkeley. She was the daughter of Sir John Berkeley. Elizabeth outlived Edward. She later married John Sutton, 1st Baron Dudley. Their son, Edmund Sutton, married Joyce Tiptoft. Joyce was the daughter of Edward's youngest daughter, Joyce Charleton.

The descendants of both the Grey and Dudley families shared the Charlton inheritance. This included Powis Castle. They held it until 1587. Then it passed to their relatives, the Herbert family.