Humphrey Stafford, 1st Duke of Buckingham facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Humphrey Stafford
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| The Duke of Buckingham | |
Engraving of the Duke of Buckingham, by William Bond.
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| Born | December 1402 Stafford, Staffordshire |
| Died | 10 July 1460 (aged 57) Northampton, Northamptonshire |
| Buried | Gray Friars, Northampton, England |
| Spouse(s) | Lady Anne Neville |
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| Father | Edmund Stafford, 5th Earl of Stafford |
| Mother | Anne of Gloucester |
Humphrey Stafford, 1st Duke of Buckingham (born December 1402 – died 10 July 1460), was an important English nobleman and military leader. He lived at Stafford Castle in Staffordshire. Humphrey fought in two major conflicts: the Hundred Years' War against France and the Wars of the Roses, a civil war in England.
Through his mother, Humphrey was related to King Edward III, a former king of England. From his father, he inherited the title of Earl of Stafford at a young age. His marriage to Lady Anne Neville connected him to the powerful Neville family and other leading noble families.
Humphrey joined King Henry V's army in France in 1420. After King Henry V died in 1422, Humphrey became an advisor to the new king, Henry VI, who was only nine months old. Humphrey often tried to keep the peace during political arguments in the 1430s.
For his loyalty and long service, Humphrey was made the Duke of Buckingham. This happened around the same time his mother passed away. Her death meant he inherited more land and became one of the richest and most powerful landowners in England. His lands stretched across many parts of the country.
After returning from France, Humphrey stayed in England and continued to serve King Henry VI. He helped the King during Jack Cade's Rebellion in 1450. When the King's cousin, Richard, Duke of York, rebelled in 1452, Humphrey investigated his supporters.
In 1453, King Henry VI became very ill and could not rule. When the Wars of the Roses began in 1455, Humphrey fought for the King at the First Battle of St Albans. He and the King were captured by the Yorkists. For most of his last years, Humphrey tried to make peace between the Yorkists and the Lancastrians, who were now led by King Henry's wife, Margaret of Anjou.
Humphrey eventually sided with King Henry. In 1459, the Duke of York was defeated and went into exile. When the rebels returned in 1460, they attacked the royal army at Northampton. Humphrey, acting as the King's personal guard, was killed in the battle. The King was captured again. Humphrey's oldest son had died two years earlier, so his five-year-old grandson, Henry, became the next Duke of Buckingham.
Contents
Early Life and Family
Humphrey Stafford was born in Stafford in December 1402. He was the only son of Edmund Stafford, 5th Earl of Stafford, and Anne of Gloucester. Anne was the daughter of Thomas of Woodstock, who was King Edward III's youngest son. This meant Humphrey was related to the royal family.
On 21 July 1403, when Humphrey was less than a year old, his father was killed fighting for King Henry IV at the Battle of Shrewsbury. Humphrey then became the 6th Earl of Stafford. With this title came a large amount of land. His mother held some of these lands, so Humphrey had a smaller income until he became an adult. Because his mother could not be his legal guardian, Humphrey became a "royal ward." This meant the King's family, specifically Queen Joan of Navarre, looked after him. He remained a royal ward for the next twenty years.
Starting His Career
Even with a smaller inheritance, Humphrey found opportunities in the wars with France. He joined King Henry V's army in France in 1420 and was made a knight in April 1421. On 31 August 1422, King Henry V died while campaigning. Humphrey was there and returned to England with the King's body.
The new king, Henry VI, was just a baby. So, the noble lords decided that the dead King's brothers, John, Duke of Bedford and Humphrey, Duke of Gloucester, would lead the government. Bedford would rule in France, and Gloucester would be the chief advisor in England. Humphrey Stafford became a member of the new royal council in November 1422.
There were often disagreements between Gloucester and his uncle, Henry Beaufort, who was a powerful bishop. Humphrey tried to be a peacemaker. For example, in October 1425, he helped to stop fighting that had broken out in London between their supporters. In 1428, when Gloucester wanted more power, Humphrey and other advisors stated that Gloucester's role would not change.
Humphrey was made a Knight of the Order of the Garter in April 1429. The next year, he traveled to France with King Henry VI for the King's French coronation. Humphrey was appointed Lieutenant-General of Normandy, Governor of Paris, and Constable of France during his two years there. He mostly defended Paris and its surrounding areas. He also attended the questioning of Joan of Arc in Rouen in 1431.
On 11 October 1431, the King made Humphrey the Count of Perche, a region in English-controlled Normandy. He held this title until the English left Normandy in 1450. The region was often in conflict, so any money it made was used for its defense.
In England, the King became an adult in 1436. The King's lands were put under the control of local nobles. Humphrey was given responsibility for a large area in the north Midlands. This meant he commanded many people who worked directly for the King in those areas.
Humphrey's Lands and Wealth
Humphrey's main home was Stafford Castle. He had many staff there and a large stable. It was a good place to gather supporters from the Welsh Marches, Staffordshire, and Cheshire. He also owned manor houses at Writtle and Maxstoke, which he bought. Writtle was a favorite of his. He used Tonbridge Castle when he was in charge of the Cinque Ports in Kent. His castles along the Welsh border were often in disrepair. His manor at Thornbury was convenient for Bristol.
When his mother died in 1438, Humphrey's financial situation changed greatly. He received the rest of his father's lands and half of his mother's inheritance. This included the Earldom of Buckingham. Humphrey became one of the wealthiest landowners in England almost overnight. Only the King and Richard, Duke of York, were richer. By the late 1440s, his income was over £5,000 a year. However, collecting all the money was sometimes difficult, and he often spent more than he earned.
Supporters and Local Issues
Like other powerful lords in the Middle Ages, Humphrey Stafford had many supporters. These were often his tenants who would help him for mutual benefit and defense. In the late 1440s, he had at least ten knights and twenty-seven esquires (gentlemen) who supported him. By the 1450s, as civil war approached, Humphrey had men who specifically traveled and stayed with him. His household had about 150 people by 1450.
Humphrey was a major influence in Warwickshire. When the Earl of Warwick left for France in 1437, Humphrey became the main power in the region. However, he was often busy with royal court duties and could not always attend to local problems. For example, in 1430, one of his manors was attacked. He also faced issues in Derbyshire in the 1440s. His lands on the Welsh borders were often lawless, and he spent much time as a royal judge there.
Humphrey also had disagreements with local gentry. In 1450, a group of armed men tried to ambush him near his estate. Humphrey fought back with his own men. In another incident, local men attacked his park at Penshurst after Jack Cade's rebellion. Towards the end of the 1450s, he struggled to prevent feuds among the local gentry. This might have been because he spent less time in the Midlands, preferring to be near London with the King.
Later Career
In July 1436, Humphrey Stafford returned to France with a large army. Their goal was to end the siege of Calais. The enemy had already left, so the English seized their cannons. Humphrey was involved in peace talks with the French in 1439. In 1442, he was made Captain of Calais and the Risbanke fort. He served in this role for ten years. Before he left for Calais, the soldiers there had rebelled because they hadn't been paid. Humphrey was promised he wouldn't be blamed if this happened again. He was also allowed to export gold and jewels to France, which was usually against the law.
Humphrey became less active on the royal council around this time. He was appointed Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports, Constable of Dover Castle, and Constable of Queenborough in 1450. He also represented the King in peace talks with France in 1445 and 1446.
Humphrey was also appointed Constable of England. He became a strong supporter of Bishop Beaufort in the ongoing political struggles. In September 1444, as a reward for his loyal service, he was created Duke of Buckingham. He described himself as "the Right Mighty Prince Humphrey Earl of Buckingham, Hereford, Stafford, Northampton and Perche, Lord of Brecknock and Holdernesse." Three years later, he was given higher rank than all other English dukes who were not of royal blood.
Despite his wealth and titles, Humphrey often had financial problems. He was responsible for paying the soldiers in Calais, and when he left the post in 1450, he was owed over £19,000 in back wages. This was a huge amount. He was given the right to collect wool taxes from the port of Sandwich, Kent, until the debt was paid. His other public roles also cost him a lot of money.
When Jack Cade's rebellion broke out in 1450, Humphrey brought about seventy of his men to London. He was one of the lords asked to arrest the rebels. He also acted as a negotiator with the rebels at Blackheath. The government's promises were not kept, and Cade's army entered London. After the rebellion was defeated, Humphrey led a group to bring peace to Kent. In November that year, he rode through London with the King and other nobles, showing the King's power. After the rebellion, Humphrey and his men often acted as the King's personal guards.
Wars of the Roses
In 1451, the King's favorite, Edmund Beaufort, Duke of Somerset, became the King's chief advisor. Humphrey supported Somerset's government. At the same time, he tried to keep peace between Somerset and Richard, Duke of York, who were now bitter enemies. When York rebelled in 1452, Humphrey again suggested a compromise. Humphrey also helped prevent another powerful noble from joining York.
A year later, in August 1453, King Henry became very ill and could not respond to anything. At Christmas, Humphrey personally showed the King's newborn son, Edward, Prince of Wales, to the King. But Henry still could not respond. Humphrey was part of the council meeting that led to Somerset's arrest. In February 1454, Humphrey was appointed Steward of England, which was mostly an honorary title. This parliament also appointed York as "Protector" of the Realm. Humphrey supported York's role, attending his councils often.
The King recovered in January 1455, and Somerset was released. Humphrey may have expected war to break out. He ordered 2,000 of his personal badges, even though giving out such badges was technically illegal.
Battle of St Albans
After the King recovered, York was no longer Protector. York and his allies left London for their northern lands. Somerset, now in charge, called a meeting in Leicester for 22 May 1455. The Yorkists believed they would be arrested, so they gathered an army and marched south. The King, with a smaller army including Humphrey and his son, was also marching to Leicester. On the morning of 22 May, royal scouts reported the Yorkists were close. Humphrey suggested they go to St Albans so the King could eat. St Albans was not easy to defend.
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The King stayed in the town, and York camped to the south. Negotiations began. York demanded that Somerset be handed over. Humphrey became the King's personal negotiator. He tried to gain time to prepare the town's defenses and wait for more loyal supporters to arrive. Humphrey received several messages from the Yorkists, but the King refused to give up Somerset. Humphrey hoped that repeated talks would make the Yorkists less eager to fight.
However, the Yorkists realized what Humphrey was doing. The battle began while negotiations were still happening. Richard, Earl of Warwick, launched a surprise attack. Humphrey commanded the King's army of 2,500 men. Although Humphrey's defenses initially stopped the Yorkists, Warwick attacked the Lancastrians from behind. The battle was quickly over, lasting less than an hour. About 50 people were killed, including important Lancastrian leaders. Humphrey himself was wounded three times by arrows. He sought safety in the abbey. His son was also badly wounded. Humphrey was probably captured with the King.
Last Years
York now had the upper hand. He made himself Constable of England and kept the King as a prisoner. When Henry became ill again, York returned to his role as Protector. Humphrey swore loyalty to York and supported his second time as Protector. However, this meant he lost favor with Queen Margaret.
In 1459, Humphrey and other lords renewed their loyalty oath to the King and the Prince of Wales. Until this point, he had tried to keep the peace within the King's group. But he had regained the Queen's favor, and since she was the leader, his change of side helped start the fighting again. Humphrey had one of the largest groups of supporters in England. This was clear at the Battle of Ludford Bridge in October 1459, where his army helped defeat the Yorkist forces. After their defeat, York and the Neville earls fled into exile. Their lands were given to the King's supporters. Humphrey was rewarded with large grants of land. He was also given custody of York's wife, Cecily, Duchess of York.
Death at Northampton
It was clear to the government that the Duke of York and the Neville earls would return from exile. They did so in June 1460, landing in Kent. They marched to London. The King, with Humphrey and other lords, was in Coventry and moved the court to Northampton. The Yorkists marched to the King.
Before the Battle of Northampton, the Earl of Warwick sent messengers to negotiate. But Humphrey, again the King's chief negotiator, was no longer willing to compromise. Humphrey refused the Yorkists' requests to see King Henry. He said that Warwick would not come to the King and would die if he tried. Humphrey also criticized the bishops who were with the Yorkist army. Humphrey's strong feelings, possibly due to Warwick owing him money, influenced his decision. He was a main voice in demanding a military response. Humphrey may have misunderstood the Yorkists' desire to negotiate as a sign of weakness.
Humphrey's men dug in outside Northampton's southern walls, near the River Nene. The battle began on 10 July 1460. It was expected to be a long fight because the royal position was strong. However, Lord Edmund Grey betrayed the King. Grey allowed the Yorkists to cross the defenses on the Lancastrian side. Within half an hour, the battle was over. By 2:00 pm, Humphrey, along with other lords, had been killed. Humphrey was buried shortly after at Grey Friars Abbey in Northampton.
Humphrey had named his wife Anne as the only person to carry out his will. She was told to give money to clergy at his funeral and to the poor. She was also to set up two special chapels in his memory.
Aftermath
Humphrey Stafford was one of the few loyal supporters of the Lancastrian King who was never accused by the Yorkists of being a "bad advisor." When the Duke of York's son, Edward, Earl of March, became King Edward IV in 1461, Humphrey's grandson, Henry, became a royal ward. This meant the King controlled the Stafford lands while Henry was a minor. Henry Stafford gained control of his lands in 1473. However, he was executed by King Edward's brother, Richard, in November 1483 after Henry rebelled against him.
Character
Humphrey Stafford was described as a bit hot-headed when he was young. Later in life, he was strongly against the Lollards, a religious group. Humphrey had the traits expected of nobles at that time, sometimes using force to solve problems. For example, in September 1429, he arrived at parliament fully armed after an argument with his brother-in-law.
On the other hand, he also supported writers and artists. A copy of a famous book was given to him, showing he was a powerful patron. On his lands, especially in the Welsh border areas, he was known as a strict landlord who worked hard to get as much income as possible. He was also good at land deals and never had to sell land to stay financially stable, unlike some others.
Even though he died a loyal Lancastrian, Humphrey never showed personal dislike for York in the 1450s. His main goal during that time was loyalty to the King and keeping peace among the nobles. Some historians suggest that while he was involved in high-level politics, Humphrey might have lacked the qualities to be a great leader. They point to his strictness on his estates and his behavior towards Joan of Arc. His temper was also described as "ungovernable."
Family
Humphrey Stafford married Lady Anne Neville before 18 October 1424. Anne was the daughter of Ralph Neville, Earl of Westmorland. Anne Neville also supported writers and left many books in her will when she died in 1480.
Humphrey and Anne had twelve children: seven sons and five daughters. The exact details of all their children vary in historical records.
Humphrey arranged marriages for his children to strengthen his ties to the royal family. The marriages of his two sons, Humphrey and Henry, were especially important. They married into the Beaufort family, who were related to the royal family. There were also talks in 1450 about one of Humphrey's daughters marrying the French Dauphin (who later became King Louis XI). This would have linked the French Crown with the English royal family.
Humphrey's oldest son, Humphrey, married Margaret Beaufort. She was the daughter of Edmund Beaufort, Duke of Somerset. Margaret and Humphrey's son became Humphrey's heir. A second link to the Beaufort family was through Humphrey's second son, Sir Henry Stafford (born around 1425 – died 1471). He married Lady Margaret Beaufort, who was the mother of the future King Henry VII. Margaret and Henry had no children together. Humphrey's third surviving son, John (died 8 May 1473), married Constance Green. John was made Earl of Wiltshire in 1470.
Humphrey also arranged good, but costly, marriages for three of his daughters. Anne married Aubrey de Vere in 1452. This marriage cost Humphrey a lot of money. In 1452, Joan married William Beaumont. Katherine married John Talbot, Earl of Shrewsbury, six years later. Humphrey had promised them money but died before he could give it.
Images for kids
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Illustration of the Siege of Calais in 1436.
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Detail showing English leaders and their banners attacking the Duke of Burgundy's army outside Calais.
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