James Audley facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sir James Audley
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Sir James Audley
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| Born | 1318 |
| Died | 1369 (aged 50–51) Fontenay-le-Comte
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| Known for | One of the original knights, or founders, of the Order of the Garter |
Sir James Audley (born around 1318, died 1369) was a very brave knight from England. He was one of the first members, or "founders," of a special group called the Order of the Garter. This was a very important award given by the King of England. Sir James was the oldest son of Sir James Audley of Stratton Audley in Oxfordshire.
Contents
A Knight of the Garter
Joining a Special Order
When the Order of the Garter was created, Sir James Audley was chosen to be one of its very first members. This was a huge honor! His special seat in St. George's Chapel, Windsor was the eleventh one. It was placed on the side of Edward, the Black Prince, who was the King's son and a famous warrior.
Fighting for England
Sir James was a skilled fighter and served in France in 1346. At the famous Battle of Crécy, he fought bravely in the rearguard. This part of the army protected the main force from behind. He served under Richard Fitzalan, Earl of Arundel. In August 1350, he also took part in a big naval battle called the Battle of Winchelsea.
When fighting started again between England and France in 1354, Sir James was always with the Black Prince. He became very well-known for his courage and bravery in battle.
Hero of Poitiers
A Fierce Battle
On September 19, 1356, Sir James Audley fought at the Battle of Poitiers. He bravely stood at the front of the English army. He fought for a long time and was badly hurt. His friends had to carry him away from the battle.
A Prince's Reward
After the English won the battle, the Black Prince asked about Sir James. He was brought to the Prince's tent. Prince Edward told him that he had been the bravest knight on his side. As a reward, the Prince gave him a yearly payment of five hundred marks. A mark was a type of money back then.
Sir James's Generosity
What Sir James did next was amazing! He gave this generous gift to the four squires who had helped him during the battle. Squires were young men training to be knights. When the Black Prince heard about Sir James's kindness, he was very impressed. The Prince confirmed the gift to the squires. He then gave Sir James an even bigger yearly payment of six hundred marks. This showed how much he respected Sir James's bravery and generosity.
Later Life and Achievements
In 1359, Sir James was one of the leaders of another expedition into France. In 1360, he captured the fortress of Chaven in Brittany. He also took the castle of Ferte-sous-Jouarre. He was present at Calais when England and France made peace in October 1360.
Later, he became the governor of Aquitaine and the great seneschal of Poitou. A seneschal was a high-ranking officer who managed royal lands. He also helped capture the town of La Roche-sur-Yon with Edmund, Earl of Cambridge. Sir James Audley died in 1369 in Fontenay-le-Comte, where he had gone to live. He was buried in Poitiers.
Coat of Arms
Sir James Audley's family had a special design called a "coat of arms." This design was used to identify knights in battle and on their shields. His coat of arms was described as "Gules fretty Or." This means it was a red shield with a gold lattice pattern on it. It looked like a golden net over a red background. This design was passed down through his family.
