James Butler, 5th Earl of Ormond facts for kids
Quick facts for kids James Butler |
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| 5th Earl of Ormond, Earl of Wiltshire | |
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| Quartered arms of Sir James Butler, 5th Earl of Ormond, Earl of Wiltshire, KG | |
| Spouse(s) | Avice Stafford Eleanor Beaufort |
| Noble family | Butler |
| Father | James Butler, 4th Earl of Ormond |
| Mother | Joan de Beauchamp |
| Born | 24 November 1420 Kilkenny, Ireland |
| Died | 1 May 1461 (aged 40) Newcastle, England |
James Butler, 5th Earl of Ormond, Earl of Wiltshire (born 24 November 1420 – died 1 May 1461) was an important nobleman and soldier from Ireland. He lived during a time of big changes in England. James Butler was a strong supporter of the Lancaster family and Margaret of Anjou, who was the Queen. He fought for them during the Wars of the Roses, which were a series of wars for the English throne. Sadly, he was captured and executed by the winning Yorkist side after a major battle.
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James Butler's Family Life and Background
James Butler was born on November 24, 1420. He was the oldest son of James Butler, 4th Earl of Ormond. His mother was Joan de Beauchamp, Countess of Ormond. James had two younger brothers, John Butler, 6th Earl of Ormond, and Thomas Butler, 7th Earl of Ormond. He also had two sisters named Elizabeth and Anne. Elizabeth married John Talbot, 2nd Earl of Shrewsbury. Anne was supposed to marry Thomas FitzGerald, 7th Earl of Desmond, but it seems the wedding never happened.
Becoming a Powerful Leader
King Henry VI made James Butler the Earl of Wiltshire on July 8, 1449. This was because James was very loyal to the Lancaster family. In 1451, he became the Lord Deputy of Ireland. The next year, he took over his father's title as the Earl of Ormond. He was also made Lord Lieutenant for ten years, which was a very important job.
Key Roles and Responsibilities
From March to May 1455, James Butler worked as the Lord High Treasurer of England. This meant he was in charge of the country's money. He was also made a Knight of the Garter in 1459. This was a very special honor. He served as Lord High Treasurer again from 1458 to 1460. During this time, England faced economic challenges, like a shortage of silver and a period of slow economic growth.
James Butler also had some control over a church in Frome. This was because of his first wife, Avice, who had rights to the manor of Frome. He helped choose people for roles in the church in 1452, 1453, and 1458.
Fighting in the Wars of the Roses
When the Wars of the Roses began, James Butler fought for the Lancaster side. He was one of the strongest supporters of Queen consort Margaret of Anjou. He even brought many Gaelic Irish soldiers to fight in England. He was involved in several important battles:
- The First Battle of St Albans in 1455
- The Battle of Wakefield in 1460
- The Battle of Mortimer's Cross in 1461
- The Battle of Towton in 1461
The End of His Life
James Butler died on May 1, 1461. He was captured and executed by the Yorkist forces in Newcastle. This happened after the Lancaster army lost badly at the Battle of Towton. Some people at the time said he left the battle early. After his death, his brother, John Butler, 6th Earl of Ormond, became the next Earl.
His Marriages
James Butler married twice, but he did not have any children.
- His first wife was Avice Stafford (1423-1457). She was the daughter of Sir Richard Stafford.
- His second wife was Eleanor Beaufort (1431-1501). She was the daughter of Edmund Beaufort, 2nd Duke of Somerset.
What He Looked Like
People said that James Butler was the most handsome man in England. One historical record from the time mentions that during the First Battle of St Albans in 1455, he was very careful about his appearance.
See also
- Butler dynasty
