John, 3rd Earl of Kent facts for kids

John (born 7 April 1330 – died 26 December 1352) was an English nobleman. He held the title of Earl of Kent from 1331 to 1352. He was also the 4th Baron Wake of Liddell from 1349 to 1352. John's life was short, as he passed away at just 22 years old.

Early Life and Family

John was born on 7 April 1330 at Arundel Castle in Sussex, England. He was the youngest son of Edmund of Woodstock and Margaret Wake. John's father died before he was born.

This made John a grandson of King Edward I. He was also a cousin of King Edward III. After his older brother Edmund died in 1331, John became the Earl of Kent when he was still a baby. His older sister, Joan, was his heir.

A Young Earl's Life

In 1346, John took part in the military campaign that led to the famous battle of Crécy. He was likely with Duke Henry of Lancaster's group. However, there are no special records of his actions in the battle itself.

By 1347, when John was 17, King Edward III gave him control of all his family's lands. This meant he became independent from his mother. John owned many estates, including 43 large properties called manors. He also had rights to appoint priests in 30 churches. His yearly income was more than £6,000. At that time, £1,000 was enough for an earl to live very well.

Marriage and Inheritance

On 3 April 1348, John married Isabella. She was also known as Elizabeth. Isabella was the daughter of William V, Duke of Jülich. She was born around 1330 and lived until 1411.

In 1349, John's uncle, Thomas Wake, died without children. His lands went to John's mother, Margaret. Sadly, Margaret died from the plague a few months later. John then inherited all of his uncle's and mother's estates. He officially took control of these lands in February 1350. On 10 April 1351, just after his 21st birthday, John received full ownership of all his lands from the king.

Later Life and Death

In 1352, John's sister Joan had a son named John Holland. He was named after his uncle John, who was probably his godfather. John and Isabella did not have any children of their own.

John was at his favorite home in Woking when he fell ill. He died shortly after, on 26 December 1352. He was only 22 years old. John was buried next to his father in the church of Greyfriars in Winchester.

After John's death, his titles went to his only surviving sister, Joan. She became the 4th Countess of Kent and the 5th Baroness Wake of Liddell. John's wife, Isabella, was still called the Countess of Kent even in 1396. She later joined Waverley Abbey. Before she died, she asked to be buried next to John at Greyfriars.