John Beauchamp, 1st Baron Beauchamp of Kidderminster facts for kids

This monument is believed to show Sir John de Beauchamp and his wife Joan FitzWith. It is located in Worcester Cathedral.

The family crest of Beauchamp of Holt. It shows a red shield with a gold stripe and six gold birds.

Sir John de Beauchamp, 1st Baron Beauchamp of Kidderminster (born 1339, died 12 May 1388) was an important person in England. He lived at Holt Castle in Worcestershire. Sir John was a landowner and worked for the king.

Sir John's Family Background

Sir John de Beauchamp came from a well-known family. His father was Richard de Beauchamp of Holt. His great-grandfather was William (III) de Beauchamp. Sir John was also related to William de Beauchamp, 9th Earl of Warwick, a very important noble.

Sir John's Work for the King

Sir John de Beauchamp served under John of Gaunt, a son of King Edward III. He went with him on a military trip to Spain in 1372. In 1373, he received permission to hold a yearly fair. This fair was held at a place called 'le Rode' in Holt parish.

Working for King Edward III

Sir John was a favorite of the aging King Edward III. Between 1370 and 1375, he received several important jobs. One of these was being the constable of Bridgnorth Castle. A constable was in charge of running the castle.

He was also chosen to be a Member of Parliament for Worcestershire. He served in King Edward III's last parliament in January 1377. He also served in King Richard II's first parliament in October 1377.

Close to King Richard II

King Richard II liked Sir John very much. The King even became the godfather to Sir John's son. Sir John stayed close to the King's household. He soon received more important roles. By 1384, he was in charge of the King's money and royal jewels.

In 1385, King Richard II made him a knight. This happened when the King went to Scotland. That December, Sir John was given the job of Justiciar of North Wales for life. This meant he was a chief judge in North Wales. In August 1386, he also received special rights for his land at Kidderminster.

Becoming a Baron

In January 1387, King Richard II made Sir John the Steward of the Household. This was a very high position. Even more important, on October 10, he was given a new special title. He became 'Lord of Beauchamp and Baron of Kidderminster'. This was a new kind of noble title. It was the first time a noble title was given using a special written document called letters patent. Sir John probably built Holt Castle.

Conflict and Downfall

Sir John's quick rise to power upset many powerful nobles. These nobles were called the Lords Appellant. One of them was his relative, Thomas de Beauchamp, 12th Earl of Warwick. Thomas Beauchamp likely saw his cousin's growing power as a threat.

Sir John was arrested and put in prison with three other knights. He was accused of serious crimes by the lords in a special parliament. He was found guilty and was executed on Tower Hill on May 12, 1388. He was buried in Worcester Cathedral.

Luckily for his son, John Beauchamp, 2nd Baron Beauchamp of Kidderminster, some of Sir John's lands were protected. This meant they could not be taken away by the king. His son was only eleven years old at the time.

Marriage and Children

Around 1370, Sir John married Joan FitzWith. She was the daughter and heir of Robert FitzWith. At the time, Joan was a minor under the King's care.

Sir John and Joan had children, including:

• John Beauchamp, 2nd Baron Beauchamp of Kidderminster (1378–1420). His father's title was restored to him in 1398, but then lost again in 1400.