John Charlton, 1st Baron Charlton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Charlton
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The fourteenth-century stained glass window thought to represent Charleton, now in St Mary's church, Shrewsbury.
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| Born | 1268 |
| Died | 1353 (aged 84/85) |
| Successor | John Charlton, 2nd Lord Charlton |
| Spouse(s) | Hawys Gadarn |
| Children | John Charlton, 2nd Baron Charlton Isabella Sutton |
John Charlton (born 1268, died 1353) was an important English nobleman. He was known as the 1st Baron Charlton of Powys. His family were landowners from Wellington, Shropshire. John was the son of Robert Charlton. He also had two brothers, Alan and Thomas, who later became a bishop.
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How John Charlton Started His Career
John Charlton began working for the royal family as a young page. A page was a servant who helped important people. When Prince Edward became king, John stayed in the royal household.
Becoming a Knight and Royal Official
By 1307, John was a "king's yeoman," a trusted royal servant. Soon after, he became a knight. In 1308, he traveled to France with the king for his wedding. He also served in Ireland in 1309. Before 1314, he held the job of Chamberlain in the royal household. This role meant he managed parts of the king's home.
John Charlton's Marriage and New Lands
A big change in John's life happened in 1309. He married Hawys Gadarn, who was also known as Hawys the Hardy. Hawys was very important because she was the only heir to the Lordship of Powys. This was a large area in Wales.
Gaining Control of Powys
Through his marriage to Hawys, John Charlton gained control of Pole Castle, which is now called Welshpool. From 1310 to 1315, he built the main parts of what we know today as Powis Castle. This helped him strengthen English power in his new Welsh lands.
Helping the King with Soldiers
John Charlton also helped the king by providing soldiers. In 1310, he and Hawys's uncle, Griffin de la Pole, gathered 400 foot soldiers from Powys. These soldiers went to fight against the Scots. Later, in 1317, John raised another 300 soldiers for the king. In 1319, he gathered 500 more soldiers to fight the Scots.
John Charlton's Role in Parliament
In 1313, King Edward called John Charlton to Parliament. This made him the 1st Lord Charlton. This important title was partly because of his wife Hawys's right to Powys. This is why he was often called "Lord of Powis."
Challenges to His Power in Powys
John Charlton's power in Powys grew very strong. This caused problems with Hawys's uncle, Griffin. Griffin was helped by the Le Strange lords from Knockin, Shropshire, who also opposed John. By 1320, John had taken action against Griffin. He managed to get back all of his wife's family lands.
John Charlton's Role in Royal Conflicts
John Charlton was involved in some important events during King Edward II's reign.
Joining a Rebellion and Returning to the King's Side
In 1321, John Charlton joined a rebellion against the king's favorite, Hugh Despenser the Younger. This rebellion was led by Thomas, Earl of Lancaster. However, John quickly returned to the king's side. By 1322, he was pardoned for his part in the rebellion. He continued to support the king, even raising 500 more men for him in 1325.
Dealing with Rivals
John Charlton's power near the Welsh border was challenged by The Earl of Arundel. The Earl became a powerful official in Wales. In 1326, John Charlton's former ally, Roger Mortimer, and Queen Isabella took action against the king's unpopular advisers. The Earl of Arundel remained loyal to the king. This gave John Charlton a chance to remove his rival. He arrested the Earl of Arundel, who was then executed under the Queen's orders.
Later Life and Family
John Charlton's brother, Thomas Charlton, was also an important person. He was a bishop and held a high position in the government. In 1337, John Charlton was appointed Chief Justiciar of Ireland, a top legal role. His brother Thomas became Lord Chancellor of Ireland. John returned to England within a year after a disagreement.
Where John Charlton Lived and Was Buried
In his later years, John Charlton divided his time between his homes. These included Apley Castle in Shropshire, Charlton Hall in Shrewsbury, and Powis Castle in Mid-Wales. He supported Strata Marcella abbey. He was buried at the Franciscan Greyfriars Abbey in Shrewsbury. His wife, her father, and grandfather were also buried there. A stained glass window in St Mary's church, Shrewsbury, is thought to show John Charlton.
His Children and Legacy
John Charlton's son, John Charleton, 2nd Baron Cherleton, took over his title. His daughter, Isabella, married John Sutton II. Their family line continued to be important in English history.
Images for kids
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The fourteenth-century stained glass window thought to represent Charleton, now in St Mary's church, Shrewsbury.
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Traditional Coat of Arms of the de la Pole and de Cherleton families. Or, a lion Gules armed and langued Azure.
