John Harpeden (died 1438) facts for kids

Sketch of Harpeden's brass.

Sir John Harpeden was an English knight who lived a long time ago, in the 1400s. He was born in the 14th century and passed away on May 8, 1438. Not a lot is known about him, but we do know he was connected to the powerful Mortimer family.

Arms of John Harpeden: Argent, a mullet of six points pierced and charged in the centre with a marlet gules. This is a fancy way to describe his family crest.

A Knight's Life

Sir John Harpeden spent his younger years working with a famous knight named John Cornwall. This was a common way for young knights to learn and gain experience.

Fighting in France

In 1415 and 1416, Sir John was in France with John Cornwall's group. They were fighting in a big war. He was part of the famous Battle of Agincourt in 1415. This was a very important battle for England.

In 1417, Sir John and John Cornwall were asked to gather soldiers for King Henry V of England's trip to France. They had to find 53 knights (called lances) and 121 archers.

Land and Challenges

In 1418, Sir John was given a castle and some land in Normandy, France. But in 1420, he was declared a rebel. This meant he lost his lands, and they were given to someone else.

However, in 1422, he received a special pardon. This meant he was forgiven and could travel freely again. He even helped bring the body of a noblewoman, Dame Eleanor de Courtenay, from France to England for burial.

His Final Rest

Sir John Harpeden died on May 8, 1438. He was buried in a special chapel at Westminster Abbey in London. You can still see his monumental brass there today. A monumental brass is like a flat metal plate with an engraving of the person. His brass shows him wearing simple plate armour, which was the protective gear knights wore.

His second wife, Joan, is buried in Cobham church.

Family Life

Sir John Harpeden was married three times.

First Marriage

His first wife was Eleanor. She passed away in 1422. Eleanor was the daughter of Roger de Mortimer, a very important Earl.

Second Marriage

His second wife was Joan. She passed away in 1433. Joan was an important heiress from the Cobham family in Kent. She had been married four times before Sir John, but they did not have any children together.

Third Marriage

His third wife was Elizabeth. She passed away in 1453. Elizabeth was the daughter of Reginald Cobham, who was also a Baron.