John Howard, 1st Duke of Norfolk facts for kids

Quick facts for kids His Grace The Duke of Norfolk KG
Earl Marshal
In office 28 June 1483 – 1485
Preceded by	The 8th Countess of Norfolk, The Duke of York, and The 2nd Baron Berkeley
Succeeded by	The 1st Marquess of Berkeley
Member of the House of Lords Lord Temporal
In office 28 June 1483 – 1485 Hereditary Peerage
Preceded by	In abeyance
Succeeded by	The 2nd Duke of Norfolk (1514)
Sheriff of Berkshire and Oxfordshire
In office 5 November 1467 – 1468
Preceded by	Sir Richard Harcourt
Succeeded by	Sir William Norreys
Member of Parliament for Suffolk
In office 1449–1449
Personal details
Born	c. 1425
Died	(1485-08-22)22 August 1485
Spouses	Katherine Moleyns Margaret Chedworth
Children	Thomas Howard, 2nd Duke of Norfolk Nicholas Howard Isabel Howard Anne Howard Margaret Howard Jane Howard Katherine Howard
Parents	Sir Robert Howard of Tendring (father) Margaret Mowbray (mother)

Arms of John Howard, 1st Duke of Norfolk

John Howard, 1st Duke of Norfolk (around 1425 – 22 August 1485) was an important English nobleman, soldier, and politician. He was the first Duke of Norfolk from the Howard family. John Howard was a close friend and loyal supporter of King Richard III. He died fighting alongside the King at the Battle of Bosworth in 1485.

Who Was John Howard?

John Howard was born around 1425. His father was Sir Robert Howard and his mother was Margaret de Mowbray. Margaret was the eldest daughter of Thomas de Mowbray, 1st Duke of Norfolk.

John Howard was related to English royalty through both his parents. From his father's side, he was a descendant of Richard, 1st Earl of Cornwall, who was the second son of King John. From his mother's side, he was related to Edward I of England through his son, Thomas of Brotherton, 1st Earl of Norfolk.

Early Life and Career

John Howard became head of his family in 1436 after his father died. A year later, his grandfather also passed away. When he was young, he lived in the home of his cousin, John de Mowbray, 3rd Duke of Norfolk. He became involved in his cousin's disagreements with William de la Pole, Duke of Suffolk.

In 1449, John Howard was elected to the Parliament for Suffolk. During the 1450s, he held several local government jobs. He was known for being very energetic and determined.

Wars of the Roses and Royal Service

John Howard was a strong supporter of the House of York during the Wars of the Roses. These were a series of wars fought in England for control of the throne.

In 1461, King Edward IV knighted him at the Battle of Towton. This was a very important battle. In the same year, he became the Constable of Norwich and Colchester castles. He also joined the royal household as one of the King's carvers. This began his long service to the House of York.

From 1462 to 1464, he fought in military campaigns against the Lancastrians, who were the rivals of the Yorkists. In 1467, he helped arrange the marriage of King Edward IV's sister, Margaret of York, to Charles, Duke of Burgundy. He was also made a member of the King's council.

By 1467, Howard was a Knight of the Body, a special position in the King's personal service. In 1468, he became the Treasurer of the Royal Household. He held this important job for two years until Edward IV lost the throne in 1470.

Later Career and Rise to Duke

John Howard was a very wealthy man by 1470. When Edward IV lost his throne, Howard went to live in Europe for a short time. When Edward IV returned to power, Howard continued to serve him.

In 1472, he was made a member of the Order of the Garter, a very high honor. In 1475, he went with King Edward IV on a military trip to France. In 1482, he helped build up the navy in Harwich.

After King Edward IV died in 1483, John Howard supported Richard III in becoming king. He was given the important job of Lord High Steward. At Richard III's coronation, John Howard carried the crown. His eldest son, the Earl of Surrey, carried the Sword of State.

On 28 June 1483, John Howard was given the title of Duke of Norfolk. He also became Earl Marshal and Lord Admiral of all England, Ireland, and Aquitaine. These were very powerful positions.

His main home was at Stoke-by-Nayland in Suffolk. Later, he also lived at Ockwells Manor in Bray, which was close to Windsor Castle.

Family Life

John Howard was married twice.

His first wife was Catherine Moleyns. They married before September 1442. Catherine died in 1465. With Catherine, he had two sons and four daughters:

• Thomas Howard, 2nd Duke of Norfolk (1443–1524)
• Nicholas Howard (died around 1468)
• Isabel or Elizabeth Howard
• Anne Howard (1446–1474)
• Jane Howard (1450–1508)
• Margaret Howard (1445–1484/1524)

His second wife was Margaret Chedworth. They married before January 1467. Margaret had been married twice before. With Margaret, he had one daughter:

• Katherine Howard (died 1536)

John Howard was the great-grandfather of Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard. Both Anne and Catherine became Queens consort of King Henry VIII. Through Anne Boleyn, he was also the great-great-grandfather of Elizabeth I.

Death at Bosworth Field

John Howard died at the Battle of Bosworth Field on 22 August 1485. He was fighting for King Richard III. He was the commander of the leading part of the army. His son, the Earl of Surrey, was his second-in-command.

Some stories say he was killed by a knight named Sir John Savage. Other stories say he was hit in the face by an arrow. His death was a big blow to King Richard III, who died later in the battle.

There is a famous story that someone left a note for John Howard the night before the battle. It warned him that King Richard would be betrayed. This story might not be true, as it appeared much later in history.

John Howard was buried in Thetford Priory. His body might have been moved later to Framlingham Church. The tomb of his first wife, Catherine Moleyns, can still be seen in Suffolk.

After his death, his titles were taken away by King Henry VII. However, his son, Thomas Howard, was later given back the title of 2nd Duke of Norfolk. His family, the Dukes of Norfolk, have been important figures in England ever since.

Images for kids

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  Effigy of Lady Anne Gorges, John Howard's daughter

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  Arms of Wyndham: Azure, a chevron between three lion's heads erased or

See also

In Spanish: John Howard, I duque de Norfolk para niños