John Langstrother facts for kids

Sir John Langstrother (died 1471) was a very important person in England during the 1400s. He held several big jobs, like being the Treasurer of England, which meant he looked after the country's money. He was also a leader, called a Prior, for a special group of knights known as the Knights of St John in England.

Sir John Langstrother's Early Life and Roles

Sir John Langstrother was the son of Thomas Langstrother from a place called Crosswaite. By 1463, he was already an important advisor to King Edward IV. King Edward IV was part of the Yorkist side during a time of civil war in England.

Becoming a Knight's Leader

Sir John was a skilled administrator for the Knights of St John of Jerusalem. This was a very old and respected group of knights. On March 9, 1469, everyone agreed that he should become the Prior of England. This made him the main leader of the Knights of St John in England.

Langstrother and the Wars of the Roses

The 1400s in England were a time of civil war known as the Wars of the Roses. Two powerful families, the House of York (who used a white rose) and the House of Lancaster (who used a red rose), fought for the throne. Sir John Langstrother was involved in these conflicts.

Serving as Treasurer

After a big battle called the Battle of Edgecote Moor in July 1469, King Edward IV's supporters lost. A powerful nobleman, the Earl of Warwick, and the Duke of Clarence took control for a short time. They made Sir John Langstrother the Lord High Treasurer. This was a very important job, as he was in charge of all the country's money.

However, King Edward IV soon regained his power in September. When he did, he removed Sir John from the Treasurer role.

Treasurer Again Under Henry VI

Things changed again in October 1470. King Henry VI, who was from the Lancastrian side, was put back on the throne. This happened with the help of the Duke of Clarence and the Earl of Warwick. Sir John Langstrother was then made Treasurer again, and also the Warden of the Mint. This meant he was in charge of making coins for the country.

During his time as Treasurer, England was facing tough economic times. There was a shortage of valuable metals like gold and silver, which made things difficult.

Final Battle and Death

The Wars of the Roses continued. In May 1471, a major battle took place called the Battle of Tewkesbury. Sir John Langstrother fought on the Lancastrian side, helping to lead the center of their army.

The Yorkists won this battle. After the defeat, Sir John Langstrother tried to find sanctuary (safety) in Tewkesbury Abbey. However, he was taken out of the abbey and executed in the town center two days later. He was buried at the Knights of St John's hospital in a place called Clerkenwell.

See also

• The Crusades
• HM Treasury