John Mordaunt, 1st Earl of Peterborough facts for kids
John Mordaunt was an important English nobleman who lived a long time ago. He was known as the 1st Earl of Peterborough. He passed away in 1642.
Early Life and Family
John Mordaunt was the oldest son of Henry Mordaunt, 4th Baron Mordaunt. His father was a Roman Catholic. At one point, his father was held in the Tower of London for a year. This was because people thought he might have been involved in the Gunpowder Plot. This plot was a plan to blow up the Parliament building in England. John's father died in 1608.
After his father's death, John's mother, Lady Margaret, faced a challenge. She was also Catholic. King James I decided that she could not raise her son, John. Instead, John was placed under the care of Archbishop George Abbot. John then went to study at Oxford University.
Life at Court
John Mordaunt was noticed by the king. The king was impressed by how handsome and smart he was. In 1616, John was given a special honor. He became a Knight of the Bath (K.B.). This happened when Prince Charles was made Prince of Wales.
John's father had been given a large fine of £10,000. This fine was never paid. King Charles I decided to forgive this debt for John. Later, in 1628, King Charles I gave John an even higher title. He was made the Earl of Peterborough. This title was given to him through official documents called letters patent.
Role in the English Civil War
When the First English Civil War began, John Mordaunt chose a side. He supported the Parliament. He was given an important job as the general of the ordnance. This meant he was in charge of all the weapons and military supplies. He served under the Earl of Essex, who was a leading general for Parliament.
Sadly, John Mordaunt became very ill. He suffered from a lung disease called consumption, which is now known as tuberculosis. He passed away on June 18, 1642.
Family and Legacy
John Mordaunt was married to Elizabeth. She was the daughter of William Howard, 3rd Baron Howard of Effingham. Together, they had two sons and one daughter.
Their sons were Henry Mordaunt, 2nd Earl of Peterborough and John. The younger John later became known as Lord Mordaunt of Reigate and Viscount Mordaunt of Avalon. Their daughter, Elizabeth, married Thomas. He was the son of Edward Howard, 1st Lord Howard of Escrick.
Lady Peterborough, John's wife, was known for her beauty. She was also very religious. She was a close friend of James Ussher, who was the Archbishop of Armagh. Archbishop Ussher even spent his final years living in her home. Lady Peterborough lived until 1671.
