John Sutton, 1st Baron Dudley facts for kids
John Sutton VI, 1st Baron Dudley (born 1400 – died 1487) was an important English nobleman. He was a skilled diplomat and a trusted advisor to King Henry VI. John Sutton fought in major wars like the Hundred Years War and the Wars of the Roses. He also served as the King's representative in Ireland for a few years.
Who Was John Sutton?
John Sutton was born on Christmas Day in 1400 in Barton-under-Needwood, Staffordshire. He became the 1st Baron Dudley and was made a Knight of the Garter, which is a very special honor. He passed away in Stafford, Staffordshire.
His father was Sir John de Sutton V, and his mother was Constance Blount. John Sutton married Elizabeth de Berkeley. She was a widow and the daughter of Sir John Berkeley.
John and Elizabeth had several children:
- Sir Edmund Sutton
- John Sutton Dudley, a knight from Atherington. His grandson was John Dudley, 1st Duke of Northumberland, a powerful minister to King Henry VII.
- William Dudley, who became the Bishop of Durham.
- Oliver Dudley
- Eleanor Dudley, who married Sir Henry Beaumont and later George Stanley.
John Sutton was called to join the Parliament in 1440. This is how he became known as Lord Dudley. He was the first in his family to use "Dudley" as part of his name. He died when he was 87 years old. His grandson, Edward Sutton, 2nd Baron Dudley, inherited his title.
Serving the King
John Sutton had many important jobs for the King. In 1422, he was the Lord Steward. He was in charge of bringing the body of King Henry V back to England after he died. John Sutton was also a chief mourner and carried the flag at the King's funeral.
From 1428 to 1430, he was the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. This meant he was the King's main representative there. He also fought in many battles during the wars with France. In the mid-1440s, he worked as a diplomat, meeting with Charles VII of France.
In 1443, he became a king's councillor, meaning he advised the King. He became one of King Henry VI's favorite companions. In 1451, he was made a Knight of the Garter.
At the start of the Wars of the Roses, he strongly supported the House of Lancaster. But before the Battle of Towton in 1461, he changed his loyalty to the House of York.
Battles in the Wars of the Roses
John Sutton, Lord Dudley, was involved in several key battles during the Wars of the Roses.
At the Battle of St Albans in 1455, he fought alongside his son, Edmund. During this battle, he was captured, along with King Henry VI.
He was also present at the Battle of Blore Heath in 1459. He and his son Edmund Sutton commanded a part of the army. Lord Dudley was wounded in this battle and captured again.
At the Battle of Towton in 1461, he fought for Edward, Earl of March. Edward was the son of Richard, Duke of York. After this battle, Lord Dudley was rewarded for his help. On June 28, 1461, Edward IV was declared King in London.
