John Talbot, 3rd Earl of Shrewsbury facts for kids

John Talbot, also known as the 3rd Earl of Shrewsbury, was an important English nobleman who lived a long time ago, from 1448 to 1473. He held many important titles, including the 3rd Earl of Waterford and the 9th Baron Talbot. He also had other important titles like the 12th Baron Strange of Blackmere and the 8th Baron Furnivall. Even though he was a soldier and helped manage things for the king, someone named William of Worcester said he loved books and learning more than fighting or politics.

His Family and Early Life

John Talbot was the son of John Talbot, 2nd Earl of Shrewsbury and Lady Elizabeth Butler. His father was a brave soldier who fought for King Henry VI. Sadly, his father was killed in a big battle called the Battle of Northampton on July 10, 1460.

Because his father died, young John became the 3rd Earl of Shrewsbury on that same day, July 10, 1460. He was only 12 years old when he inherited this important title.

A Young Knight and Administrator

John Talbot became a knight when he was just 12 years old, on February 17, 1461. This happened after another big fight called the Second Battle of St Albans. He was also at the Battle of Towton in 1461, which was a very important battle in English history.

Besides being a soldier, John also helped run the country. He was like a special helper for the king in different areas. For example, he was a "Commissioner of Oyer and Terminer" in places like Yorkshire and Shropshire. This meant he helped investigate and decide legal cases.

Later, on September 11, 1471, he was made the chief justice of North Wales. This was a very important job, like being the main judge for a whole region. He also worked as a special representative to talk with Scotland in 1472 and again in 1473, helping to keep peace between the two countries.

Marriage and Children

John Talbot married a lady named Lady Catherine Stafford. Her parents were Humphrey Stafford, 1st Duke of Buckingham and Lady Anne Neville. This made John and Catherine the aunt and uncle of Henry Stafford, who later became the 2nd Duke of Buckingham.

John and Catherine had three children together:

• George Talbot, 4th Earl of Shrewsbury (born around 1468)
• Thomas Talbot (born 1470)
• Lady Anne Talbot (born 1472), who later married a man named Thomas Butler.

John Talbot passed away on June 28, 1473, in a city called Coventry. He was buried in the Lady chapel at Worksop Priory in Nottingham.