John Tiptoft, 1st Earl of Worcester facts for kids
John Tiptoft, 1st Earl of Worcester was an important English nobleman and a very smart scholar. He lived from 1427 to 1470. He held many big jobs in England, like being in charge of the country's money and a top law enforcer. He also served as the King's representative in Ireland. Some people called him "the Butcher of England" because he was known for being very strict and harsh in his judgments.
His Life Story
Early Life and Learning
John Tiptoft was born in a place called Eversden in 1427. His father was John Tiptoft, 1st Baron Tiptoft, and his mother was Joyce Cherleton. He was known for being very well-educated.
He went to Oxford University when he was just 13 years old. He studied there for three years, until he was 16. Through his family, he was related to famous historical figures like Charlemagne and Henry III of England.
Family Life
John Tiptoft was married three times during his life.
- His first wife was Cecily Neville. They married in 1449 but did not have any children. She passed away in 1450.
- His second wife was Elizabeth Greyndour. They had one son, also named John, but he sadly died the same year he was born, in 1452.
- His third wife was Elizabeth Hopton. They married around 1467. They had a son named Edward, but he also died young in 1485, without getting married.
His Important Jobs
John Tiptoft had a very successful career from a young age. He became the Earl of Worcester in 1449. After that, he held many important government positions.
He was in charge of the country's money as the Lord High Treasurer from 1452 to 1454. Then, he was the King's representative in Ireland, called the Lord Deputy of Ireland, from 1456 to 1457.
In 1458, he went on a special trip to the Holy Land. On his way back, he visited Italy and stayed there for two years. He studied at the University of Padua and became very good at Latin.
When he returned to England in 1461, King Edward IV welcomed him. John Tiptoft received a special honor called the Order of the Garter. He was given many new jobs.
In 1461, he became the Constable of the Tower of London for life. In 1463, he was made the Lord Steward of the Household. Most notably, as the Lord High Constable of England in 1462, he oversaw trials. These trials led to severe punishments for people who opposed the King. He was known for being very strict in these duties.
He also served as the Chancellor of Ireland for life starting in 1464. In 1467, he became the Lord Deputy of Ireland again. During this time, he ordered the execution of a powerful Irish leader, Thomas FitzGerald, 7th Earl of Desmond. John Tiptoft was also the Lord High Treasurer again from 1462 to 1463, and then from July to October 1470.
His Death
In 1470, King Edward IV lost his throne for a short time. John Tiptoft could not escape with the King's supporters. He was captured by the opposing side, called the Lancastrians.
He was taken to the Tower of London and was executed there. Before he died, he asked his executioner to use three blows, which was a religious request. His title was taken away after his death.
His young son, Edward, was later given the title "2nd Earl of Worcester" in 1471. However, Edward died in 1485 while still young and without children. Because of this, the title of Earl of Worcester ended with him.
